The program will host an open house on Sept. 9 at Merrill Gym, Bates College.

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

The annual open house will be held Tuesday, Sept. 9, at Merrill Gym. Those interested can try a free class, have cholesterol and blood pressure checked and meet the HealthSteps instructors. The fall session classes will begin Monday, Sept. 8, and end Dec. 12. The following classes will be offered:

Walk/Jog: Class will begin 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 through Friday from 6 and 6:50 a.m. and Monday through Thursday from 7:15 to 8 a.m.

Aquatic Fitness: Toning, calorie-burning workout plus once a week time is reserved for fun and games, including some “friendly” competition. While swimming skills are not needed, one should feel comfortable in deep and shallow water. Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 6:45 to 7:30 a.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from 11 to 11:45 a.m.

Lap Swim: Swim laps in the 25-meter, eight-lane pool supervised by a certified lifeguard. Participants swim at their own pace. Monday through Friday from 6 to 7:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. to noon.

Fitness Swim: Learn tips on form and function to help make the most of the aquatic experience. Tuesday and Thursday from 6:30 to 7 a.m.

Body Sculpting: The 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. Good workout for men and women. Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7:15 to 8 a.m. and 9:10 to 10 a.m.

Healthy Hearts: The class will give a cardiovascular workout in a circuit format. Blood pressures and heart rates are monitored. Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:15 to 9 a.m.

Balance 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 (size and color vary). Tuesday and Thursday from 6:30 to 7 a.m.

Power Hour Plus: The high-energy workout offers a safe and low impact option for those who would enjoy a more intense class. It is easy to follow and includes an aerobic component followed by strengthening and stretching exercises. Tuesday and Thursday from 8 to 8:45 a.m.

Circuit Challenge: The class includes a variety of cardiovascular and strength-training exercises designed in a circuit format to keep participants motivated and to give an individualized workout in a group setting. Monday from 6:15 to 7 a.m.

Step Aerobics: The low-impact step aerobics class is high energy. The class will include strengthening and flexibility components. Wednesday from 6:15 to 7 a.m.

HealthSteps offers physical fitness evaluations to the public. Call 777-8898 to set up a meeting with one a health professional.

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 about HealthSteps programs.