$10,000 from Community Foundation also awarded for Program
SYRACUSE, NY- Syracuse residents are invited to get fit for free by enrolling in a 45 minute, 12 week outdoor workout program at Thornden, Wilson and Burnet Parks sponsored by Upstate Medical University, Onondaga Community College and the City of Syracuse Parks, Recreation and Youth Programs with help from a $10,000 grant from the Community Foundation.
Thornden Fit classes are Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:15 am through October 8, 2009, Burnet Fit
Classes are Mondays and Wednesdays at 6 pm through October 14, 2009 and Wilson Fit classes are Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 pm beginning July 21, 2009 through October 15, 2009.
Workouts will include strength, toning, agility and flexibility exercises taught by physical therapy and physical therapy assistant students from Upstate and OCC.
Physical therapist Dale Avers, DPT, who directs Upstate’s Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy program, will survey participants on their fitness gains and lifestyle changes as part of the program. “We’ll take various measures from the participants, such as weight and body circumference, and ask them to keep track of their daily activities and diet. This data collection will be important as we continue to understand the benefits of this type of community fitness programming,” Avers said. “I’m certain our participants will be able to feel and see the difference exercising has on their lives.” The Fit program is modeled after a twice-a-week exercise program Avers has been leading in Thornden Park since June 2008.
Also tonight, a free Community Health Talk on “Getting Started with an Exercise Program,” led by Upstate Medical University’s Dale Avers, DPT, will be held at 6pm inside the Burnet Park Rink.
For more information on participating in any of the Fit programs, go to: http://www.syracuse.ny.us/parks
Event: Fit! Syracuse
Date: 12-week program
Time: Thornden Park (Tues./Thurs. 6:15 am) Burnet Park (Mon. /Wed. 6 pm) Wilson Park (Tues./Thurs. 6 pm)
Site: Thornden Park, Burnet Park, and Wilson Park