Strong Women Program Promotes Exercise
For the better part of the past two years, 78-year-old Betty Piester has driven 25 miles twice a week to the K-State Research and Extension office in Pratt County.
Her goal: Pump some iron.
Piester, from rural Coats, Kan., is one of 35 women, ages 30 to 80, who participate in the Strong Women program, which encourages appropriate weight lifting and strength training for better health.
Pratt County agent Jean Clarkson- Frisbie started the Strong Women program in October 2000 after reading a book on the benefits of strength training for women. She began writing a news column on the topic and soon was flooded with phone calls from women interested in such a program.
In its first year, 24 women enrolled in Pratt County’s Strong Women program. Since then, 350 women have participated.
Piester enrolled in Strong Women in mid-2005 on a suggestion from her daughter-in-law. She says the program spared her a trip to a surgeon’s operating table.
“My doctor is pleased with the improvements in my knee and increased bone mass,” she said. “My heart doctor also is pleased with the improvements in my overall health. I am also pleased with the results, because my knees don’t hurt anymore.”
Clarkson-Frisbie says that’s exactly what the program is designed to do.
“The Strong Women program is designed to motivate individuals to exercise by being in a group,” she said.
“Participants are encouraged to be social and make friends while improving their health.”
According to Clarkson-Frisbie, many of the women who have participated have improved their lifestyles and health.
“Doctors have commented about the participants’ increased bone density scans and an improved resistance to osteoporosis,” said Clarkson-Frisbie. “The women claim to be more agile, have improved flexibility, have less pain and most importantly feel better about themselves.”
The program meets twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Women bring in their own weights – most are two- to five-pound dumbbells and ankle weights – and work on repetitions.
The program is based on curriculum designed by Miriam Nelson of Tufts University. The workout includes four lower-body and four to five upper-body exercises.
Does Piester believe in the program? You bet, and she thinks younger children should start similar programs.
“If younger children start an exercise program now, they can prevent bone loss and other effects of aging,” said Piester. “I like everything about the Strong Women program. If it’s worth me driving 25 miles twice a week with gas prices right now, you know that it has to be good.”
Jean Clarkson-Frisbie
620-672-9566
^In the photo: Members of the Strong Women program improve their health and build friendships through twice-weekly exercise sessions.
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