Low-Impact Program with High-Impact Results for Individuals with Arthritis

​Did you know that arthritis impacts more than 50 million Americans, making it the number one cause of disability in the country? The Shiawassee Family YMCA is here to help, with an evidence-based
arthritis management program called Enhance®Fitness, designed for
those with arthritis and geared towards older adults. This program features simple, easy-to-learn movements that motivate individuals (particularly those with arthritis) to stay active and reclaim their health.

Some changes that past participants have noticed include:
• More energy
• Better balance
• Increases in upper and lower body strength
• More flexibility and range of motion
• Better sleep
• Increased improvement in mental health
• Sense of independence

In addition to the physical benefits, research has shown that among older adults who participate in Enhance®Fitness, health costs were lowered each year by close to $1,000.
Each class includes cardiovascular, strength, balance and flexibility exercises and the fostering of strong relationships and connections between participants. Participants are encouraged to use chairs for support, as necessary, and to move through strength and other exercises with whatever weights are most comfortable and at their own pace.
The Shiawassee Family YMCA offers this class Tuesdays and Thursdays at 12:30 PM. For more information, please visit https://www.shiawasseeymca.org/active-older-adults.html.