Desert Hills Presbyterian Church announced a new summer class schedule as part of its Fitness at the Rocks program, which encourages people to be physically, spiritually and socially active.

While the classes are open to all ages and fitness levels, they are particularly designed to help adults 55 and older improve their physical and cognitive health, according to a press release.

Classes will be held at the DHPC Fellowship Center, 34605 N. Tom Darlington Road in Scottsdale. All Fitness at the Rocks classes are free, while the BrainSavers total body class is $5 per session.

Physical fitness classes will include “Strength, Core & Restore,” held Mondays at 8 a.m. and Wednesdays at 1 p.m. Created by certified exercise specialist Kara Thomas, author of the “50 Minute Fitness Retreat DVD” featured in Pilates Style Magazine, this fitness fusion class will energize participants with low-impact cardio exercises to condition the heart, burn calories and increase lung capacity, the release stated.

Designed to enhance quality of life with healthy fit tips and functional movement to improve neuromuscular control, “Strength, Core & Restore” will also incorporate resistance props and hand weights to help strengthen muscles and bones, Pilates core and back care exercises and restorative stretching and relaxation techniques accompanied by healing hymns and peaceful music.

On Wednesdays at 8 a.m., “Morning Stretch & Balance class” set against the backdrop of the boulders will encourage participants to improve flexibility, coordination, circulation and balance while reducing muscle stiffness and alleviating arthritis symptoms. There will be modifications for all fitness levels.

On Thursdays at noon, “Sit, Stretch & Strengthen through Chair Exercises” will focus on exercises that can be performed while sitting in a chair or on a mat. Ideal for those with physical limitations, this class is designed to improve flexibility, circulation, muscle and core strength, posture and breathing.

There will be modifications for all fitness levels.

Other highlights of the summer class schedule are “Strengthen Against Osteoporosis” in June (during which all sessions will feature extra information about bone health), themed cardio dance classes on June 21 and July 19 at 1 p.m. and a healthy cooking class on July 12 at 11:30 a.m.

In addition to helping people boost physical well-being, Fitness at the Rocks features BrainSavers classes for brain and body fitness, the release stated. Created by board-certified neurologist Dr. Paul Bendheim, author of The Brain Training Revolution, BrainSavers is designed to encourage a healthier lifestyle and help prevent the onset of age-related cognitive decline.

Class sessions will begin with fun cognitive exercises to improve memory skills, followed by fitness activities where participants can either stand or sit in a chair. With modifications for all fitness levels, the class format will include a low-impact warm-up, muscle toning exercises, stretching and relaxation.

To learn more about DHPC’s summer fitness classes, visit https://deserthills.org/fitness-at-the-rocks/.

To register for classes, contact the church’s health and fitness director at 480-488-3384.