What is a lift class?

Lift challenges all of your major muscle groups as it strengthens and conditions your entire body. Lift will improve your overall body composition and your body’s ability to burn energy efficiently through use of high repetitions performed under load. This program focuses on improving strength and endurance resulting in stronger, more defined muscles.

Program Objectives:

• Develop strength endurance for all muscle groups
• Produce muscle definition
• Core conditioning
• Develop postural balance
• Injury prevention
• Supplement other fitness activities

MY FAVOURITE CLASS AT THE MOMENT IS LIFT. I HAVE FOUND IT REALLY IMPORTANT TO INCORPORATE WEIGHT TRAINING INTO MY EXERCISE, AND LIFT IS A GREAT CLASS FOR THIS. I ALSO ENJOY THE VARIETY OF EQUIPMENT WE USE.

I HAVE MADE STRENGTH AND MUSCLE ENDURANCE GAINS IMPROVING THE NUMBER OF PUSH UPS I CAN DO AND HOW LONG I CAN HOLD THE PLANK FOR. I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS CLASS BECAUSE YOU CAN CHOOSE WHAT WEIGHTS YOU USE, AND WEEK AFTER WEEK YOU CAN SEE IMPROVEMENTS IN YOUR STRENGTH AS YOU LIFT HEAVIER WEIGHTS, OR DO MORE REPS!

– CHIARA

They're piloting them in the Pittsburgh region and I am planning to go but wanted to hear anyone else's experiences on how they've been. The sessions are 45 minutes long. No cardio.

EDIT: I took one lift class. The class is broken down into two groups. One group deals with weights and the other class uses body weight, ab-dolly, and/or TR-x. The trainers were even more thorough with the warmups as they showed the warm-ups like they demo the workouts and not on the TV. The workouts seem a little more challenging than the normal weight floor. All in all a good session. Want to do more of these.

Whether you want to grow your glutes, drop a dress size or build your strength and size our signature Lift classes are tailored to get you results.

Using science-based training methods, our programs help you look fitter, feel stronger, and build a body you can be proud of. We split our Lift classes in half, so ladies, you can expect to change your body shape, and see your glutes, thighs, and calves tone-up. Gentlemen, you will see your waist taper down and your back, chest, shoulders, arms and quads become bigger (giving you that athletic v-shape look).

- [Narrator] Are you thinking about joining a fitness class near you?

Not sure what to expect.

This short presentation is designed to help you understand more about Penn State Extension's Lifelong Improvements for Fitness Together Program.

The LIFT program teaches men and women over 40, safe strength building techniques, appreciation for regular and safe physical activity and proper nutrition habits.

You can contact your local Penn State Extension office or go to the Penn State Extension website to find a program near you.

Once you find the class that meets your schedule, you can register on our website, extension.psu.edu/lift or call our registration number 877-345-0691.

At orientation you'll be given an overview of the program.

Details for your orientation will be given to you when you register.

Many sites will offer a separate orientation session for new class members.

Other sites will conduct the orientation during the first class.

A LIFT class series runs twice a week for eight weeks and meets for about an hour per class.

At your first class, you will be given the participant paperwork packet.

The paperwork may seem overwhelming at first, but we collect the information for research to show how successful the program is.

The first form will be the participant information sheet.

This is to collect some basic information like your name, address, phone number, email and emergency contact information for the instructor.

The second form is the medical and current health history.

This helps the instructor know if any adaptations to the program will be needed to benefit you and best fit your needs.

The third form will be the participant consent form.

It gives permission to Penn State University to have you participate.

The next is the informed consent for biomedical research.

This form allows Penn State to use the evaluation and assessment data for our ongoing research project.

The next form to be completed is the physical activity readiness questionnaire plus.

This form lets the instructor know if you need a medical release from your healthcare provider to participate.

If you check yes to certain questions on this form or are over the age of 70, you will need a medical release from your doctor, allowing you to participate.

If you need a medical release, the instructor can give you a copy to take to your healthcare provider.

Now you're finally done with the paperwork and you can enjoy the LIFT class.

Many instructors will use a guide to help new participants determine what amount of weight to begin to use in class.

Many sites have weights for participants to try out and use before considering purchasing your own.

You will want to bring a towel or floor mat and water bottle with you to class.

During the first class, you will complete a fitness assessment.

The fitness assessment is a series of easy exercises to measure your strength and balance before the start of the program.

This same assessment is done at the end of the eight weeks to see how much you have improved.

If you have any questions you can ask the instructor or call the extension office.

Enjoy and happy strength training.

Participate anywhere, anytime.
Go at your own pace.

This Week's Classes:

Have questions about class?

You can submit questions to Lift instructors during and after Lift classes. Our instructors will respond to your questions by email.

Get Started Today!

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Diverse Classes

A variety of class types designed to help you breathe better.

Unlimited Access

Watch and re-watch any class as many times as you would like.

Track Progress

Hit milestones and see the impact of Lift Functional Fitness.

World-Class Instructors

Experienced instructors with unique skills and personalities.

Group Fitness Classes at Home

Join a supportive community of others with COPD and breathe together.

5-10 minute Classes

Approachable classes for every level that fit into any schedule.

"I started noticing I wasn’t doing as much and my breathing was worse. I couldn’t walk 30 ft without being exhausted. The more exercise I do, the more I am able to live the life I want."

– Pat B.
(has lived with COPD for 7 years)

A Variety of Classes
Designed for All Levels

Lift classes are designed to help you breathe better. Whether you are a true beginner or have completed a fitness program before, we have classes for you!

Click any category below to watch a preview of a Lift class:

Breathing

Meditation

Flexibility

Strength

Endurance

Education

Expert Instructors

Lift Functional Fitness Instructors have a combined 50+ years of experience helping people with COPD breathe their best, be more active, and live happier.