Arthritis + Exercise = Pain Relief Made To Order

Join OSF Saint Francis Arthritis Services programs! We provide an opportunity for men and women with arthritis to participate in group recreational exercise classes. Each class is a series of gentle, non-demanding exercise including all major muscle groups that move joints through their full range of movement. It's the perfect combination to improve your overall health and wellness for a better quality of life. To register contact us at OSF Saint Francis Arthritis Services at (309) 282-1605.

Arthritis Land Exercise
• Your instructor will lead you in gentle exercises.
• The exercises are done while sitting in a chair and while standing.
• The exercises improve your range of motion and strength for daily activities.
• These classes are suitable for all exercise levels.
• Classes meet in the Aerobics Studio on the second floor on Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00-11:00 am.
 

Arthritis Aquatic Exercise in the Warm Water
• A workout in the water is one of the safest ways you can exercise.
• It is also fun! The buoyancy of the water removes the stress from your joints, muscles and bones.
• Moving your muscles and joints help lessen your stiffness and pain.
• Shower rooms with lockers, sauna and whirlpool are available and convenient.
• You do not have to know how to swim.
• The warm water pool has water that is 3'6" to 5' deep.
• You enter the pool using steps with a handrail or using a chair lift.
• Classes are 50 minutes.
• Check our schedule for available classes.
• Morning, afternoon and evening classes are available.
 

Why is Arthritis Exercise Important?
• Decrease pain and stiffness
• Helps you to move easier
• Improves your ability to perform daily tasks
• Provides a feeling of accomplishment
• Provides opportunities to socialize and share experiences
 

Individualized Training
OSF Saint Francis Arthritis Services and Medical Exercise offer the opportunity to expand your current fitness level through an individualized exercise program. Exercise specialists have designed fitness programs for people with Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Arthritis and Cardiac conditions. Individualized training can help improve strength, flexibility and endurance. The initial visit includes a review of your medical history, personal goals and instructions on the training equipment. This approach provides medical knowledge of land and aquatic techniques to design a safe and effective fitness program to assist in obtaining your personal goals. Please call 309-282-1600 to schedule an appointment or for more information.
 

Looking for an arthritis program to do at home?
Purchase your "Take Control with Exercise at Home" DVD today at the RiverPlex 2nd floor OSF office. Price is $15.00. Call (309)282-1605.
 

Class Information
• Free parking
• A physician consent form is required to participate
• Classes are included with a full OSF Saint Francis RiverPlex membership
• If you are not a RiverPlex member, you can buy a 6 week session card:
 
1 class per week 6 week session $24 ($4/class)
 
2 classes per week 6 week session $45 ($3.75/class)
 
3 classes per week 6 week session $63 ($3.50/class)
 
Location - OSF Saint Francis RiverPlex - 600 N.E. Water Street, Peoria, IL 61603
 
To sign up or for more information on these classes please call (309) 282-1605.
 
 

What our participants have to say about the program
 
"No matter how bad I feel when I get to class, I always feel 100% better when I get done exercising."
 
"The Aquatic Exercise Classes are a real positive experience. I wish I had begun years ago."
 
"I'm having fun with exercise for the first time in my life."
 
"Besides the exercise, the people in my classes have much to do with my emotional well being as the exercises do for my physical."
 
"The consistent professionalism and quality of the instructors, makes the exercise classes so beneficial. I appreciate their dedication to the job of helping us to improve our quality of life."


 

Fit & Strong! Exercise Classes

Fit & Strong! Is an award-winning, evidence-based physical activity/behavior change program from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) Center for Research on Health Aging (CRHA). This program has been proven to benefit arthritis symptoms and promote an active lifestyle. CRHA is partnering with OSF Wellness programs to offer Fit and Strong! Sessions meet 3 days per week for 1½ hours and include 1 hour of exercise and ½ hour of arthritis and exercise education/discussion and group problem-solving. Classes meet at the RiverPlex in the 1st Floor Classroom. Call 282-1605 to learn more or to sign up for the program. Funded by the Centers for Disease Control UIC Center for Research on Health and Aging. Check out the Fit & Strong website.