The MSU Extension Strong People Strength Training Program is based on the StrongWomen™ Program created by Drs. Miriam Nelson and Rebecca Seguin both formerly of the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University.

Dr. Nelson (Hampshire College) https://nutrition.tufts.edu/profile/faculty/miriam-nelson is the author of the research-based Strong Women book series, and Dr. Seguin (Texas A&M)https://agriliferesearch.tamu.edu/contact/ is national program director for StrongWomen (StrongPeople in Montana). Read more about the history of this program, as well as how it has been implemented via Extension networks across the U.S.

 

View the interview with Jane Wolery and Michelle Grocke on Yellowstone Public Radio here

https://www.mtpr.org/post/low-cost-classes-can-help-montana-seniors-stay-fit

Details of the MSU Extension Strong People Strength Training Program:

  • What: A 12-week strength training class designed for older adults (both men and women) who want to stay fit, strong and healthy. The class meets twice per week for 1 hour.
  • Where: Numerous counties across Montana hold Strong People classes. Please contact your local MSU Extension county office for more information.
  • Cost: Cost for the classes depends on the instructor, though range between $0 - $25.
  • Experience: No experience necessary; however, participants are asked to fill out a health questionnaire prior to enrollment and may have to acquire physician consent.

View the Strong People Program 2021 Summary Report

Would you like to become a Strong People Course Leader? 

        Please contact [email protected] and visit this page for more information on the next training opportunity and online individual course options.   

MSU Extension Strong People Strength Training program locations and information
County
Days of the Week
Times
Location
Course Contact
How to Register for the Class or Get More Information
Anaconda/Deerlodge
TBD
TBD
 
Please call or email Kayleen Kidwell at MSU Extension Anaconda/Deerlodge Counties at (406) 563-4035 or [email protected] for more information on classes.
Big Horn
Mon/Thur
8:30  am
Contact Judy for Location
Chouteau
TBD
TBD
 
For information on classes please contact Janell Barber at [email protected] or 406-622-3036
Flathead 
TBD
TBD
 
Please contact Rick Balestri, MSU Extension Flathead County, for information on classes at 406-758-5554 or email [email protected]
Gallatin
TBD
TBD
Bozeman Senior Center
Senior Center
Please call the Bozeman Senior Center at 406-586-2421 for class information. 
Glacier
Tue/Thur
10 am
Cut Bank Civic Center
Begins September 20th. Call 406-873-2239, email [email protected]
Glacier
Mon/Fri
11 am
Parkview Senior 
Center, Cut Bank
Begins October 15th. Call 406-873-2239, email [email protected]
Lake
TBD
TBD
 
Please contact MSU Extension Agent Claudia Andrade at 406-676-4271 or email [email protected] for more information on classes. 
Lewis & Clark
TBD
TBD
 
Please call Shae Bruursema, MSU Extension Lewis & Clark County at (406) 447-8346  or email [email protected] for more information on classes. 
Madison
TBD
TBD
Sheridan Senior Center
Sheridan Senior Center
Please call or visit or call the Sheridan Senior Center (406-842-5966) for more information on classes. 
Madison-Jefferson
TBD
TBD
 
Please call or email Kaleena Miller, MSU Extension Agent for Madison/Jefferson Counties at
(406) 287-3282
[email protected] for more information on classes.
Pondera
TBD
TBD
 
Please call 406-271-4054 or email MSU Extension, Pondera County Agent Wendy Wedum for information on classes in Pondera County. [email protected]
Richland
TBD
TBD
TBD
Call or come to the MSU Extension office for more Information
Sanders
Mon/Thur
3 pm
Clark Fork Valley Hospital
Classes are $10 for the series; visit the Clark Fork Valley Hospital website for more information or call Janie at 406-826-4669
Sanders
Mon/Thur
4:30 pm
Clark Fork Valley Hospital
Classes are $10 for the series; visit the Clark Fork Valley Hospital website for more information Janie at 406-826-4669
Sanders
Tue/Thur
8:30-9:30 am
Clark Fork Professional Building
In the Clark Fork Professional Building, Thompson Falls.  Please contact Jeanette Allday at Sanders County Extension for more information at (406) 827-6934.  Classes run Sept 6, 2022-Nov 22, 2022
Sanders
Mon/Wed
10:30 am
Community Congregational Church
Cathy Mills
Contact Cathy Mills at 661-903-5280 for more information
Teton
Mon/Thur
TBD
Choteau Baptist Church (near the school)
Classes are Free.  Call 406-466-2492, Text 406-590-2492 or email [email protected]
Valley
Classes begin Feb 21, 2023
 
Call for more info
Call or come to the MSU Extension office for more Information
Yellowstone
Tue/Thur
9 am
Laurel Senior Center
Call or email Sara Fluer at the MSU Extension Yellowstone County office for more information. 406-256-2828

These classes are on-going but may be changed or cancelled due to COVID-19.  Please contact the MSU Extension agent listed above for questions or to confirm class times.  No class in your area?  Please contact your local MSU Extension county office to see what options are available.   Contact MSU Extension Health and Wellness to request a class.  406-994-6969 or [email protected].

 

What are the benefits of strength training?

The benefits of strength training have been studied extensively and include:

  • Increased muscle mass and strength
  • Improved bone density and reduced risk for osteoporosis and related fractures
  • Reduced risk of diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, depression, and obesity
  • Improved self-confidence, sleep and vitality

More research publications on the benefits of strength training, particularly for older adults can be found on this Google Scholar page