A variety of exercise classes are available to Turning Point patients. All classes are led by a St. Francis Health Center certified therapist and located at the St. Francis Sports Medicine Center, 801 S.W. Fairlawn, in Topeka, Kansas. Turning Point patients can try a class for free immediately following the Tuesday evening Turning Point support group. The cost for all other classes is $5 per class or $30 per month. The $30 monthly fee includes enrollment into the St. Francis Continued Care Program, which allows access to the indoor walking track and the cardiovascular, weight training and therapy equipment in the Sports Medicine Center as well as to the exercise classes. The Sports Medicine Center is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. For questions about the exercise classes, contact the St. Francis Sports Medicine Center at 785-228-1700.

In addition to the On the Move exercise class that is used for the Turning Point support group, St. Francis Sports Medicine offers the following exercise classes:

Big Moves

10 to 10:45 Wednesday

A whole body exercise class that focuses on putting big effort into every movement. Exercises focus on strengthening many muscle groups at once to improve balance, coordination and endurance.

On the Move

6 to 6:45 p.m. Wednesday

A basic level exercise class that emphasizes fun and movement. Simple moves, low impact aerobics, walking and weight equipment are used to music. The workouts change each week. All participants are encouraged to work at their own pace. Please call 785-295-5439 to register for this particular class.

Restorative Yoga

2 to 3 p.m. Wednesday

Beginners will explore gentle yoga positions and more advanced participants can perform deeper postures. Emphasis is on increased endurance and balancing postures. Standing and strength building will be added. Participants are encouraged to work at their own pace and comfort level.

Sit and Strengthen

11 to 11:45 a.m. Monday

Learn basic resistance training using light weights and gentle movements to strengthen upper and lower body major muscle groups as recommended by the National Institutes of Health, an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Therapeutic Yoga

10 to 10:50 a.m. Tuesday

10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday

Learn yoga techniques that will help relax the mind, energize the body and rejuvenate the soul. Learn relaxation, breathing and alignment techniques that can decrease pain, improve balance and strengthen and alleviate many stress-induced symptoms. Open to all levels. Adaptable to floor or chair work.

Walking Club

Noon to 12:45 p.m. Monday through Friday

One of our certified therapists will lead this fun and friendly 45 minutes of exercise using our indoor track. Experience the benefits of walking and learn safe and simple stretches. Walking can help with bone density and balance, increase your endurance and burn calories. The therapist will provide personalized, one-on-one attention and answer your health questions.

Turning Point Support Group

The Tuesday evening support group meets the fourth Tuesday of each month from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the St. Francis Sports Medicine Center, 801 SW S.W. Fairlawn in Topeka, Kansas. Support group will meet from 6 to 6:40 p.m. followed by an aerobic and strengthening exercise class for those who would like to participate.

2012 Dates:

• January 24
• February 28
• March 27
• April 24
• May 22
• June 26
• July 24
• August 28
• September 25
• October 23
• November 27

(Due to the holidays, there is no Tuesday evening support group in December.)

Effective July 2010, the exercise classes that have been held every Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. will be moved to Wednesday evenings at 6 p.m. EXCEPT for the fourth week of the month, which is support group. On the fourth Tuesday of every month we will continue to have support group from 6 to 6:40 p.m., followed by an aerobics/strengthening class from 6:45 to 7:30 p.m.

For questions about support group, contact Brenda Holliday, bariatric surgery coordinator, at 785-228-4773.

For questions about the exercise class, contact the St. Francis Sports Medicine Center at 785-228-1700.