Barbells4Bones
Barbells4Bones is a series that we are incredibly passionate about, here at CONNECT. As healthcare providers, we have seen too many women reach retirement, only to realize that they've left health behind them. Rather than accepting the notion of "slowing down" as we age, we created this series.
So, You're Not Ready To Slow Down
Then this series is for YOU.
We know that women, particularly retired women, have long been told to play it safe, be careful, don't move too quickly for fear of falling, and certainly don't pick up heavy things. The problem with that is your health gets ignored when you play it safe, until you break a wrist and you get told you have osteoporosis (but there's nothing that could have stopped that), and that you need to be more careful (remember, don't move around too much), until your osteoporosis becomes osteopenia and you need medication (that often makes you sick). Sounds like a rite of passage for women, doesn't it?
We're changing that with the Barbells4Bones series. More and more research is suggesting that we need to do the OPPOSITE of what we've been recommending for women. We need MORE heavy weights, we need MORE intensity, and we need MORE movement. Resistance training has been proven to be both safe AND effective for the treatment of low bone density, and it's also been shown to improve quality of life, independence, pain, function and longevity.
Barbells4Bones is an hour-long fitness class that runs on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at CONNECT. You can come once/week, or twice, and we add new classes based on how many participants we have (we're up to 9 classes per week now!). In our classes, we complete a group warm-up, strength training session, and higher intensity workout that are each modified to fit your abilities. We've created a safe and fun environment for creating lifelong health, and we have an incredible community of women that participate.
We now offer an introductory 6-week series that is designed to teach you all of the exercises and techniques that we use in the class, and we recommend all new participants start there before joining regular classes.
Barbells4Bones may be eligible for coverage through your extended health insurance when it is used as an appropriate part of your physiotherapy treatment plan, determined by your CONNECT physiotherapist. Please contact us for more information.
WHAT WOMEN ARE SAYING ABOUT BARBELLS4BONES
"I would highly recommend Barbells4Bones for any senior women who are interested in improving their strength and overall fitness.
I was amazed with what a difference I felt following a number of months of attending the class. I am able to lift heavy objects (eg bike rack for my car) that I could barely lift last year.
My strength and stamina have improved which I noticed immediately when I returned to riding my bike and downhill skiing.
I especially appreciate the individual attention we get in the class and Clare’s response to any questions we have. I always learn something from her."
Our Barbells4Bones Classes
Introductory Barbells4Bones Series
New to fitness? Start here to learn the ropes at a gentler pace
Our Introductory Barbells4Bones Series is a once-per-week, 6-week series designed to teach you all of the movements we do in regular classes.
It gradually builds intensity over the course of the 6 sessions to help you get used to exercising, and will leave you energized to start regular classes once you're done!
This is the perfect place to start for someone bouncing back from an injury, starting to "prehab" before surgery, someone with less experience with fitness and exercise, or someone who is looking for a slower pace to start.
Our next Introductory Series starts on February 26th, running Monday's at 12Pm
Barbells4Bones Sessions
Ready to jump into your fitness journey? Barbells4Bones is waiting for you!
Our regular Barbells4Bones classes are now drop ins! Meaning you pre-register for only the classes you can attend.
Each class takes you through a warm-up, strength session, and WOD (workout of the day) that is modified to fit the abilities of each individual athlete.
We pride ourselves on creating a fun, safe, and welcoming environment where you can challenge yourself with a group of likeminded women every week and leave feeling stronger every session!
Current class times are as follows:
Mondays 10am
Tuesdays 10am and 11am
Thursdays 10am
Fridays 10am and 11am
Limited spots are currently available, please contact Clare for assistance finding class time(s) that work for you.
Barbells4Bones:Slow And Steady
Ready to jump into your fitness journey? Barbells4Bones is waiting for you!
Our newest Barbells4Bones class designed for women that are interested in starting Barbells4Bones but aren't ready for (or aren't wanting) the pace and intensity that is built in the regular classes.
This section of Barbells4Bones will have more of a focus on balance, falls prevention and gradual strength building in a supportive and fun environment.
This class is run by Emily Villeneuve, Registered Physiotherapists, and will be running Wednesdays at 1pm.
Please contact our admin team by calling the clinic (519-372-2121) to book.
Barbells4Bones4Men
Barbells4Bones4Men Series is a new once OR twice-per-week, 6-week series starting January 9, 2024 just for men.
Just like Barbells4Bones, each class will take you through a warm-up, strength session, and WOD (workout of the day) that is modified to fit the abilities of each individual athlete.
Resources On The CONNECT Blog
Series Registration
We run Barbells4Bones in 6-week intervals, our next introductory series starts February 26th
For more information, or to register for a non-introductory series, please contact Clare via email (below)