Fall Prevention Fitness Classes

Young at Heart Strength Training  |  Tai Chi/Tai Ji Quan  |   Line Dancing
Young at Heart Strength Training (YAH)
These fitness classes have been in Stanislaus County since 2000. Each year over 1,300 older adults participate in our 30+ community based classes. Each class meets for one-hour and are lead by trained and certified volunteer instructors. This program is a practice tested intervention that has been shown to reduce the risk of falling.

Here are three links to better assist you;
New since April 2020, Virtual Online Classes
  • To register for an online for the online class please call (209) 525-4670 or email [email protected]
Here are five things that make YAH unique:
1. The class focuses on the full body and works on strength, balance, and flexibility. 
2. The goal of the program is to keep participants functioning and to help reduce the risk of falling.
3. The class uses resistance tubes (4 levels of resistance) instead of free weights to reduce injury, to be used by even the most arthritic hands, and for easy storage.
4. The class is a place of group camaraderie and many participants have stated that these classes help reduce depression and help them to be more social.
​5. Classes run on participant donations, we recommend $2.00 a week if the participant can afford it.
How to join a YAH Class
  • Select a class location. Call (209)525-4670 to find a location closest to you, or find a class by zip code by clicking the following: Class Locations
  • Purchase your equipment (Tubes are used in every class) by calling the office (209)525-4670.
  • Arrive at your class 15 minutes early to complete the pre-class paperwork and registration. 
  • There are no registration fees, so come and join the fun!
 Where are the classes held?
  • There are over 30 class locations to pick from, please view our up to date Young at Heart class list.
  • All classes are held in donated spaces (i.e. churches, community centers, senior facilities, hospitals, etc.)
  • We have classes though-out Stanislaus County
          - Modesto
          - Ceres
          - Grayson/Westley
          - Newman (need instructors)
          - Patterson (need instructors)
          - Riverbank
          - Oakdale
          - Waterford (need instructors)
          - Hughson (need instructors)
          - Turlock - Starting Fall 2022
          - Ripon - San Joaquin County (need instructors)
Do these classes work?
  • Don't take it from us, please take a look at the featured stories below and/or visit our Storybook.
  • All of these stories are from people just like you who decided to give these classes a try.
Tai Chi and Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance
Try this effective exercise program for preventing falls. Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention works through improving balance, confidence and muscular strength. These classes are typically offered through-out the community. 

Tai Chi - Saint Paul's Episcopal Church - 1528 Oakdale Rd., Modesto 95355  | Class meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. | Class capacity is limited to 30
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Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance - Stanislaus Veterans Center - 3500 Coffee Rd., Ste. 19, Modesto, CA 95355 | Class meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:30 P.M. - 2:30 P.M.​
Line Dancing
​​Try this new program offered by Healthy Aging Association. It is a great addition to your weekly fitness routine. It may improve your heart health, memory, and over all balance.

You can join this once a week class. Please select one of the options, cannot join both days or switch between the two.

Join us at the Stanislaus Veterans Center - 3500 Coffee Rd., Ste. 19, Modesto, CA 95355

**There is currently a waiting list due to classes being at capacity. Call (209) 525-4670 to be added to the waiting list.
Tuesdays - Class time shared with those enrolled OR​
Fridays - Class time shared with those enrolled.​
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A Young at Heart Poem
​Come, Join Young at Heart Class 

As seniors we are aging
Of that we have no doubt
But some things in the process
We sure could do without!

We cannot turn the clock back
Or halt the march of days
But, can we make them better
If we reform our ways?

Our bodies may get weaker
Our balance insecure
But we can counteract that 
And better health procure.

Come to the Young at Heart class
It's tailored just for us
To regain strength and balance
It's gentle - not much fuss.

We have much fun together
And in the process find
As we improve our fitness
Gain happy state of mind.

So, seniors keep on stretching
And try to prevent a fall
By practicing your balance
Yes, welcome one and all.

By Naomi Ward
 Young at Heart Participant (May 2015)

Young at Heart Program Sponsors

Funded in part by USDA SNAP-Ed, an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.