MOUNT VERNON – Foundation Park Conservancy will offer a variety of free physical fitness activities at the park this summer.
All activities will be held in the Schnormeier Event Center and are sponsored by United Way of Knox County and each of the fitness providers, including Crossfit 1808, Hot Yoga Escape, Marshall Winkle, Hannah Kelling, the YMCA, Step Into Fitness, Anisha Maxwell (Cardio Drumming) and Heidi Varner (Zumba).
There is plenty of room at the event center for social distancing as necessary according to this summer’s prevailing COVID-19 regulations. Water fountains may or may not be available at the park; restrooms will be available.
Schedule:
Classes start the first week of June and go through mid-August.
Mondays
• 9 a.m. — Strength Yoga, led by Step Into Fitness.
• 10 a.m. — Tai Chi, led by Marshall Winkle.
• 5:30 p.m. — Crossfit, led by Crossfit 1808.
Tuesdays
• 10 a.m. — Thrive Kids, led by Hannah Kelling.
• 5:30 p.m. — Cardio Drumming, led by Anisha Maxwell.
Wednesdays
• 10 a.m. — Tai Chi, led by Marshall Winkle.
• 5 p.m. — Zumba, led by Heidi Varner.
• 6 p.m. — Yoga, led by Hot Yoga Escape.
Thursdays
• 4:45 p.m. — HIIT, led by Amy Moran of the YMCA.
Descriptions:
Tai Chi – Tai chi is an ancient Chinese tradition that today is practiced as a graceful form of exercise. It involves a series of movements performed in a slow, focused manner and accompanied by deep breathing. Each posture flows into the next without pause, ensuring that your body is in constant motion. Tai chi is low impact and puts minimal stress on muscles and joints, making it generally safe for all ages and fitness levels. In fact, because tai chi is a low-impact exercise, it may be especially suitable if you're an older adult who otherwise may not exercise.
Yoga – Participants will need to bring a mat. Yoga is quickly becoming one of the most popular workout regimens among those who are looking to gain flexibility, strength and even lose weight. It is great for reducing stress and allowing for greater relaxation. Yoga is said to have originated in India during the Golden Age, nearly 26,000 years ago. Yoga can do a lot for the human body and has been proven to increase health and body awareness, allowing participants to better control their bodies. From flexibility increases to better body alignment, Yoga can help with a variety of ailments.
Zumba – Perfect for everybody and every body, each Zumba takes the “work” out of workout, mixing low-intensity and high-intensity moves for an interval-style, calorie-burning dance-fitness party. Once the Latin and World rhythms take over, participants will see why Zumba fitness classes are often called exercise in disguise. Effective and fun, it’s a total workout, combining all elements of fitness — cardio, muscle conditioning, balance, flexibility and boosted energy.
Crossfit – Get back to the basics! Join 1808 to learn the basics of squatting, lunging, pushing, running and jumping. No experience needed. Build a solid foundation for yourself both physically and mentally. Come break a sweat, challenge yourself and leave feeling good!
Cardio Drumming – Led by Nisha Maxwell, this is a fun, high-energy class for all ages. Participants will need an 18-gallon bucket/laundry bucket with rope handle, a 75-cm yoga ball (large) and a set of drumsticks. Nisha will have a few extras for first-timers and sells drumsticks for $3 if needed. Come try this new experience!
HIIT – As you can tell from the name, high-intensity interval training is challenging. It takes a cardio workout to a new level as participants push their pace past their comfort zones. Participants will work up a sweat fast, working at a very intense level and then backing off for a slower recovery period, followed by another round of high intensity.
THRIVE Kids – Hannah Kelling will be working with kids through movement and mindset to help them become the healthiest version of themselves.
Ariel-Foundation Park, located in Mount Vernon, Ohio, is a 250-acre civic park that offers a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors of all ages. Follow the park on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
