Boot Camp for your Body

Are you looking for a new workout challenge? I've got one for you - our new Fitness Boot Camp Class. I just went through this class on Thursday and let me tell you, it was killer! I work out on a regular basis and I was sore the next day! I am going to be teaching it this fall since our previous instructor can no longer do so.

This is a class designed for those of you who want a great total body workout in a minimal amount of time. By working out large muscle groups through the majority of the workout, you get your heart rate cranking and keep it there for the entire class.

It's great for men and women because it doesn't involve any complicated steps or choreography, like aerobics classes. Instead, this class focuses on strengthening movements to help you build lean muscle. What's awesome about lean muscle is that it helps your body continue to burn fat even after your workout is over.

I'm really excited to have the opportunity to teach this class. It is aimed to be a tough workout for everyone, beginners and workout addicts alike because you can alter your pace and the weight you use for each exercise. The new session starts on September 7, so sign up and try it out!

Donating is Rewarding in more ways than one

I've heard recently that there are over 13 million children who cannot afford basic school supplies. When kids do not have the tools to succeed in school, it is hard for them to learn how to succeed in life. It creates a vicious cycle that is hard to break out of.

What is even more depressing is that this problem exists right here in Massillon. It's in our own backyard, not just the big inner city neighborhoods. I know the poor economy has hit our area especially hard in the last few years and times just keep on getting tougher. We could all use a little help sometimes and here's a call out to those who can afford to help.

The Massillon Parks and Recreation Department is now accepting the donation of school supplies. Anyone who brings in two new school supplies between 1-5 pm through August 20 will get to swim for half price in the Massillon Recreation Center Pool. It's our way to give back to those who are out there helping others.

Even if you are not interested in swimming, we encourage you to donate school supplies anyway. Everything we collect will be donated to local schools, helping local students, local families and ultimately local community and economy. Although the half price promotion only lasts through Friday, we are accepting donations through the end of the weekend. Next week we will be taking the donated supplies to local schools.

Challenge Yourself!

Recently, I have been looking for a new workout challenge. If you are like me, doing the same thing over and over again gets boring. My friend suggested a train for a 5K. At first I thought she was crazy. She's the kind of person who "accidentally" runs 10 miles when she just wants to go out and run six miles. Who does that? I've accidentally done a lot of things, but I have never accidentally run four too many miles!

I workout on a regular basis, but running is still something that eludes me. However, in honor of our Sippo Valley Rail Run coming up in September, I have decided to take up a training program. Seeing as my friend has really only become a runner in the last two years, I asked for her advice. She directed me here: http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml. It looks doable, so I am going to try it.

I am going to start the program next week and I'd like all you novices out there to train along with me. It's the perfect amount of time to train to run our 5K Sippo Valley Rail Run on September 26. We'll also have a 10K race that day for those of you with a little more running experience. Search the Internet to find out how to go from running a 5K to a 10K or how to improve your time!

Start your training now and let me know how your it  is going on twitter @massillon_rec so we can chat about our experiences.