The next session of Healthy Bones, Chautauqua County’s StrongWomen Program, will begin in March.

StrongWomen is a national evidence-based community exercise and nutrition program targeted to midlife and older men/women. Dr. Miriam E. Nelson and colleagues have developed and evaluated this curriculum. Healthy Bones strength training aims to help women maintain muscle mass, strength and function as they age.

The StrongWomen Strength Training Program grew out of research published by Nelson on bone density in older adults, which became popular through her first book, Strong Women Stay Young. The program began in 2003 with the development of the StrongWomen Strength Training Program curriculum and StrongWomen workshops, which train individuals to become program leaders.

Each class follows the same routine but may vary in times and length. An information session precedes each class to complete the required paperwork with classes beginning shortly thereafter. Class cost is $25 and weights are available for use at each location. Five of the seven individual locations throughout southern Chautauqua County presently have openings for their winter and spring 2019 sessions.

Tree of Life Evangelical Lutheran Church and Fairway Pointe Senior Living classes are at full capacity.

Sites include:

¯ First Presbyterian Church, 509 Prendergast Ave., Jamestown. An informational meeting will be held Wednesday, March 20. Classes are 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Monday and Wednesday starting March 27 and ending June 3. Those attending should park using the Sixth Street lot and enter through the rear entrance. To enroll call Joanne E. Nelson at 488-9574.

¯ Park United Methodist Church, 49 Sinclair Drive, Sinclairville. An informational meeting will be held Thursday, March 7. Classes are held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays starting March 12 and ending May 16. To enroll call Linda Bailey at 962-1014 or Meri Swanson at 397-7854.

¯ Zion Lutheran Church, 45 Falconer St., Frewsburg. An informational meeting will be held Tuesday, March 26. Classes are from 1:15 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays starting April 2 and ending June 6. To enroll call Nancy Kerrin at 569-6300.

¯ Gustavus Adolphus Learning Center cafetorium, 200 Gustavus Avenue, Jamestown. Classes are held from 5 to 6″15 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and end March 31. To enroll call Sue Waterman at 789-3741.

¯ St. Timothy Lutheran Church, 3748 Route 430, Bemus Point. An informational meeting will be held April 18. Classes are held from 9 to 10:15 a.m. Monday through Wednesday, starting April 18 and ending June 13. To enroll call Cherrie Clark at 386-3105.

Additional Healthy Bones classes are offered through Chautauqua County Office for the Aging in Dunkirk, Fredonia, Sinclairville and Findley Lake. For more information on Healthy Bones classes or other exercise/wellness programs in the county, contact NY Connects at 753-4582, 661-7581 or 363-4582.

For additional information on the classes listed or other programs offered through RSVP, contact Chautauqua County RSVP at 665-8039.