Desert Hills Presbyterian Church announces a new fall class schedule as part of its Fitness at the Rocks program, which encourages participants to be physically, spiritually and socially active. While the program includes classes for all ages and fitness levels, it is particularly beneficial for adults 55 and older seeking to improve their overall health and well-being.

Developed by Kara Thomas – a health and fitness program director, NCCA-accredited exercise specialist, wellness author, retreat speaker and creator of the “50-Minute Fitness Retreat” DVD – Fitness at the Rocks classes are free of charge and begin in September at the DHPC Fellowship Center, 34605 N. Tom Darlington Road.

The newest Fitness at the Rocks class offering is the Savvy Steppers Fitness Circuit, which will take place 1 p.m. Mondays and 8:30 and 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Designed to help participants sharpen their minds, strengthen their bodies and uplift their spirits, Savvy Steppers is a complete fitness circuit for active older adults. The physical fitness portion of the class will include a unique low-impact aerobics segment designed to improve cardiovascular and bone health, balance and coordination. To help participants improve neuromuscular connections, reaction times and cognitive functions, each session will also feature 10 minutes of team-building activities. Savvy Steppers classes will conclude with healing words of encouragement, relaxation and fellowship.

Fitness at the Rocks will also showcase a different health-related theme for each month this fall. For instance, September is “Fall into a Healthier Lifestyle” month, which will usher in the new class schedule. In addition to Savvy Steppers, fall highlights will include “Flex, Core & Restore,” a fitness fusion class 8 a.m. Mondays and 1 p.m. Wednesdays, and Stretch & Balance classes 8 a.m. Wednesdays and noon Thursdays. There will also be a special Cardio Dance & Fellowship event each month, featuring an aerobic dance routine followed by nutritious refreshments and fellowship. September’s event, which will focus on classic melodies, is 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27.

In October, DHPC will celebrate “Healthy Nutrition Month.” On Wednesday, Oct. 4, Deb McDermott will present the third annual Mediterranean Cooking Participation Class; participants are asked to RSVP to the church office by Oct. 1. In keeping with the Mediterranean theme, October’s Cardio Dance & Fellowship event – held Wednesday, Oct. 25 – will feature Mediterranean melodies.

November is “Fall Prevention Month,” which will focus on exercises for better balance. Showcasing country melodies, the monthly Cardio Dance & Fellowship event will be Wednesday, Nov. 15.

Finally, as the holidays approach, Fitness at the Rocks will invite participants to ring in the season with healthier habits. Each class in December will offer healthy lifestyle information for holiday parties and treats, as well as stress management tips for coping with a busy schedule. In the spirit of the season, December’s Cardio Dance & Fellowship – held Wednesday, Dec. 6 – will feature a playlist of favorite Christmas tunes.

To learn more about DHPC’s upcoming Fitness at the Rocks class schedule, visit deserthills.org/fitness-at-the-rocks or call 480-488-3384 to sign up for classes.