Fall Prevention Fitness Classes

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;
***Due to COVID-19, effective March 2020 all in-person Young at Heart classes have been put on hold. New Online, Virtual classes have been added.
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 or by purchasing from our website by clicking the following: Class Equipment
  • 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/Westly
          - Newman
          - Patterson
          - Riverbank
          - Oakdale
          - Waterford
          - Hughson
          - Turlock
          - Ripon (San Joaquin County)
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 for Arthritis and Fall Prevention
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. Due to COVID-19 all in-person community classes have been put on hold. This program is now being offered in a "live" virtual format utilizing the Zoom platform. For more information please contact Healthy Aging Association at (209)525-4670.
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 and employer