Safe to sweat: UF caters to Gainesville residents with free group fitness classes
- The University of Florida provides free, specialized group fitness classes for Gainesville residents with neurological disorders and age-related health challenges.
- Led by Doctor of Physical Therapy students and faculty, these programs offer tailored support to help participants safely push their physical limits.
- Community members can access both the Gaitor Challenge for older adults and the Neuro Wellness program for those with conditions like Parkinson’s and stroke.
Like any college town, Gainesville is dense with gyms and fitness studios for every activity, from CrossFit to rock climbing. But for locals who need specialized exercise routines due to neurological disorders or aging, there is only one place to go for free group classes: the University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions.
At the Department of Physical Therapy’s clinical space, on the second floor of the CVS at 1621 SW 13th St., classes give Alachua County residents a chance to work up a sweat while Doctor of Physical Therapy students and faculty supervisors guide them through tailored exercises.
On tap are the Gaitor Challenge, a weekly walking and exercise class for older adults, and the Neuro Wellness program, a high-intensity circuit exercise class designed for people with neurological disorders. UF physical therapy students lead both classes.
“The mission is to provide options to exercise, with resources,” said Shakeel Ahmed, Ph.D., a clinical assistant professor of physical therapy and a faculty adviser for the Gaitor Challenge.