Columbus Public Health has a new initiative to get you moving this winter. Fit Week is a series of classes at area gyms and fitness studios designed to give people a taste of a new workout method while supporting the program Kids Cycle Columbus. Classes begin Saturday, January 10, 2015 and go through Friday, January 16.
“It’s an effort to transform New Year Resolutions from fad diets and short lasting gym memberships into meaningful change, by taking small steps to lead a healthier life,” says Barb Seckler, Section Chief for the Institute for Active Living (IAL) at Columbus Public Health and head of the program.
The goals of the program is to give residents a chance to make a plan to reach their goals with multiple choices, from boxing, Zumba and CrossFit to yoga, spinning and Pilates, so they can find their favorite way to be active and buy bicycles for kids in need.
“Physical activity helps to prevent chronic diseases such as childhood obesity and diabetes and helps people de-stress, feel good and lead healthier lives,” she says. “The idea to do this is from Columbus Public Health’s top priorities, which include reducing and preventing obesity.”
Kids Cycle Columbus will serve 10 kids at each of 7 locations for a total of 70 kids. The program got its start in 2013 with the idea that every kid who wants a bicycle should have one to help them develop a passion for active living.
A grant from Medical Mutual of Ohio helped secure the equipment. Kids in urban neighborhoods enjoy an eight week program (June-July, sometimes into Fall) where they learn bike riding and safety skills, and have the opportunity to earn their first bicycle.
“Kids Cycle Columbus encourages youth to develop a passion for physical activity through bicycling and stay active for a lifetime,” says Seckler. “To date, 150 kids have earned new bikes, helmets and locks. All donations from Fit Week ‘15 will go toward providing another 140 youth with bicycles during the next two years.”
LeJuan Coleman, owner of iResolve Fitness located Downtown on Main Street, was excited to partner with Columbus Public Health for Fit Week.
“I signed on to participate because when I was younger, it took someone to step out and help the youth improve their lives,” says Coleman. “Now I look forward to each and every opportunity that I can pay it forward to help each and every kid.”
iResolve Fitness offers a boxing boot camp on Wednesday, January 14.
“My specialty is bootcamp and boxing bootcamp classes,” says Coleman. “I got into the fitness industry because it is my ministry. It helps me help people not only physically but mentally, spiritually and emotionally. We hope to make a difference with Fit Week 15 and any other program that may come about.”
“We know that people who are passionate and excited about getting active are far more likely to continue an activity they love,” says Seckler.
Fit Week 2015 Schedule:
Jan. 10 – Yoga Factory, 223 E Broadway Ave., Westerville
Day long Open House with classes, including yoga, boot camp, and cardio kickboxing. Check website for times and details
Jan. 12 – Brickhouse Cardio Club, 1166 W. 5th Ave., Columbus
5:30 p.m. PiYo – Low impact Pilates (muscle, core) + yoga (strength, flexibility)
6:30 p.m. Turbo – Kick-fast paced kickboxing + strength/endurance
7:30 p.m. BodyPump – Full Strength Body light weights + very high # of reps
Jan. 13 – CROSSFIT Clintonville, 609 Oakland Park Ave., Columbus
Cross-Fit, strength/conditioning, varied, functional movement classes offered throughout the day, beginning at 6 a.m., check website for class times
Jan. 14 – iResolve Fitness Club, 449 East Main St., Columbus
5–7 p.m. boxing boot camp – a circuit-style combined cardio and strength class utilizing classic boxing techniques, as well as traditional strength and conditioning exercises such as push-ups, planks and squats.
Jan. 15 – Cycle 614, 1636 Northwest Blvd., Columbus
Classes offered throughout the day, beginning at 6 a.m. Check website for class times
Rides are 45-minutes long and include sprints, hills, flats and jumps. Light weights are also used throughout the ride for upper body strength
Jan. 16 – Burn Within, 153 Mill St., Gahanna
6 p.m. – yoga which takes you through a series of poses that help build strength, balance and flexibility while calming your mind through deep breathing.
For more information, go to Columbus.gov/FitWeek15Â or GetActiveColumbus.com.
From January 5 – 11, Columbus Underground is featuring our Health & Wellness Week series, brought to you by the The Fitness Loft. The Fitness Loft is more than just a gym – it’s a visionary approach to developing a sustainable community and creating an atmosphere that encourages people to lead a healthier life. Our holistic concept includes biometric wellness screening, Technogym exercise equipment that records progress, free group fitness and nutrition classes, an on-site Registered Dietitian, and much more to give you a truly unique wellness experience. Located at 625 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, OH 43206.