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.
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.
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)
- SAIL Seminars
Click on the map to locate a SAIL class in your community.
If you are interested in becoming a SAIL leader to offer classes in your community, please reference to the Montana Arthritis Program Trainings section.
Tai Chi for Arthritis & Falls Prevention is an evidence-based arthritis management and falls prevention uses gentle Sun-style Tai Chi.
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. 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
- Tai Chi for Health Institute
- Tai Chi for Arthritis & Falls Prevention Evidence-Based Program
- National Council on Aging (NCOA)
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 two formats:
- Group (instructor-led); and
- Self-Directed
- 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
| Group | Self-Directed |
|---|---|
Watch the Introduction to the Walk with Ease Program, from the Osteoarthritis Action Allegiance. |
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
Click on the map to locate a Walk with Ease class in your community.
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.
The Arthritis Foundation has a variety of home exercise resources available if you are unable to attend an in-person arthritis exercise class.
- Personalized exercise tips
If you're looking for Walk with Ease, SAIL, or Tai Chi for Falls Prevention, click the Map below:
