It’s another new year, a time when many people start thinking about shedding holiday pounds and getting into shape.
With that in mind, the Groveport Recreation Center (GRC), 7370 Groveport Road, is kicking off 2009 with two events geared to help people find their fitness niche – the "Resolution Run" and "Fitness Week."
Resolution Run
On Jan. 4 at 9:15 a.m., the GRC will hold its fourth annual Resolution Run, a 5K run in Groveport Park that is open to both GRC members and non-members.
"The Resolution Run is for people who would like to take the important step towards a healthy lifestyle. This is the energetic push and the ‘starting line’ for the journey to health and wellness," said GRC Sports and Fitness Manager Stephania Bernard. "The Resolution Run is setting the pace for how hard, and how dedicated, participants will be work to achieve their ‘New Year’s Resolution.’ For some people a little bit of snow and rain will not stand in their way for their goals."
The course for the run will start outside the GRC, follow the first 1.5 miles around the paved leisure trail, then head towards Blacklick Park and then run around the block back towards the GRC to finish out the distance.
"If the nature trail is covered with ice or snow, we will go to plan B, which is to stay on the paved leisure trail the entire race. This would involve making 2.75 laps," said Bernard.
Register for the Resolution Run at the GRC before Jan. 2 at a cost of $15. Race day registration will be $20. The race is self-timed and the names of those who participate will be listed on the GRC Web site at www.groveportrec.com.
Fitness Week
The GRC’s "Fitness Week" will be held Jan. 5-10 and is targeted for all age groups and all levels of fitness. During the week people can try new group fitness classes for free or at a reduced rate, meet personal trainers, assess their body, learn how to be healthy, and get answers to their fitness questions.
"Fitness Week was designed to help people find something that they enjoy to help them stick to a fitness routine," said Bernard. "So many people view working out as a burden. Fitness Week will hopefully open a new door and help participants realize that, by finding something that you enjoy to do, it will not longer feel like work."
Features of Fitness Week will include:
•Jan. 5 – "Exercise for Dummies,"
•Jan. 6 – "Assess Your Health,"
•Jan. 7 – "Nutrition,"
•Jan. 8 – "Strength Training,"
•Jan. 9 – "Stretching,"
•Jan. 10 – "Exercise is Fun."
Bernard said fitness is important for people of all ages.
"Fitness needs to begin with our youth," said Bernard. "By showing the importance of fitness to our kids, they will keep this important knowledge with them for their entire lives. Adults also need to realize that it is never too late to find fitness. Being healthy will provide you with a happier self worth."
She said it is also important for people to vary their exercise routines.
"Your body will adapt to a normal routine quickly," said Bernard. "By changing up the exercise, or even the intensity of the exercise, your body will react to the change in a positive way."
Considering these factors, Bernard said the GRC has added some new programs.
"We have new classes such as Itsy Bitsy Yoga which is a parent-child class for ages 21 months – 4-years-old as well as Jump Bunch for ages 15 months – 5 years old," said Bernard. "For the adult group, we have Zumba and Belly Dancing to help change up the routine. For our over 50 age group we have added a new Restorative Yoga as well as an Arthritis Land Based program. Fitness Week will also have informational seminars for those who have questions about health and wellness."
For information about the Resolution Run and/or Fitness Week, call the GRC at (614) 836-1000 or visit www.groveportrec.com.
