Sign up for Lively & Fun Exercise Programs at the New Senior Wellness Center in Bridgewater

BRIDGEWATER – Freeholder Brian D. Levine invites active residents age 60 and above to register for fun exercise programs that will be held at the Senior Wellness Center at Bridgewater, located at 876 E. Main St.

Advance registration is required. Payment and completed registration forms should be mailed to Barbara Karpinski, Somerset County Office on Aging and Disability Services, PO Box 3000, Somerville, NJ 08876. Checks can be made payable to the Somerset County Office on Aging and Disability Services (SCOOADS).

Participants are asked to wear comfortable clothing that allows freedom of movement and closed-toe, comfortable shoes that provide ample support, such as sneakers.

Dancercise – Dance your way to health on Tuesday afternoons from 1 to 2 p.m. on March 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29; April 5, 12 and 19. The cost for eight sessions is $35; register by Feb. 23.

An innovative and fun way to exercise! This class incorporates dance moves to well – known music that will keep you moving. Starting with a “warm up” which helps avoid injury; you will dance to the beat of the music and finish with a “cool down.” Dancercise is an aerobic workout that is low impact and great for the heart!

Gentle Yoga - An eight-week yoga class, which will be held Wednesday afternoons from 1 to
2 p.m. on March 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30; April 6, 13 and 20. The cost is $40; register by Feb. 23.

Designed for beginners through intermediate students, this class teaches basic poses, but allows for more challenging postures, based on your practice level. This is a great class if you are looking for a more gentle experience, are new to yoga or need a change of pace. Mats provided for first 12 registrants.

Functional Fitness – Improve your core stability with this eight-week exercise class, which will be held on Wednesday afternoons from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on March 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30; April 6, 13 and 20. The cost is $40; register by Feb. 23.

Learn exercises designed to train and develop your muscles to make it easier and safer to perform everyday activities such as carrying groceries, gardening, bending to do household chores, etc. While using various muscles in the upper and lower body at the same time, these exercises emphasize core stability, overall agility and develop muscle strength while also improving balance to reduce the risk of falls.

Tai Chi for Health (formally Tai Chi for Arthritis) – Classes will be held 1 to 2 p.m. on Thursdays (March 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31; April 7, 14, 21 and 28). The cost is $40; register by Feb. 23.

Tai chi, aptly called “moving meditation,” consists of slow, repetitive movements performed in a focused manner. Tai Chi is a self-paced system of gentle physical exercise and stretching. Each posture flows into the next without pause, ensuring that your body is in constant motion helping to improve balance, flexibility, control and stability while also promoting relaxation.


Jazz Dance – An aerobic workout that will be held Thursday afternoons from 1 to 2 p.m. on March 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31; April 7, 14, 21 and 28. The cost for eight sessions is $35; register by Feb. 23.

Enjoy a fun way to learn basic stretches and fundamental jazz steps that, when combined, provide an aerobic workout that tones your body, while helping to improve flexibility and agility.

Zumba Gold – An eight-week exercise program with a choice of either Monday or Friday classes. The cost is $40; register by March 7.
Monday - 1 to 1:45 p.m. (March 14, 21 and 28; April 4, 11, 18 and 25; May 2)
Friday - 1 to 1:45 p.m. (March 18; April 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29; May 6 and 13)

A dance workout in a party-like atmosphere, Zumba Gold takes the popular workout of Zumba and makes it accessible for seniors, beginners or others needing modifications in their exercise routine. Zumba Gold builds cardiovascular health by challenging the heart and working the muscles of the hips, legs and arms with dance moves.


Somerset County senior centers offer a wide range of experiences designed for lifelong enrichment in a social and uplifting atmosphere, intended to positively impact overall health. Choices of four lunch menus (with and without meat) are served daily at centers, which are funded in part through the Older Americans Act and the county Board of Chosen Freeholders. Many of the programs and activities are made possible through partnerships, volunteers and the generosity of donors.

For more information, contact the Somerset County Office on Aging and Disability Services at (908) 704-6346 or toll-free at 1-888-747-1122.