Durability for Life
Durability for Life is Practice Human's signature small group strength training program for seniors. Designed for women ages 65+ who want to feel more confident and capable in daily life and with more demanding physical activity.
Classes are led by Doctors of Physical Therapy
Appropriate for those new to lifting weights and patients completing a physical therapy plan of care who will benefit from individualized feedback and guidance from a physical therapist for a safe transition into more robust exercise.
Classes are led by physical therapists Dr. Caitlin Casella and Dr. Emily Giovine.
Strength Training for Osteoporosis
"In an attempt to stave off taking medication for osteoporosis, I decided to give strength training a serious try. I just completed my second series of strength training for women over 65 and am so grateful to Dr. Casella (and my yoga teacher who highly recommended her). The classes are small, extremely well organized, varied and fun!
Caitlin is very knowledgeable and I have total confidence in attempting new challenges under her supervision. Initially I had no idea what to expect but the series has been life changing - I feel stronger, more capable, and a great sense of accomplishment! I am committed to making strength training a priority from now on." — BETSY K.
Strength Training for Seniors in New York City
Durability for Life is for you if…
- You have osteopenia, osteoporosis, knee and hip arthritis, post-menopause related joint pain, tendinopathy, or persistent low back pain
- You are a beginner with weights or still somewhat new to lifting and looking for an appropriately paced class
- You want to learn your way around the gym / how to use a variety of weight equipment
- You’re looking for a gradual introduction to the basic movement patterns for building whole body strength
- You're finishing up a physical therapy plan of care and looking for a strength-building program that bridges to gap between rehab and more robust physical activity
- You’re experiencing pain, mobility restrictions, or medical conditions that require a skilled physical therapist for appropriate modifications and pacing
- You’re looking for a bit of social engagement and peer encouragement. Training with friends is fun!
CLASS SIZE & LOCATION
SIZE: All sections are limited to only 4 participants to allow for individualized feedback and support.
LOCATION: In-person at Practice Human, 28 W 27th St, Room 704, New York City (between 6th Ave and Broadway)
Practice Human is proudly serving New York City's Nomad, Flatiron, and Chelsea neighborhoods. Conveniently located near the following train stations:
- R/W subway at 28th St and Broadway
- 1 subway at 28th St and 7th Ave
- F/M subway at 23rd St and 6th Ave
- 6 subway at 28th St and Park Ave South
- PATH train at 33rd St and 6th Ave
"I have enjoyed each class and I wanted to feel stronger & more flexible as the classes went forward. I was intimidated at first using the kettlebells, but I am taking them somewhat in stride. I've loved seeing the progress of the other students (petite older women) who stepped up and returned weekly, to the challenge of the classes. I'm heading back for the next set of weight training classes and I'm thrilled." — LIZ W.
Winter 2026 Durability for Life classes are divided into four groups.
This class runs as an 8-week progressive series.
CONTINUING
Led by Dr. Caitlin Casella
Tuesdays
10:00-11:00am
Jan 13, 20, 27
Feb 3, 10, 17, 24
March 3
For those who have attended this class in the past, are lifting independently between classes, and are interested in progressing skills and weight.
SOLD OUT
BEGINNER
Led by Dr. Emily Giovine
Wednesdays
4:30-5:30pm
Jan 14, 21, 28
Feb 4, 11, 18, 25
March 4
For those who have never attended this class, are new to strength training, or have taken this class and prefer to repeat the basics and work at a slower pace.
SOLD OUT
CONTINUING
Led by Dr. Caitlin Casella
Thursdays
10:00-11:00am
Jan 15, 22, 29
Feb 5, 12, 19, 26
March 5
For those who have attended this class in the past, are lifting independently between classes, and are interested in progressing skills and weight.
SOLD OUT
CONTINUING
Led by Dr. Emily Giovine
Thursdays
11:30am-12:30pm
Jan 15, 22, 29
Feb 5, 12, 19, 26
March 5
For those who have attended this class in the past, are lifting independently between classes, and are interested in progressing skills and weight.
SOLD OUT
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
One time investment for the 8-week series: $640
If you are unsure which section to choose and would like to discuss your current activity baseline and goals with Caitlin or Emily before signing up, please reach out via email to hello@practicehuman.com or schedule a free 15 minute discovery call.
Cancellation and refund policy: Full refund (less $50 processing fee) when canceled before January 6th, 2026. After 1/6/2026, no refunds.
What Our Students Say:
“I’ve worked with Caitlin for several months and it’s transformed my everyday life. She carefully prepares me for anything new, makes sure my form is right to avoid injury, and checks on my reaction afterward.
Training with Caitlin isn’t an activity separate from the rest of my life. I’m constantly aware that it affects every action I take during the week, whether hoisting my [relatively] heavy bags up onto the train’s luggage rack, pulling out cast iron pots in the kitchen, transplanting large shrubs or smallish trees in the garden, and so much more. Lift a 50-pound bag of sand? Not a problem.
Walking in the city is a joy – I can pace myself to hit the green lights instead of relying on jaywalking. I love having the confidence that I can take care of myself and want others to know they can, too. I’m 76, small-boned, female, and was headed to osteoporosis. Because of Caitlin’s strength training, I’m only going to be getting better, not worse, in the future.” — DL D.
I cannot tell you how out of my comfort zone this was going to be for me.
"I am a real beginner when it comes to strength training. However, I knew the time had come that I must build my upper body strength. I spoke to Caitlin Casella over the phone, giving her my background and my need to become stronger. She was so clear and organized about her approach. She was also easy to laugh... another sign of a person I like to work with.
I cannot tell you how out of my comfort zone this was going to be for me. However, Caitlin helped me gain confidence and never lost patience with me. I feel so proud of myself.
I so recommend that you take Caitlin's classes at Practice Human. She is professional, kind, and explains every move and what that move does for your body. I will continue classes with her." — THERESA L.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Are Durability for Life classes available online?
No. This class series is designed for a small group in-person setting. The aim is to provide you with a solid foundational knowledge of strength exercises, with real-life practice under the direct guidance of a skilled coach, and give you exposure to a variety of equipment here in the studio.
If you are interested in participating entirely online and learning how to train yourself for life with effective strength and cardio conditioning workouts, please check out our 15-week online program, The Slow Cooker.
I'm under age 65. Is Durability for Life appropriate for me?
Yes! People in their 30s, 40s, and 50s have attended Durability for Life class series and benefited from the steadily paced, progressive strength training.
The pace and small group format can be especially valuable for working through clinical musculoskeletal conditions and physical therapy / rehab related exercise programming. A few folks who've regularly attended this class in the past are on the younger side—early 50s and one student age 35 with complex chronic pain and joint pain with exercise.
Durability for Life is open to all ages and conditions. Besides, one of the best things about the in-person classes at Practice Human is the intergenerational community.
I’m working with pain or another physical condition that might limit my ability to exercise. Is Durability for Life appropriate for me?
While the class series is led by a physical therapist with the ability to recommend exercise options based on physical capacity, comfort levels, and preference, this class series does not replace examination and diagnosis by a skilled clinician.
At Practice Human we believe that rehab is training in the presence of injury. Most people can safely strength train in a way that does not interfere with, and assists recovery from, injury. If you have questions about whether or not the Durability for Life series is appropriate for you, please CLICK HERE to schedule a free 15 minute call to discuss.
I was diagnosed with osteoporosis. Is it safe for me to participate in the Durability for Life classes and will it help me build muscle mass and bone density?
Yes. Strength training with weights is a safe and researched-backed strategy for improving muscle mass and bone density at any age. You will be coached in proper lifting form and resistance training technique to gradually and safely progress with weight. The series of classes is paced slowly in a small group environment of only 4-5 students. You’ll get plenty of individualized feedback and support, and recommendations for appropriate and safe weight increases.
Not only will you come away with tools for improving the health of your muscles and bones, you’ll decrease your risk of falls, improve your brisk walking speed (a measure that correlates with longevity), and sustain independence with daily activities and all the fun stuff you want to do in life!
I have had an osteoporosis diagnosis for years.
"I am so grateful for having found Dr. Caitlin Casella and Practice Human. I am about to start my second series of strength training for women over 65. I have had an osteoporosis diagnosis for years. With Caitlin’s class I already feel stronger, more energized and I find that I am sleeping so much better the night after a class."
— MICKI S.
