About
Stay active and healthy with our well-equipped fitness centers, designed to meet the needs of adults 50+. Our centers feature treadmills, recumbent bikes, steppers, strength training circuits, flexibility and stretching stations, and free weights—everything you need for a complete workout.
In partnership with the Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks, seven fitness equipment centers are available for use. The Office on Aging and Independence operates four locations exclusively for older adults at the Bain, East Columbia, Elkridge, and Ellicott City 50+ Centers.
50+ Fitness Options
The Go50+ membership packages are designed to enhance the quality of life for the 50+ adult population that lives, works and plays in Howard County. Howard County Recreation & Parks and Office on Aging partnered together to provide packages that are designed to give individuals access to meet their health and wellness needs.
| Package | Resident Rate | Nonresident Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 50+ Centers* | FREE | FREE |
| Go50+ Fitness** | $89/year starting Jan 1, 2024 | $125/year starting Jan 1, 2024 |
| Go50+ Pool*** | $210/year starting Jan 1, 2024 | $270/year starting Jan 1, 2024 |
*Access to game rooms, gymnasiums, walking tracks, and wellness programs at Gary J. Arthur and N. Laurel Community Centers and all Howard County 50+ Centers.
**Access to all 50+ Center package benefits and fitness and dance/aerobics rooms at all three community centers and 50+ centers.
***Access to all 50+ Center and Fitness package benefits and access to the pools at the North Laurel and Roger Carter Community Center during open swim hours.
Stay active, healthy and connected from home with our virtual community of fitness classes.
We offer two convenient options:
Quarterly: $120 (county resident), $145 (non-resident)
Monthly: $45 (county resident), $55 (non-resident)
All classes are offered through the WebEx virtual platform. On the last business day of each month, registered participants will receive the class links and passwords for the following month.
Register for Virtual Fitness Pass online or call 410-313-0727 or 410-313-7213 (option 9).
Class Options:
Floor, Core, & More
This class targets challenging areas of the body: thighs, abs, glutes & low back. Tighten, tone and strengthen those core areas. Classes are predominantly done on the floor.
LaBlast®
Get moving in combination of partner-free dances such as Rumba, Salsa, Tango, Waltz, Samba, Foxtrot, and more. A fun workout for all fitness levels. No dance experience required.
Seated Strength & Balance
This class is for those who prefer a seated workout with the option for standing/balancing exercises. Will use dumbbells to improve strength and overall mobility as we move to fun music.
Pilates for Active Aging
Stay strong, supple, & confident in this Mat Pilates class designed for active agers. Using supportive props: balls, bands, & light weights, you’ll improve body awareness, core strength, flexibility, & posture. Gentle floor work builds balance & ease of movement. Bring your own mat & enjoy moving well at any age.
Power
A great class to help you retain or regain muscle tone. This strength training class includes a dynamic warm-up and uses dumbbells, resistance tubing, and a step to improve your body composition & increase lean muscle mass.
Barre
Lengthen & strengthen the body & improve flexibility using Ballet, Pilates, & Barre movements. Additional equipment may be used to help with balance and flexibility such as resistance bands, balls, yoga straps, and blocks. A chair may be used in lieu of a barre.
Cardio Kickboxing
Learn basic punches and kicks and put them into easy-to-follow combinations. This total body workout increases strength and cardiovascular fitness. Modification options offered.
Core, Stretch, & Release
This Pilates based class for all levels is mindful movement focusing on improving posture, balance, and stress relief while enhancing your ability to move with greater ease and agility. Mat/floor exercises with additional light equipment.
Hatha Yoga (Beginner) Beginner class which explores yoga poses including warm-ups, sun salutations, standing balances, seated twists, and relaxation poses. Focus is on alignment and breath awareness along with proper form to help you reconnect and rejuvenate your body.
Gentle Yoga
A fusion class that combines gentle, guided meditation with a gentle yoga flow to incorporate mindfulness into your daily life.
Chair Yoga
A great way to relax from head-to-toe and promote improved mobility without the stress of getting out of your chair.
Low Impact Aerobics
A fun way to stay active while being kind to your joints. This low impact aerobics class blends upbeat music with gentle cardio movements. The use of dumbbells adds a strength-training component to boost muscle tone & endurance.
Zumba® Gold
Turns exciting Latin & international rhythms into a fun, safe, and effective format for the active older adult. It is an easy to follow program that lets you move to the beat at your own pace.
Balance-4-All
A perfect blend of balance, flexibility, posture, strength, and agility with the use of light dumbbells and a chair will help work your way to being better equipped to perform routine activities of daily living (ADL) and decrease your risk of falling.
Kinstretch
Kinstretch is a movement enhancement system developed by Dr. Andreo Spino and is backed by scientific research that develops maximum body control, flexibility, and usable ranges of motion and will greatly improve joint health and physical longevity.
Hatha Yoga
The practice of Hatha Yoga can help with greater flexibility and strength, as well as relaxation. This class includes slow paced stretching.
Mindful Yoga
Your body is your first home. Come wind down, release, relax, and reconnect to your inner self with gentle yoga movements to help you arrive into stillness.
Schedule At A Glance:
Monday
8:45 AM – Floor, Core, and More
10:00 AM – LaBlast®
11:00 AM – Seated Strength & Balance
12:00 PM – Pilates (Active Aging)
Tuesday
8:45 AM – Power
10:00 AM – Barre
Wednesday
8:45 AM – Cardio Kickboxing
10:00 AM – Core, Stretch & Release
11:00 AM – Seated Strength & Balance
12:00 PM – Hatha Yoga (Mia)
Thursday
8:45 AM – Power
10:00 AM – Gentle Yoga
11:00 AM – Chair Yoga
12:00 PM – Low Impact Aerobics
Friday
8:45 AM – Floor, Core, and More
10:00 AM – Zumba Gold®
11:00 AM – Balance 4 All
12:00 PM – Kinstretch
Saturday
9:30 AM – Hatha Yoga (Mary)
10:30 AM – Mindful Yoga
Our Group Exercise Pass offers a variety of fitness classes held Monday through Saturday at our Bain, East Columbia, and Ellicott City 50+ locations. Classes are designed for a range of fitness levels and interests, including strength training, yoga, dance, and cardio workouts.
Most classes are 45–50 minutes in length, with select “Express” classes lasting 25 minutes.
Class Types:
- Strength and Conditioning: Full-body workouts, core training, and low-impact strength classes using weights, resistance bands, and other equipment.
- Yoga and Mind-Body: Options such as gentle yoga, mindful yoga, and vinyasa flow to improve flexibility, balance, and relaxation.
- Dance Fitness: Classes like Zumba® Gold, LaBlast®, BollyX®, and Dance Fusion, featuring easy-to-follow choreography set to a variety of music styles.
- Cardio Workouts: Activities such as cardio kickboxing and step conditioning to improve cardiovascular health and endurance.
- Flexibility and Recovery: Stretching and restorative classes focused on mobility and muscle recovery.
Some classes may require participants to move between floor and standing positions. Participants are encouraged to speak with the instructor before class to discuss any modifications or accessibility needs.
Classes are offered at various times throughout the day, including morning and evening sessions, to accommodate different schedules.
To register or pick up a Group Fitness class schedule, visit either the Bain, East Columbia or Ellicott City 50+ Centers.
Our personal training program provides individualized fitness support for adults ages 50 and older. Certified trainers work with you to create safe, effective exercise plans tailored to your goals, abilities, and health needs.
What to Expect:
- A 45-minute initial consultation to review your medical history, current fitness level, and personal goals
- Customized exercise programs designed to improve strength, balance, mobility, and overall wellness
- Modifications and guidance for existing injuries or chronic conditions
- Ongoing support, accountability, and goal tracking
Please wear comfortable workout clothing for your initial consultation, which may include a light movement assessment.
Training Options:
- Private and semi-private sessions (2 participants)
- Single sessions and discounted multi-session packages
- Each session lasts approximately 45 minutes
Policies:
- Sessions must be scheduled in advance
- A minimum of 24 hours’ notice is required to cancel or reschedule
- Late arrivals may result in reduced session time
- Sessions are non-transferable and non-refundable
- A Go50+ Fitness membership is required to participate
Our trainers meet you where you are in your fitness journey and provide expert guidance every step of the way.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact the Bain, East Columbia or Ellicott City 50+ Centers by phone or email.
Fitness Resources & Programs
Exercise Classes for Adults with Chronic Conditions
The Office on Aging & Independence offers classes for older adults with Arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, and a history of stroke or balance limitations. In-person and virtual exercise classes may help to improve mobility and reduce fall risks associated with chronic conditions. To learn more or to register, contact Rachel Filar at rfilar@howardcountymd.gov or call 410-313-6073 (voice/relay).
