For decades, Harbor Athletic Club has stood on a simple, powerful idea: train for life. Not for aesthetics or trends, but for the strength, mobility, and resilience that allow you to live your life now and into the future.
As a daughter of the founder, Sara Johnson, now owner, had the unique perspective of growing up as a witness to this philosophy. “There’s a big difference between the parents who stayed active and the ones who didn’t,” she says. “At some point you realize, ‘I want to pick up my grandkids.’ That kind of strength has to be built.”
Today, Harbor still doubles down on that mission with programming designed for longevity. The message is universal: it’s never too late to get stronger, and the choices you make now directly shape your future. Sara shared a selection of programs Harbor offers, designed to help members build strength, protect joints, and improve balance throughout all walks of life.
Train for Longevity- Workshop & Series
Harbor’s new eight-week flagship longevity program focuses on improving measurable indicators linked to healthy aging, such as grip strength and VO₂max. “We can’t control everything about aging,” Sara says, “but we can control many aspects of our fitness.”
Studies show that grip strength is one of the strongest predictors of healthspan. To build this strength over time, heavier weights, farmer’s carries, and hanging exercises are practiced. By understanding how cardiovascular conditioning directly impacts long-term brain and heart health, participants of all ages find this workshop to provide a useful foundation of knowledge to guide the structure of their improved routine.
Strength for Bones
Designed for members with low bone density or osteoporosis, Strength for Bones focuses on progressive strength training to stimulate bone growth. “Twenty years ago, we didn’t think you could build bone later in life,” Sara says. “But recent research suggests it’s possible with strength training.” Guest speakers share insights into health and nutrition, and DexaFit provides education on bone scans.
Participants follow a safe protocol as they work to improve coordination and, under careful coaching, lift heavier weights than they are accustomed to. With increased muscular balance and fall-prevention training, they’re actively reducing their risk of injury.
Pilates for Posture
If modern life is hard on anything, it’s the spine; phones, driving, sitting, leaning, and daily habits negatively wear on it over time. Harbor’s Pilates for Posture class works to restore alignment, core stability, and mobility that people aren’t even aware they’ve lost.
“We see posture issues in everyone,” Sara says. “This class helps people understand how the spine should be aligned and how to move in a way that protects it.” Participants work through safe spine movements, strengthen deep stabilizing muscles, and improve mobility through the upper back and hips, all of which are essential for moving comfortably as we age.
Parkinson’s Training Program
Led by certified instructors trained in Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery (PWR), the program helps participants safely build strength, balance, flexibility, and stamina to manage symptoms and maintain independence.
PWR Classes meet in person and focus on functional movement, large-amplitude exercises, and coordination drills. PD Fit is offered in both live and virtual formats, so participants can join even if they’re physically restricted.
What makes Harbor’s approach unique is its comprehensive perspective. Strength and cardio are at the core, but Sara and their staff also consider sleep, emotional health, stress, and other factors that directly affect a person’s ability to stay active. “If someone isn’t sleeping or is struggling emotionally, that has to be addressed,” Sara says. “Longevity is about your quality of life.”
For those interested in learning how to increase not only the number but the quality of their years, Sara (sara@harborathletic.com) is hosting “Training for Longevity” on Tuesday, January 13th at 10:00 AM.
Today, Harbor still doubles down on that mission with programming designed for longevity. The message is universal: it’s never too late to get stronger, and the choices you make now directly shape your future.