Finding an Arthritis Management Class

The Montana Arthritis Program collaborates with local organizations to implement Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) arthritis-approved evidence-based exercise and self-management program in communities throughout Montana.

Arthritis-approved evidence-based programs have shown to help treat and manage arthritis and other related conditions symptoms. Participants that attend the arthritis exercise and self-management programs have shown improvement in reducing their arthritis symptoms, such as pain.

Studies show that physical activity can reduce pain and improve function, mood, and quality of life for adults with arthritis.   

Physical activity can delay the onset of arthritis-related disability and is also important for the management of other chronic conditions that are common among adults with arthritis, such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.  

The Montana Arthritis Program supports three arthritis management interventions: 

  • Stay Active & Independent for Life (SAIL) 
  • Tai Chi for Arthritis & Falls Prevention 
  • Walk with Ease 

Stay Active & Impendent for Life (SAIL) is an evidence-based arthritis management and falls prevention programs.  

SAIL is a 12-week, arthritis management and falls prevention fitness program designed for older adults, aged 65+ that focuses on strength, balance, and mobility--to improve the quality of life.

 Stay Active & Independent for Life Class

SAIL Fitness Class Includes: 

  • Every class focuses on aerobic, strength, balance, and stretching exercise. 
  • Exercises can be done sitting or standing 
  • Suited for all fitness levels 
  • Fitness check 
  • At the first class and the end of the 12-weeks to track progress 

Who is Eligible to Attend SAIL? 

Anyone who is: 

  • 65+ years 
  • Looking to get stronger and improve balance 

SAIL Fitness Class Benefits: 

  • Improve balance, mobility, and leg strength 
  • Maintain independence by building strength, improving balance, and agility

Additional SAIL Information 

  • National Council on Aging (NCOA) 

Become a SAIL Leader 

Interested in becoming a SAIL leader to offer this class in your community?  

Tai Chi for Arthritis & Falls Prevention is an evidence-based arthritis management and falls prevention uses gentle Sun-style Tai Chi.  

Tai Chi Class Example

Tai Chi for Arthritis & Falls Prevention is offered either:

  • 8-weeks, two times per week for one-hour or
  • 16-weeks, once a week for one-hour.

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 Program 

  • Every class starts with a warm-up 
  • Learn a new movement to build off the previous class 
  • All moves can be done sitting or standing 
  • Suited for all fitness levels 
  • Complete the class with a cool-down 

Who is Eligible to Attend Tai Chi for Arthritis & Falls Prevention? 

Anyone:

  • Looking for a gentle movement class 
  • Wanting to manage arthritis symptoms 
  • Reduce chances of falling or falling again 

Tai Chi for Arthritis & Falls Prevention Benefits 

  • Improves range of motion 
  • Increase flexibility 
  • Better balance and posture 
  • Promotes relaxation and stress reduction 
  • Through deep breathing and being focused in the present moment 
  • Decrease pain 

Additional Tai Chi for Arthritis & Falls Prevention Information 

Become a Tai Chi for Arthritis & Falls Prevention Leader 

Interested in becoming a Tai Chi for Arthritis & Falls Prevention leader to offer this class in your community?  

 

The Arthritis Foundation created the Walk with Ease program. Although the Arthritis Foundation supports the Walk with Ease program, anyone is welcome to participate in the Walk with Ease program, regardless having arthritis or not.

Walk with Ease Class Structure

  • 6-week walking program
  • Offered in three formats:
    • Group (instructor-led)
    • Self-Directed
    • Enhanced
  • For anyone who wants to start or maintain a low impact exercise program.
  • Participants receive a Walk with Ease guidebook.
    • The guidebook helps individuals to assess their exercise needs and keep track of progress.
  • Walk with Ease - Fact Sheet
Walk with Ease Programs
Group and Enhanced Self-Directed

  • Meet 1-3 times per week

  • Trained Arthritis Foundation Walk with Ease instructor leads the class

  • Leaders review a health topic and walking safety tips

  • Group walks together for 10-60 minutes

Watch the Introduction to the Walk with Ease Program, from the Osteoarthritis Action Allegiance.

  • Independent walking program

    • Ideal for worksite wellness program

  • All communication is via email with a trained Arthritis Foundation Walk with Ease leader

  • Participants walk on their own for 3 days

  • Report walking minutes to leader through email

Watch the Walk with Ease Self-Directed Introduction video from the Osteoarthritis Action Allegiance

Walk with Ease Benefits

  • Improve strength and balance
  • Increase walking pace and duration
  • Decrease pain, fatigue, and depression
  • Build confidence to exercise
  • Improve overall health

Walk with Ease Leader

 If you are interested in being a Walk with Ease leader and offering a class in your community, please contact the Montana Arthritis Program Manager, Melissa Dale at Melissa.Dale@mt.gov.

Become a Walk with Ease Leader 

Interested in becoming a Walk with Ease leader to offer this class in your community?  

If you're looking for a SAIL, Tai Chi for Arthritis & Falls Prevention, or Walk with Ease, click on the map below:

Montana Community Programs