Physical Activity Programs

Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program (AFEP)

AFEP (formerly People with Arthritis Can exercise or PACE) is a community-based recreational exercise program developed by the Arthritis Foundation. Trained AFEP instructors cover a variety of range-of-motion and endurance-building activities, relaxation techniques, and health education topics. All of the exercises can be modified to meet participant needs. The program's demonstrated benefits include improved functional ability, decreased depression, and increased confidence in one's ability to exercise. Classes typically meet two or three times per week. To find about availability in your area you can check with the Arthritis Foundation or view this map to locate your state arthritis program. More information about the program is available.

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Active Living Everyday (ALED)

ALED is a group-based program developed at the Cooper Institute focused on helping sedentary people become and stay physically active. Participants (~20/grp) come together for 1 hour weekly sessions for 20 weeks of classroom instruction to learn behavioral skills (identifying and overcoming barriers, setting goals, creating an action plan) needed to become more physically active. A variety of moderate and vigorous physical activities are discussed in the program, giving the background for individuals to make their personal decisions about type, form, frequency, intensity and dose. Participants do their actual activity outside of the group setting. Facilitators (instructors) that teach the course are trained and certified. A participant book is used in conjunction with the course. http://www.activeliving.info/.

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Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program (AFAP)

AFAP is a water exercise program created by the Arthritis Foundation for people with arthritis and related conditions. The classes are conducted by a trained instructor and are designed to improve flexibility, joint range of motion, endurance, strength, and daily function and to decrease pain. The aquatics classes include joint range of motion, stretching, breathing, and light aerobic activities. The classes typically meet two or three times per week for one hour. To find out about availability in your area you can check with the Arthritis Foundation or view this map to locate your state arthritis program. More information about the program is available.

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EnhanceFitness (EF)

EnhanceFitness (formerly Lifetime Fitness) is an evidence-based, community-delivered exercise program proven to increase strength, boost activity levels and elevate mood. Certified EF instructors offer a program that focuses on stretching, flexibility, balance, low impact aerobics, and strength training exercises. Typically classes meet three times a week for one hour. To find out about availability in your area you can check with your state arthritis program. Use this map to locate your state arthritis program. More information about the program is available.

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Fit and Strong

Fit and Strong is a community-based physical activity/behavior change intervention offering stretching, balance, aerobic and endurance exercises.  Health education, problem solving and goal setting are also important components of  Fit and Strong. The program was designed to target sedentary older adults who are experiencing lower-extremity joint pain and stiffness.  Fit and Strong classes are 90 minutes 3 times per week for 8 weeks and are delivered by a certified exercise instructor.  Find out more information about the program.

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