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BY ELOISE MARIE VALADEZ
Eloise.Valadez@nwitimes.com
219.933.3365 | Sunday, July 13, 2008 | No comments posted.
Physical activity is important all year round. But it's often during summer that our thoughts turn to working out either in the Great Outdoors or indoors within a fun group setting.
Area park districts, recreation centers and other venues regularly feature different types of exercise programs. These days, people who want to get fit can find an assortment of classes, including aerobics, cycling, yoga and dance-inspired sessions in their own communities.
According to the Web site for The Presidents Council on Physical Fitness and Sports (www.fitness.gov), adults 18 and older need 30 minutes of physical exercise on five or more days, while teens and children need 60 minutes. So, get moving!
New Zumba class a fresh and new way to get people going
Are you tired of being a couch potato? Want to stretch and flex those weary muscles? Stay focused on those healthy thoughts, put on your exercise garb and get your blood flowing.
With summer in full swing, it's the perfect time to join an exercise class.
"People that exercise are usually doing it to have fun, stay fit or they're doing it for health reasons," said Jill Porento, recreation supervisor for Munster Parks and Recreation.
Porento said Munster Parks and Recreation offers year-round exercise programs to fit all needs and levels. Some programs are held at Community Hospital's Fitness Pointe while others are held at Community Park Social Center.
The recreation supervisor said offering a range of workouts is important to target various segments of the community.
For exercise buffs longing to get into the water, Munster offers an aqua workout as well an aqua yoga while individuals interested in something more energetic can join the Kickbox Bootcamp. Other exercise options include Bike and Tone, Pilates, Cycle Workout or Zumba, which is a mix of aerobics and dance done to Latin and International-inspired music.
The Zumba class, Porento said, is fairly new to the schedule, but it's something participants really like. Combining exercise with dance moves often attracts a great many people because it's something out of the norm of typical exercise programs, Porento said.
According to the recreation supervisor, many people enjoy taking classes rather than working out alone because it gets them going and allows them to stay on a fitness regimen.
Jack McLarnan, program associate for Millennium Park in Chicago, said the park's free Saturday workouts on the Great Lawn, which began June 7, have been extremely popular. (The classes, running from 8 to 11 a.m. every Saturday, end Sept. 27).
"People enjoy the fact that they're in such a beautiful space," McLarnan said.
Now, in its third year, the outdoor workouts have grown considerably, he said, adding there are classes for not only adults but children and families in general.
"We keep getting a steady crowd of regulars," McLarnan said.
Among classes offered at Millennium Park are Yoga, Pilates, Aerobic Dance, Hip-Hop Wake Up Call and Tai Chi.
"It's very low-pressure, a lot of fun and very communal," McLarnan said, about the workouts. "It's all pretty relaxed."
In the Crown Point community, exercise fans will find an assortment of classes to join through the Crown Point Parks and Recreation department.
"It's a great time of year to get out and to exercise," said Jennie Burgess, assistant parks director for Crown Point Parks and Recreation.
Burgess said classes and workouts on the department's agenda this season include Pilates, Lap Swim and Adaptive Swim, Classes are held indoors, although in late June, the department offered a free Pilates in the Park workout outdoors.
There'll also be a Karate Class in the Park, geared to young children and held at Crown Point's Collins Park, on Aug. 19 and Sept. 9. Call the park for class price. Crown Point also has a Walking Club for those who prefer to get fit by racking up the miles.
Megan Owens, recreation coordinator for Valparaiso Parks Department said the department offers year-round Tai Chi classes.
A new 8-week summer session just got underway last week and is held Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The next session begins Sept. 23. Call the park for other sessions and prices.
The following are a few summer workout tips from the experts:
* "When exercising, people should make sure they warm up and cool down properly," said Jill Porento
* McLarnan said when exercising outdoors, participants must "wear sunscreen, stay hydrated" and think about wearing a hat.
* "Keep in mind the hotter it is, the more likely you have to continue to rehydrate," Burgess stressed.
* But, in general, whatever exercise you engage in, make sure to just relax and have fun, they all agree
Contact the following park districts for seasonal exercise schedules. (The list is just a sample of area parks that offer recreational programs. Call your local park district for information in your own community).
Crown Point Parks and Recreation, (219) 661-2271 or www.crownpoint.in.gov or email jburgess@crownpoint.in.gov
Dyer Parks and Recreation Department, (219) 865-2505 or www.townofdyer.com/parks
Hammond Parks and Recreation, www.gohammond.com
Merrillville Parks and Recreation Department, www.merrillville.in.gov
Millennium Park, Chicago, www.millenniumpark.org
Munster Parks and Recreation, (219) 836-6920 or www. munster.org
Portage Parks and Recreation Department, www.ci.portage.in.us/parks
Valparaiso Parks Department, (219) 462-5144 or www.valparaisoparks.org
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