COA Programs

Most of our programs have returned to in-person, though, some programs will remain on Zoom or hybrid (in-person and via Zoom). If you don't see your favorite class or program listed, please check back to see if it has been set up since your last visit or call us at the COA to create a new group!

If you are interested in joining any of the classes listed below, please call the COA at 781-275-6825 or email COA@bedfordma.gov and let us know which class you'd like to be added to, and to receive the class Zoom link!

To meet some of our wonderful Program Instructors, please click here.

Current Programs

(These following programs have resumed in-person, unless indicated otherwise)

- Exercise classes with a * cost $6 per class or $5 per class for the monthly pay ahead rate.

- All virtual exercise classes cost $4 per class.

COA Cafe: Come visit us at the COA Cafe for a fresh cup of coffee anytime between 9 am-3 pm (Monday through Friday) [Saturdays: 10 am-3 pm]

Pool: Come enjoy some fun and friendly competition with your friends, or sharpen your skills playing solo anytime between 9 am-3 pm (Monday through Friday) [Saturdays: 10 am-3 pm]

Computer Drop-In: Do you need access to a computer or printer? Come work independently in our computer lab anytime between 9 am-3 pm (Monday through Friday) [Saturdays: 10 am-3 pm]

* Exercise w/ Sharon: This class is our most intense class of the week, including an hour of aerobics and weights. (Mondays at 8:30 am, Union Room 2nd Floor)

Cycling for Seniors: A weekly series of bicycle rides for active seniors! Rides will start outside of the COA at 10 am. Please call us at the COA to get connected with Jack Donohue for upcoming rides. (Mondays at 10 am)

Low Impact Exercise (via ZOOM): Join Madeline Shaw-Moran for one hour of standing and seated exercise! Alternating every 15 minutes from standing to sitting, using strength training moves to develop range of motion, flexibility, endurance and balance. (Mondays 1 pm w/ Maddy) [If you do not have a computer and would like to attend, the COA is offering select virtual classes in the COA computer room with a chair and equipment, just show up Mondays at 1 pm!]

Brain Stretching (via ZOOM): Join our very own Susan McDonough for a fun-filled afternoon of brain games. This is more than just trivia and knowing facts. The games we play will make you think, learn and expand your mind. (Select Mondays at 1 pm)

Texas Hold 'Em Poker!: Join the game Monday afternoons! (Mondays at 1 pm)

Sing-A-Long: Open Sing-A-Long. Come join the fun! (Mondays at 12:30 pm, Union Room 2nd Floor)

* Exercise w/ Maddy: This class focuses more on joint strengthening, stretching and balance. This class is our lowest impact in-person exercise. (Tuesdays at 8:30 am, Union Room 2nd Floor)

Beginner's Tap Dance: Join Chuck Frates and get those feet tapping to the rhythm in his beginner's tap class. You will need tap shoes, a water bottle, sneakers and comfortable clothes. The session will run for 5 weeks and the cost is $45. (Tuesdays at 10 am, Union Room 2nd Floor)

Tap Dancing: Join the talented Chuck Frates for his 5 week tap dance class! The cost is $45. (Tuesdays at 11 am, Union Room 2nd Floor)

Beginner Scottish Dancing: Join Heather Day, certified SCD teacher, for a modified form, less strenuous Scottish Dancing class providing great physical and mental exercise. (Tuesdays at 12:15-1:45 pm, Union Room 2nd Floor) *FREE!*

Nom de Plume Writers Group (via ZOOM): Do an exercise, share your work and get feedback! New members welcome! (First and third Tuesday from 1-3 pm)

Zumba Gold (via ZOOM): Perfect for active older adults who are looking for a modified Zumba class that recreates the original moves you love at a lower-intensity. (Tuesdays at 4:30 pm w/ Vera) *FREE!*

Rebuilding Our Lives (via ZOOM): Bereavement, Divorce and Significant Life Changes. A support group led by facilitator, Mara Briere. This is a network of men and women where you can be accepted "as you are" and "what's said here, stays here". In this group there is a strong sense of connection, belonging, even humor through the tears. Information and resources are also available. (Tuesdays at 7 pm)

* Exercise w/ Sharon: This class is a combination of aerobic exercise, strengthening, stretching and balance work. (Wednesdays at 8:30 am, Union Room 2nd Floor)

Chair Exercise (via ZOOM): Join Madeline Shaw-Moran for 50 minutes of chair exercise! Using a chair or exercise ball - workout for the entire body - this class uses multiple strength training moves to develop range of motion, flexibility, endurance and balance. (Wednesdays at 1 pm) [If you do not have a computer and would like to attend, the COA is offering select virtual classes in the COA computer room with a chair and equipment, just show up Wednesdays at 1 pm!]

Floor Yoga (via ZOOM): This form of yoga is practiced using a mat on the floor. This class is an excellent way to build strength and flexibility while learning yoga techniques for breathing and meditation. Class always ends with a deep relaxation and meditation. (Thursdays at 9:30 am w/ Helen)

* Exercise w/ Maddy: This low impact class focuses on joint strengthening, stretching and balance work. (Thursdays at 10 am, Union Room 2nd Floor)

QiGong: Join Joanne Shaughnessy for a free course in Shibashi QiGong. This class combines body, mind and breath; and can be done seated or standing. (Thursdays at 11 am) *FREE!*

Duplicate Bridge: Please call ahead to put your name in for substituting. (Thursdays 12:30-3:30 pm, Fitch Room 2nd Floor)

Current Events: Come join our volunteered-lead discussion about Current Events! We provide a friendly, social environment within which a variety of local, national and international topics are introduced and discussed. The floor is open to all attendees and all discussion topics come from the floor. All are welcome! (Thursdays at 1 pm, COA Computer Lab)

Tai Chi (HYBRID - In-Person + via ZOOM): (Pronounced "Tie Chee") is a mind-body exercise from China and has its roots in martial arts. Taught by instructors from the Oriental Healing Arts Association. The cost is $10 per class or $45 / 5 classes. (Thursdays at 1 pm, Union Room 2nd Floor)

Mexican Train: Come join in the fun Thursday afternoons! (Thursdays 2-3 pm, COA Cafe)

* Exercise w/ Sharon: This is a more intense "Senior Boot Camp" with cardio and strength training. (Fridays at 8:30 am, Union Room 2nd Floor)

Chair Yoga (via ZOOM): A gentle form of yoga that is practiced sitting in a chair, or standing using a chair for support. Includes a 30-minute meditation at the end. (Fridays at 9:30 am w/ Helen)

Sit 'n Stitch: Knitting, needlepoint, quilting, embroidery, needle weaving and crocheting. Come and spend an hour doing your favorite handwork with a fun and enjoyable group of stitchers at the COA! (Fridays at 10 am, COA Computer Lab)

Mah Jongg: All are welcome! (Fridays 11:30 am-3 pm, Fitch Room 2nd Floor)

Line Dancing: Line Dancing! Beginners welcome. The cost is $3 per class. (Fridays at 1 pm w/ Katrina, Union Room 2nd Floor)

Mexican Train: Come join in the fun Friday afternoons! (Fridays 2-3 pm, COA Computer Lab)

Other COA Services

To see what other programs and services the Bedford COA currently offers, please click here.

Fitness Resources

For information on other fitness resources outside of the COA, please click here.