HealthSteps winter schedule will include three new classes.

LEWISTON – HealthSteps, a health education and prevention program for adults coordinated by St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, will offer programs that meet the needs of the whole person – mind, body and spirit – during the winter session.

Classes are held at the Bates College Merrill Gym unless otherwise noted. The session will run from Jan. 12 to April 16. The following classes will be offered:

Walk/Jog: Class begins with a group warm-up, followed by walking or jogging on the indoor track. Strengthening and flexibility exercises, as well as a cool-down relaxation period, are also included. Heart rates will be monitored. Monday through Friday, 6 to 6:50 a.m.; Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 8 to 8:45 a.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, 7:15 to 8 a.m.

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

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

Body Sculpting: A weighted workout that focuses on strengthening the major muscle groups of the body. Resistance training to boost metabolism and increase bone density. A variety of exercises will be performed and dumbbells, resistance bands and tubes will be utilized. Good for men and women. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 7:15 to 8 a.m. and 9:05 to 10 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, 8:15 to 9 a.m.

Balance Ball: The class emphasizes a workout that will build core strength to help improve or maintain the 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, 7:15 to 8 a.m.

Power Plus: A high-energy workout offers a safe and low impact option. It is effective and challenging, yet easy to follow and includes an aerobic component followed by strengthening and stretching exercises. Tuesday and Thursday, 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 give an individualized workout in a group setting. Monday, 6:15 to 7 a.m.

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

HealthSteps has added three new programs to the schedule beginning this session.

Personal Fitness: Individuals will begin by going through a comprehensive assessment, including full lipid testing, blood pressure, resting pulse and a body composition analysis that will be repeated after three months of participation in the program.

Each participant will meet with a fitness professional for a personalized exercise plan along with an orientation to the HealthSteps cardiovascular and strength training equipment. Tuesday and Thursday, 5 to 6 p.m.; $25 a month.

Orientation to HealthSteps: Orientation includes a tour of the fitness facilities at Bates College as well as educational information regarding heart rate and general fitness guidelines. Tuesday and Thursday, 7 to 8 a.m. Free with HealthSteps membership.

Tobacco Cessation Counseling: Individual counseling with a cessation specialist is available to help those who wish to quit using tobacco. Individual sessions include cessation education, methods for quitting, behavior modification techniques and how to design a personal quit plan.

An extended three-session program is available as well. Programs are offered by appointment only.

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