Get Ready! Get Set! Get Fit!

Baltimore County Department of Aging and Towson University's Senior Fitness Project 

Baltimore County Department of Aging and Towson University's School of Health Professions have partnered to provide a unique exercise program geared specifically to adults age 60 and older.

By joining one of our eight fitness centers, located at Ateaze, Bykota, Catonsville, Cockeysville, Liberty, Parkville, Pikesville, and Seven Oaks Senior Centers, you will be on your way to improving your health and wellness in just 13 weeks! Staffed by qualified employees from Towson University's College of Health Professions, our fitness centers have state-of-the-art equipment and specially designed programs to meet your needs. Staff supervises your exercise progress and health status to ensure a safe and affordable workout.

To ensure this program is right for you, eligibility requirements set by Baltimore County Department of Aging and Towson University must be met and an application completed which includes your physician's clearance. Once accepted into the program, you will receive a fitness assessment, orientation and individual exercise plan to address your specific fitness needs and goals. All our fitness centers are equipped with treadmills, recumbent bikes and steppers, strength training circuits, flexibility and stretching stations, and free weights. You can set your own schedule and pace.

Our senior-friendly fitness model has received numerous awards including the 2007 National Association of Counties Award, the 2006 Physical Activity Excellence Award from the State Advisory Council on Physical Fitness and the 2006 National Area Agencies on Aging Achievement Award.

Baltimore County senior centers are excited to introduce a new exercise program that helps older adults at all levels of fitness become more active, energized, and empowered to sustain independent lives. EnhanceFitness focuses on stretching, flexibility, balance, low impact aerobics, and strength training exercises — what health professionals say is needed to maintain health as we grow older. A grant from the Maryland Department of Aging allows BCDA to offer these classes for FREE until July 2010! That's 30 hours of instruction per session for free. Classes are offered at Ateaze, Bykota, Catonsville, Cockeysville, Parkville and Pikesville Senior Centers and are taught by certified EnhanceFitness instructors.

In addition to fitness centers, our 19 senior centers offer a variety of exercise classes, group sports and fitness opportunities: aerobics, the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program, basketball, bowling, qi gong, line dancing, senior rhythms, softball, strength training, tai chi, tennis, volleyball, walking groups, water exercise, weight management, Wii sports, yoga and much more! Edgemere Senior Center, Essex Senior Center and Reisterstown Senior Center have recently opened modest exercise studios for their members. Check with any of our centers for a complete listing of their respective offerings.

The annual Get Ready! Get Set! Get Fit! 5K Run/Walk and 1Mile Walk will be held on Sunday, September 12, 2010 at 8:30 a.m. at Towson University's Johnny Unitas Stadium. This event is open to all members of the community, regardless of age, and the proceeds support fitness programs for seniors in Baltimore County.

The benefits of this supervised, caring, high quality senior fitness program are many. As one participant reported, "My cholesterol and blood pressure have been significantly lowered. My doctor is thrilled!"  Not only will you look and feel better, you'll meet friends and be part of a supportive, senior-friendly fitness club. Watch a video of a fitness center in action.

Membership in our fitness centers is a wonderful value! Only $52 for 13 weeks or $187 for 52 weeks (a 10 percent discount). To learn more about how you can improve your cardio-vascular endurance, muscle strength, flexibility and balance; increase your energy and vitality; and enhance your overall wellbeing contact a fitness center below.

Revised January 8, 2010