Strong for Life

Strong for Life (SFL) is a free exercise program offered through Aging Adult Services at Stanford Health Care.  It is an easy-to-follow exercise routine designed to improve strength, function and balance in older adults with or without limitations.  SFL targets specific muscles that are important in every day life with such movements as getting out of a chair, walking, and picking up a grandchild.

SFL participants follow a 30-minute videotape and as appropriate, use therabands to individualize resistance and improve strength. A SFL coordinator and volunteer trainers assist participants by helping them get started with the exercise routine, monitoring ongoing progress and providing motivation and encouragement.

Classes are held at various community centers in Menlo Park, Mountain View, Palo Alto, and Redwood City, in the mornings. See below.

Advance registration through Stanford is required. Contact Terese McManis, 650-723-1303, Stanford Aging Adult Services.

> View 3-minute overview with testimonials

SFL was developed and evaluated by the Boston University Roybal Center with support from the National Institute on Aging.  Initial funding was provided from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation with direction and assistance from Wake Forest University School of Medicine and the Faith in Action program office in Winston Salem, North Carolina.


Menlo Park - Strong for Life Class

Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center, 700 Alma St., Menlo Park, CA 94025

Fridays, 9am

Advance registration: Required


Menlo Park - Strong for Life Class

Location: Little House, 800 Middle Ave., Menlo Park, CA 94025

Tuesdays, 10:30am

Thursdays, 10:45am

Advance registration: Required


Mountain View - Strong for Life Class

Location: Mountain View Senior Center, 266 Escuela Ave., Mountain View, CA 94040

Tuesdays, 9:30am and 10:30am

Advance registration: Required


Palo Alto - Strong for Life Class

Location: Avenidas, 450 Bryant St., Palo Alto, CA 94301

Mondays, 9:30am and 10:45am

Advance registration: Required


Palo Alto - Strong for Life Class

Location: Moldaw, 899 E Charleston Rd., Palo Alto, CA 94303

Mondays, 10:30am

Wednesdays, 10:30am

Advance registration: Required


Redwood City - Strong for Life Class

Location: Fair Oaks Adult Activity Center, 2600 Middlefield Rd., Redwood City, CA 94063

Thursdays, 12:45pm

Advance registration: Required