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EXERCISE PROGRAMS

Serene setting for contemplation. Framingham, MA/Photo by Douglas Flynn

Your local senior center may offer a variety of exercise programs from yoga, to Tai Chi, to exercise for Parkinson’s, to strength training, and walking classes.

Older adults benefit from adding different types of exercises to their routines.
  • Endurance exercises work on your heart, lungs and circulatory system. They include brisk walking, running, swimming, bicycling and similar activities. Endurance exercises can help you to walk farther and to last longer when playing with your grandchildren or walking the dog.
  • Strength exercises build muscles. Lifting weights, doing arm curls and leg lifts, and working with resistance bands are beneficial for climbing stairs and carrying groceries.
  • Balance exercises improve your ability to control your body’s position, whether you’re moving or standing still. They are important in helping prevent falls, which are very dangerous for older people, and for keeping your balance when you’re walking on uneven or slippery sidewalks.
  • Flexibility exercises help keep muscles from getting stiff when you get out of bed, bend down to tie your shoes or reach up to get something from a shelf. They can improve range of motion and include different kinds of stretches, as well as yoga.

The above content was written by AARP, August 30, 2017, discussing the Go4Life campaign that is produced by The National Institute on Aging, which is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH.)

Below is a list of exercise programs offered at senior centers within MetroWest. Please note that there may be costs associated with some of these programs and that the programs offered and the times they are offered may change month to month, so we highly recommend calling ahead confirm the time and date of the program you are seeking. Additionally, some senior centers may provide transportation.  Below the general exercise classes are a few classes specifically for those with Parkinson`s Disease.

Listing of Exercise Program offered by MetroWest Senior Centers:

Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, we strongly encourage you to contact the resources below to inquire about their operating restrictions during this crisis. 

Ashland Elder Services (Council on Aging)
Address: 162 West Union Street
Ashland, MA 01721
Phone: 508-881-0140
Email: kkotob@ashlandmass.com
Website: Ashland Elder Services Activities
Classes Offered: General Exercise Class, Parkinson’s Exercise Class, “Practically Fit” Class, Tai Chi, Chair Yoga, Zumba

Dover Council on Aging
Address: 4 Springdale Avenue
Dover, MA 02030
Phone: 508-315-5734
Email: coa@doverma.org
Website: Dover Council on Aging Programs
Classes Offered: General Exercise classes, Swim Classes, Theraleutic Qi Gong, Yoga, Zumba

Framingham – Callahan Center
Address: 535 Union Avenue
Framingham, MA 01702
Phone: 508-532-5980
Website: Callahan Center
Classes Offered: Aerobics, Chair Volleyball, Chair Yoga, Laughter Yoga, Muscle Strengthening, Tai Chi, Zumba

Holliston Senior Center
Address: 150 Goulding Street
Holliston, MA 01702
Phone: 508-429-0622
Website: Holliston Senior Center
Classes Offered: Balance, Strength and Education for Fall Prevention, Energy Focus Movement, Pilates, Walking Fitness, Yoga

Hopkinton Senior Center
Address: 28 Mayhew Street
Holliston, MA 01748
Phone: 978-568-9638
Website: Hopkinton Senior Center
Classes Offered: Chi Gong, Exercise Classes, Mall Walking, Stretch Classes, Tai Chi Fundamentals, Yoga.

Hudson Senior Center
Address: 29 Church Street
Hudson, MA 01749
Phone: 508-497-9730
Website: Hudson Senior Center
Classes Offered: Chair Pilates, Chair Yoga, Yoga, Fitness Classes, Flex & Tone Class, Parkinson’s Exercise Class, Stretch Break Class, Tai Chi, Walking Club.

Marlborough Senior Center
Address: 40 New Street
Marlborough, MA 01752
Phone: 508-485-6492
Website: Marlborough Senior Center
Classes Offered: Chair Yoga, Soft Yoga, Exercise for the Heart, Chi Gong.

Natick Senior Center
Address: 117 East Central Street
Natick, MA 01760
Phone: 508-647-6540
Website: Natick Senior Center
Classes Offered: Chair Aerobics, Chair Yoga, Chi Gong, Small Group Personal Fitness.

Northborough Senior Center
Address: 119 Bearfoot Road
Northborough, MA 01532
Phone: 508-393-5035
Website: Northborough Senior Center
Classes Offered: Cardio & Weights, Chair Yoga, Flex & Tone Class, Strength Training, Stretch Break, Tai Chi, Tai Chi for Arthritis, Walking Club, Yoga, Zumba.

Sherborn Senior Center
Address: 19 Washington Street
Sherborn, MA 01770
Phone: 508-651-7858
Website: Sherborn Council on Aging
Classes Offered: Strengthen & Stretch, Walking Club, Vinyasa Yoga.

Southborough Senior Center
Address: 9 Cordaville Road
Southborough, MA 01772
Phone: 508-229-4453
Website: Southborough Council on Aging
Classes Offered: Balance Class, Chair Yoga, Strength & Cardio Class, Tai Chi Advanced, Tai Chi Beginners, Yoga.

Sudbury Senior Center
Address: 40 Fairbanks Road
Sudbury, MA 01776
Phone: 978-443-3055
Website: Sudbury Council on Aging
Classes Offered: Brains and Balance, Better Bones, Senior Strength, Fit for the Future with Lois Levy (aerobics & strength), Tap Dance – Beginners, Tap Dance – Intermediate, Tai Chi – Beginners, Traditional Tai Chi – Intermediate, Tai Chi for Health Living (for those who prefer a slower pace), Yoga for Living Well, Chair Yoga.

Wayland Senior Center
Address: 41 Cochituate Road
Wayland, MA 01778
Phone: 508-358-2990
Website: Wayland Council on Aging
Classes Offered: Zumba, Lois’ Fit for Future, Better Balance, Tai Chi Paradigm, Thera-Tube, Walking Club.

This is a partial listing courtesy of CaregivingMetroWest.org. Please call the location listed above to learn the time and dates that classes being offered.

Listing of Parkinson’s Exercise Classes

Ashland Senior Center – Parkinson’s Exercise
Location: 162 West Union Street, Ashland, MA
Time: Friday’s at 11:15 a.m.
Contact: Joanne Duffy at the Ashland Senior Center: 508-881-0140 ext. 1

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church – Parkinson’s Exercise Classes
Location: 183 W Main Street, Westborough, MA 01581
Time: Wednesday and Friday at 11:15 a.m.
Contact: 508-366-7095 (Please call before attending to confirm schedule)

Hudson Senior Center
Location: 29 Church Street, Hudson, MA 01749
Time: Tuesdays, 10:40 AM & Thursdays, 1:00 PM
Contact: Mike Bleecker, 904-502-5055

Still haven’t found what you are looking for?

Check out the other categories in our Local Resources section or search by town on our clickable map featuring 25 communities in MetroWest.