LEWISTON — HealthSteps at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center has announced its osteoball class, made possible through funding from the Lance Armstrong Foundation grant.

The innovative class is designed for individuals recovering from cancer, those who have bone- and joint-related conditions such as osteoporosis and/or osteoarthritis and other individuals who desire a mild yet effective form of resistance training.

Exercising with the osteoball is easy to learn, non-intimidating for beginners or inactive people, and uses the simple isometric restrictive techniques astronauts use to keep fit while in space. The course will provide participants with an enjoyable, safe program.

Goals of the class include: restore or maintain muscle strength; prevent/delay osteoporosis by strengthening bones in even the frailest of clients; relieve stiffness; restore or maintain joint range of motion; increase flexibility of the structures surrounding the joint; improve posture; and increase endurance.

The course will teach breathing and relaxation techniques; introduce activities to promote body awareness, posture, balance and coordination; incorporate exercises to improve body mechanics, range of motion, strength and endurance; as well as practical tips for self-care and better health.

The class will be offered from 11:15 a.m. to noon Mondays and Wednesdays, Jan. 26 through Feb. 28 in the therapy gym on the second floor of the St. Mary’s Auburn Medical Building, 15 Gracelawn Road. The cost is $30. For more information or to register, call HealthSteps at 777-8898 or visit www.stmarysmaine.com.