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Strong Bodies leader urges countywide expansion of Port Wing classes
Summary
Sheila Bergman described the Strong Bodies strength-and-balance classes in Port Wing, which serve about 10–15 older adults per session and are funded through UW–Extension; organizers say they aim to expand the program countywide.
Sheila Bergman, who has led the Strong Bodies program in Port Wing for two years, told the joint meeting of the Bayfield County Department of Human Services’ Aging and Disability Services Advisory Committee and the Nutrition Advisory Council that the class serves about 10–15 participants per session and emphasizes slow, chair-based strength and balance exercises geared to people in their 70s through 90s.
Bergman said the program is funded through UW–Extension and supported by three co-leaders, with a physical therapist assisting program development. Classes are available in person and virtually, and most exercises are designed to reduce injury risk while improving mobility, social engagement and overall strength.
Committee members heard organizers’ aim to expand the Strong Bodies program beyond Port Wing to reach more parts of the county. The meeting record notes the program uses weights and includes warm-up walking, targeted exercises and a stretching cool-down; instructors offer a beginner and intermediate option.
Watters-Moffitt put the presentation in the context of other evidence-based health promotion activities the county supports, including scheduled Tai Ji Quan sessions and a proposed diabetes education class. No formal action was taken on the Strong Bodies program at the Feb. 24 meeting; Bergman’s presentation was informational and intended to encourage broader local participation and coordination.
