Each year, the Crawford County Commission on Aging (COA) sponsors a variety of classes offered free of charge to older adults. Most classes are held at least once per year and are led by knowledgeable COA staff, certified volunteers, and trusted community partners such as Michigan State University Extension. Click the link below to learn more about each class, or contact the COA at (989) 348-7123 to find out when the next session is scheduled.
Matter of Balance is an 8-week structured group intervention that emphasizes practical strategies to reduce fear of falling and increase activity levels. Participants learn to view falls and fear of falling as controllable, set realistic goals to increase activity, change their environment to reduce fall risk factors, and exercise to increase strength and balance.
TAI CHI FOR ARTHRITIS AND FALLS PREVENTION
Discover the gentle power of Tai Chi for Health, a program developed by Dr. Paul Lam at the Tai Chi for Health Institute. Using the Sun style of Tai Chi, this class is specifically designed to help older adults improve balance, mobility, and relaxation in a safe and supportive way. Movements are performed in a higher, more comfortable stance, making the class ideal for beginners, individuals with arthritis, or anyone looking for low-impact exercise. Participants practice movements on both the left and right sides, along with gentle turns, to help enhance coordination, flexibility, and everyday mobility. This is a wonderful opportunity to stay active, reduce stiffness, and build confidence in your movement, at your own pace. 2026 class dates are coming soon, keep an eye out for dates by reading the Crawford County Senior Gazette.
Get moving and have fun with Zumba Gold®, a low-impact dance fitness class designed especially for active older adults. Set to upbeat, easy-to-
follow music, Zumba Gold helps improve cardiovascular health, balance, coordination, and overall energy levels, all while having a great time! This class features modified movements that are gentle on the joints, making it perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a fun, accessible way to stay active. Classes are held Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. and are led by our enthusiastic instructors Cindy Johnson, Meredith Anderson, and Nancy Lemmen, who create a welcoming and encouraging atmosphere for all fitness levels. Come dance, laugh, and move your way to better health, no previous dance experience required!
Stay strong, active, and confident with SilverSneakers®, a fitness program designed to help older adults improve strength, flexibility, balance, and overall wellness. This class combines safe, effective movements with options to modify exercises to fit your individual ability and comfort level. Classes are held Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. and are taught by Rich Ferrigan, who creates a supportive and motivating environment for participants of all fitness levels. Whether you’re looking to build strength, increase mobility, or simply stay active, SilverSneakers offers a fun and rewarding way to move your body and feel your best.
Evidence-Based Program: AEA Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program
The Water Aerobics Program, offers a gentle yet effective way to stay active while being easy on the joints. Conducted in warm water, this program
helps improve flexibility, strength, balance, and range of motion, while reducing joint stress and discomfort. Classes are taught by Carlie Wilson and held at the Super 8, providing a comfortable and supportive environment for participants with arthritis or anyone seeking low-impact exercise. Class dates will be announced in 2026, so be sure to watch for updates and plan to make a splash in your wellness routine!
Geri-Fit® is a strength-training and fitness program specifically designed for older adults to help improve muscle strength, balance, endurance, and overall functional fitness. Using safe, progressive exercises, this class focuses on building the strength needed for everyday activities, supporting independence, and reducing the risk of falls. Classes are taught by Toby Neal and RN Jan Williamson, who provide knowledgeable instruction in a supportive and encouraging environment. Class dates will be announced in 2026, so be sure to watch for updates and take the next step toward staying strong and active.
Drums Alive® is a high-energy, rhythm-based fitness program that combines movement, music, and drumming to improve coordination, balance, and cardiovascular health—all while having fun. Using exercise balls and drumsticks, participants enjoy an upbeat workout that engages both the body and the mind. This class is held Tuesdays at 2:30 p.m. and is led by Sherry Haag and Nancy Lemmen, who create a lively and encouraging atmosphere. At this time, the class is closed to new drummers, but another session is expected to begin in the spring of 2026. Keep an eye out for future enrollment opportunities and get ready to drum your way to better health!
The nation’s first refresher course designed specifically for drivers age 50 and older, drivers learn research based safe driving strategies. In this 2 day class is information on the effects of medication on driving, measures to reduce driver distraction, proper use of safety belts and other equipment/technology used in cars today, and other subject.
