Staff writer
A full class of 15 people is engaged in eight weeks of a muscle-strengthening program provided by Marion County Extension Service. They meet twice a week for hour-long sessions.
Melissa Stuchlik of rural Pilsen, her mother, Iona Dietrich of Tampa, and two aunts, are taking the class together.
Stuchlik said spending that time with her relatives is a fun thing to do.
“I’m still active,” Stuchlik said. “I don’t need (the exercises) per se, but I look at them as preventive. If I use them now, that will help me later on.”
She said people who drive vehicles with automatic transmissions might need to strengthen their left legs. Others may need to strengthen their joints.
She said the exercises strengthen a person’s core and help them in getting up and down.
One of the other participants, Loyal Martin of Hillsboro, said the exercises are alleviating the arthritic pain he has in his knees.
Alona Hedstrom of Lost Springs said the class has helped her to think more about her health and how she eats in addition to strengthening her muscles.
The class runs through April 13.