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O F F I C E O N A G I N G A N D I N D E P E N D E N C E P R O G R A M S
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Fitness Options
The Office on Aging and Independence offers a wide
range of fitness options to help you on your journey to
improved health and fitness, even if you have a condition
which limits your ability to exercise.
Exercise Consultation and Fitness Assessment
A certified exercise specialist instructs participants how
to start a new exercise program, how to exercise with their
specific condition and how to pick the best exercise class
or home exercise routine for them.
Fitness assessment is a way for individuals to track
their fitness progress over time and evaluate whether their
exercise program is effective. The Senior Fitness Test is
developed by Rikli and Jones is used for the assessment.
It is also a useful tool in that it provides feedback as to
how one compares to others in their age group, hence
helps with the direction of program development. Fitness
assessments are available to the community, at various 50+
centers once a year.
Ellicott City 50+ Fitness Center
In 2015,the Office onAging and Independence opened
the Ellicott City 50+ Fitness Center. Located within the
former Miller Library at 9411 Frederick Road, the Ellicott
City 50+ Fitness Center is open Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Monday and Wednesday evenings
until 7:30 p.m. Participants are strongly encouraged to
complete an orientation session to become familiar with
using the machines in the fitness center.
Health and Fitness Offering at Your Local 50+ Center
Your local 50+ Center is a great place to find a variety
of fitness classes. Each center offers a wide range of exercise
classes including aerobics, toning, Zumba, Pilates, yoga and
dance. Check your local center’s newsletter for program
offerings and for information on signing up for classes.
Volunteer Led Health and Fitness Options
Cycle2Health is the first non-competitive, peer-led,
bicycling club developed for older adults in Howard
County. Rides vary in length and difficulty and depart
from various locations. Adults of all ages and riding abilities
are welcome to participate. For more information on
Cycle2Health, visit the Office on Aging and Independence
website at www.howardcountymd.gov/aging.
A Step2Health program is under development to
meet multiple requests from the community to provide
an outdoor walking/hiking program specifically for older
adults. Step2Health will also feature weekday walks during
daytime hours.