Arthritis Program Leader Trainings

The Montana Arthritis Program supports three evidence-based falls prevention programs. These programs are: 

To be able to reach all the communities in Montana, the Montana Arthritis Program works with local organizations to train leaders to facilitate falls prevention classes.  

Stay Active & Independent for Life (SAIL) is a 12-week (or ongoing), evidence-based fitness program for older adults, 65+, to improve their balance, strength, and flexibility. 

SAIL Leader Training Table

SAIL Leader Qualification

  • Proof of a current CPR and First Aid Certificate: 
    • Must submit CPR Certificate before the leader training. 
  • Background in fitness or exercise science is preferred but not required. 
  • Comfortable speaking in front of a group. 
  • Enjoy working with older adults. 

SAIL Class Format 

  • Exercises can be done sitting or standing.
  • SAIL can be offered for 12-weeks or ongoing. 
  • Meets 2 or 3 times per week for 1-hour. 
  • 1 or 2 trained leaders conduct the SAIL class. 
  • Classes can be offered in-person or virtually. 
  • Participants complete a fitness check at their first class and at 12 weeks to monitor their improvement. 
  • Exercises are specifically designed to help maintain and improve balance in older adults.

Registration alone does not guarantee enrollment for the training. Enrollment is dependent on the individual's qualifications and class capacity. 
Click to learn more about the SAIL program and SAIL program fact sheet.

Upcoming SAIL Leader Trainings 

There are currently no upcoming SAIL Leader Trainings. 

For inquires please contact SAIL Master Trainer, Erin at Erin.Bley@mt.gov.

Virtual trainings for Montana leaders are available upon request. Contact SAIL Master Trainer, Erin at Erin.Bley@mt.gov.

 

Tai Chi for Arthritis & Falls Prevention is an evidence-based fitness program to help individuals manage arthritis, prevent falls, and maintain overall health.  

Tai Chi for Arthritis & Falls Prevention is offered either for 8-weeks, two times per week for one-hour or 16-weeks, once a week for one-hour. Uses the gentle Sun-style Tai Chi. The movements are designed to improve range of motion, flexibility, balance, and posture, that is safe, easy to learn, and suitable for every fitness level.

Tai Chi for Arthritis & Falls Prevention Leader Training Table

Tai Chi for Arthritis & Falls Prevention Leader Qualifications 

  • Prerequisite:  
    • Must complete the Self-paced Instructor Preparation Package (SIPP)*. 
    • Expected to take 20-40 hours. 
  • Have a background or basic fitness knowledge, is preferred but not required. 
  • Attend the two-day training. 
  • Comfortable speaking in front of a group. 

Tai Chi for Arthritis & Falls Prevention Format 

  • Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention can be offered:  
    • 8 weeks, twice a week for 1-hour; or 
    • 16 weeks, once a week for 1-hour. 
  • At least 1 trained leader to lead the Tai Chi class. 
  • Group size of 8 - 20 people. 

Tai Chi for Arthritis & Falls Prevention Leader Training Table 2

Leader Training 

  • There are currently no upcoming in-person trainings.

 

In exchange for the Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services covering the cost of the training, trained leader will collect and report class and participant data. 

New Sites 

All new leaders will receive: 

  • Access to the self-paced Instructor Preparation Package (SIPP) training. 
  • Tai Chi for Arthritis & Falls Prevention leader handbooks. 
  • 1-year Tai Chi Board Certification  

 

Registration alone does not guarantee enrollment for the training. Enrollment is dependent on the individual's qualifications and class capacity.

The next in-person training will be scheduled in 2027.

For more information or for any questions about the Tai Chi for Arthritis & Falls Prevention Leader Training, ccontact Erin Bley at Erin.Bley@mt.gov or Melissa Dale at Melissa.Dale@mt.gov.

The Walk with Ease is a 6-week walking program for anyone who wants to start or maintain a low-impact exercise program.

Walk with Ease Leader Table

Walk with Ease Leader Qualifications 

  • Proof of a current CPR Certificate 
  • Submit Walk with Ease Leader Application 

Walk with Ease Format 

  • 6-week walking program 
  • A minimum of one trained leader facilitating the class 

 

Walk with Ease Training 

The Walk with Ease leader trainings is 3-hour online, on-demand, you can take the training to when it works best for your schedule.  

Trained Walk with Ease leaders can offer any of the three Walk with Ease format: Group, Self-Directed, and/or Enhanced.

Walk with Ease Leader Training 

New Walk with Ease Sites 

The Montana Arthritis Program will support organizations to help with implementation of the Walk with Ease program: 

  • Access to the Walk with Ease Participant Portal. 
  • Support and guidance on setting classes.

Contact Erin Bley at Erin.Bley@mt.gov or Melissa Dale at Melissa.Dale@mt.gov for any questions about the Walk with Ease program.