About the program: The Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program (AFEP) is a low-impact recreational exercise program that incorporates a brief educational component.
AFEP is offered in some YMCAs and by other community organizations.
Objectives:
To improve:
- Functional ability.
- Self-confidence.
- Self-care.
- Mobility.
- Muscle strength.
- Coordination.
To reduce:
- Fatigue.
- Pain.
- Stiffness.
Target Audience: Adults with arthritis of all activity levels.
Key Activities:
- Multiple exercise activities, including: joint check/warm-up, range of motion/stretching, strengthening, cardiovascular endurance, and joint check/cool down.
- There are also balance and coordination activities.
- Each class also includes a health education component from the program formally known as PACE- People with Arthritis Can Exercise.
- The class also has relaxation and breathing activities.
- Instructors have the option to include weight-bearing, posture/body mechanics, body awareness, and socialization activities.
Setting: Community/ Group-based workshop.
Suggested class size: Small groups of no more than 20 people.
Duration: The class meets for one hour, two to three times a week. Although developed as an 8 to 12 week program, it can be extended to include ongoing classes.
Cost:
- Participant costs: Varies.
- Leader/ Host Costs:
- Training fees range from $199 to $129. Learn more about becoming an AFEP leaderexternal icon.
- Participant manuals for each participant are $2.30 per person.
- Other materials for participants as needed.
- Note: The Aquatic Exercise Association offers trainings for both the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program and the Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program or just the exercise program.
Program Requirements:
- One AF certified instructor per class.
- The instructor must be educated or certified in exercise, fitness, or other health-related field.
- The instructor must have CPR certification.
- The program must take place in an AF approved facility.
- The class takes place in a community room with sturdy chairs and enough space for exercise.
- Each class uses equipment, including: weights, resistance bands, balls, music and/or relaxation recordings, and exercise mats. Instructors can use as much or as little equipment as they would like.
More Information:
- Arthritis Foundation Exercise Programexternal icon
- Find a program near you, go to the Arthritis Foundation resource finderexternal icon.
- AFEP—Information for Health Care Providers pdf icon[PDF – 152KB]external icon
- AFEP—Information for Patients [PDF – 460KB]external icon
More About Lifestyle Management Programs
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