The program offers a variety of health education and prevention classes.

LEWISTON – HealthSteps, a health education and prevention program for adults coordinated by St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, announces its summer session. HealthSteps classes are held at the Bates College Merrill Gym unless otherwise noted.

Classes will be held from July 7 to Aug. 29. The following classes will be offered:

Walk/Jog: Class begins with a group warm-up, followed by walking or jogging on the indoor track. Calisthenics, featuring strengthening and flexibility exercises, as well as a cool-down relaxation period, are included. Heart rates will be monitored. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 6 to 6:45 a.m.

Aquatic Fitness: A super toning, calorie-burning workout that will provide maximum results and benefits, plus once a week fun and games, including some “friendly” competition. While swimming skills are not needed, one should feel comfortable in both deep and shallow water. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 6:50 to 7:30 a.m.

Lap Swim: Swim laps in the 25-meter, eight-lane pool supervised by a certified lifeguard. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 6 to 7:30 a.m.

Body Sculpting: A weighted workout focuses on strengthening the major muscle groups of the body. A variety of exercises will be performed and dumbbells, resistance bands and tubes will be utilized. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 7:15 to 8 a.m.

Healthy Hearts: The class will give a cardiovascular workout in a circuit format. Blood pressures and heart rates are monitored in every class. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 8 to 8:30 a.m.

Resist-a-Ball: The class emphasizes a workout that will build core strength to help improve or maintain activities of daily living. An exercise ball must be purchased and brought to class. Resist-a-balls are available through the HealthSteps office and are approximately $20. Monday and Wednesday, 6:15 to 7 a.m.

Step Aerobics: Low-impact step aerobics class will include strengthening and flexibility components. Friday, 6 to 6:45 a.m.

In addition to the core classes, HealthSteps will offer a Weight Watchers specialty class to provide the support and motivation needed for successful weight loss. The 12-week session will run from Aug. 11 to Nov. 3. A special open house for the class will be held on Aug. 4.

Preregistration is required and can be made by calling HealthSteps at 777-8898. The deadline for preregistration is July 28. The fee for the class is $139 due to Weight Watchers at the open house event.

HealthSteps will begin offering physical fitness evaluations to the general public. Call 777-8898 to set up a meeting with a health professionals. An evaluation will be performed to assess current fitness level and will include measuring cardiovascular fitness, muscular endurance, flexibility, body fat and blood pressure.

Based upon individual goals and results an exercise prescription will be provided recommending a safe and an effective fitness program. The test is offered by individual appointment at a cost of $25.

Call 777-8898, e-mail [email protected] or visit http://www.stmarysmaine.com for more information.