New Look, New Workout

Those you who have visited us since we re-opened on August 27 may have noticed some changes, like the new paint colors in our lobby. We also added a little something to the fitness room to help shake-up your workout. What is it? New circuit equipment! It had been hiding upstairs in the fitness studio for a while, but we decided to make room for it down here so everyone could use it.

I got my first chance to use it yesterday. You are supposed to go through the circuit quickly, doing as many repetitions as you can in only 60 seconds before moving quickly onto the next machine. This helps keep your heart rate up so you are burning calories while getting a great toning workout. The machines are set up in a big circle, making it easy to go from one machine to the next.

The circuit machines themselves are designed to help you get the most out of a short workout. Instead of using weights and pulleys like traditional weight equipment, they use pistons and air resistance. This allows you to work two muscle groups with each movement. For example, on the bicep curl/triceps extension machine, you pull the bar up to work your biceps and instead of it falling like on a traditional machine, you have to push it back down, working your triceps. This allows you to work all your muscles in half the time.

I think it's a great addition to any workout plan and would be an excellent workout to do with your children. I rode the bike for 30 minutes to get some cardio exercise in, then moved on to the new circuit equipment. I did two circuits of it and got an entire cardio and toning workout in less than an hour. It can definitely stream line any workout and I highly recommend you give it a try the next time you are here!

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.

Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear

I'm in the midst of planning a new fun event called the Teddy Bear Picnic on Friday, July 23. Preschoolers are invited to bring their favorite stuffed animal to Oak Knoll Park for a craft, games, swimming and playing on the playground. I went to and helped plan this event every year in the city I used to work with.

I've been busy finding a few different games to play and different crafts. We are going to sing Teddy Bear songs, like "Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, Turn Around" and Teddy Bear Tag. I'm still working on which craft would be the best, so if you have a favorite Teddy Bear craft, please forward on your recommendation.

As of right now, the weather is calling for another hot, hot, hot day on July 23, so it's going to be the perfect day to head down to the pool anyway. For just a few dollars more, your preschooler can enjoy a fun day out with their favorite stuffed toy and other kids their age! I have a few more spots left in the event. Register by July 20 so you don't get left out. I'm looking forward to seeing you there!

Farmer's Market of Massillon

One of my favorite summer traditions is starting up this weekend - The Farmer's Market of Massillon. I have to be honest, though - it wasn't always one of my favorite traditions.

I had never shopped at a Farmer's Market until I came to this one last year. I was actually a little skeptical at first. I thought the prices would be high and the food wouldn't be that great since it was grown in someone's garden. I was completely wrong.

The fruits and vegetables for sale at the market are reasonably priced and delicious. I found it to be a great opportunity to try new and different vegetables I loved at restaurants but was reluctant to purchase in the store, like summer squash and fresh green beans. I am also a sucker for home-cooked baked goods and lucky for me, those are in abundance at the market. 

When I first attended the farmer's market, I was also shocked at the variety of goods. There were home made soaps and lotions, crafts, flowers, jams and jellies and more. I always thought farmer's markets just sold fruits and vegetables. But no - now I discovered things like Pepper Butter. I was so curious I had to buy it and it was great!

We are nailing down all of the logistics for the market this year. We have a total of 19 vendors there for the whole season, and this week we have an additional 3 vendors selling by the week. They are organized into a new market formation, making your shopping experience safer and more convenient. So join us for the first market of the season this Saturday, 8 am-12 pm at the Massillon Recreation Center. The market will continue ever Saturday through October 9.

Hands-on Event

Do you have plans on Friday? I hope not, unless they involve our Touch a Truck program! If you have kids, especially little boys, you should definitely mark this event on the calendar. We are inviting those big trucks you only get to see from far away to the Recreation Center for kids to climb in. And the best part? It's FREE! Concessions will be for sale, so bring a blanket and have a picnic lunch!

I just got off the phone with our Safety Services Director and could not be more excited about this event. He told me the city departments are all looking forward to Touch a Truck and have a dump truck, front end loader (think Bob the Builder), a fire truck, a police car and a vacuum truck ready! We'll also have a bucket truck from Massillon Cable and an ambulance from Smith Ambulance.

This event is starting off a lot bigger than I anticipated and I hope you are all able to come and experience it! When else will your kids get a chance to crawl all over big trucks like these.

The Best Summer Ever

What was your favorite summer job? Mine was working as a playground supervisor for the parks and recreation department where I lived. Not only did I get to play outside all day and go on sweet field trips, but I also got to hang out with some pretty awesome kids.

I like to think I made a difference in their lives - in fact I still talk to some of them. Now, of course, they are college graduates and that makes me feel a little old. I loved supervising the program but I always regretted the fact I never participated in it when I was little.

Almost every community has a summer playground program, and Massillon is no exception. What better way for children to spend the summer than playing outside with other kids their age? It is a great way for them to meet new people, make new friends and spend time with good role models.

The program also gives your children a chance to go to different attractions, like the Akron Zoo and Sluggers & Putters. I still remember how much fun those places were and the only time I got a chance to go was with the playground program.

Massillon's Playground Program is for ages 6-11 and is taking place now through August 7 at Community, Oak Knoll and Reservoir Parks. It's one of the most fun things kids can do over the summer.

If you have a child that's too young for the Playground Program but still wants to get together with other children, we also offer a Shorties Preschool Club twice a week in July for children ages 3-5. I had a chance to teach this program last year and it was way fun. We did crafts, played interactive games, sang songs (the too-di-ta song is my favorite) and read books. The program ends with some kiddie pool time, too, and no kid can resist that!

Don't miss either of these great programs. It will keep your kids outside and having fun in a supervised environment while you are at work, running errands, or just enjoying the silence of having the house to yourself :)

The importance of swim lessons

I read an editorial in today's Independent titled "Swimming lessons can be a real lifesaver" (6/1/10) and it contained some eye-opening facts. For instance, did you know drowning was the second-leading cause of death for children between the ages of one and 19 between 2000 and 2006? I was shocked to learn that.

While we are all careful when we take kids to the pool, sometimes accidents happen. The American Academy of Pediatrics says that while not all toddlers are ready for swim lessons, learn-to-swim programs can be beneficial for children under the age of four.

While swim lessons are not a fail-safe (even experience swimmers can drown), they go a long way in teaching children water safety.

With summer upon us, this is a big issue. The Massillon Parks and Recreation Department offers swim lessons for children as young as 6 months old (with a parent). All of our swim lessons are taught by American Red Cross Certified Instructors. Our instructors are required to take educational updates as they become available, so they are always up-to-date on the newest techniques.

Seeing as it's summer and you might rather be outside at the pool, we have started offering Parent and Child Aquatics Level 1 & 2 and Preschool Aquatics Level 1 at Oak Knoll Wading Pool on Tuesday nights beginning June 8. These are great for children who are a little skittish about the water because the pool isn't deep.

If indoor lessons are more your thing or your child is a little more advanced, we also offer those classes indoors as well as lessons for levels 1-5 weekday mornings beginning June 7. Our Evening and Saturday lessons will start July 5 and June 26, respectively.

We have also started offering deep-water lessons for more advanced students on Sunday mornings at the Massillon City Pool. Those lessons start on June 6.

You can find information on all of our swim lessons on our web site.

Swim lessons are important and help teach your children water safety and awareness, but nothing compares to being active and playing with them. You'll be able to recognize problems before they start and could end up getting a great workout too!

Fun in the Sun Carnival

Last night was the sneak preview of our annual Fun in the Sun Carnival. Seeing all of the rides out my window makes me reminice about my childhood.

There was a similar carnival that would set up around the Cuyahoga Falls area that we went to a few times. Even though I was only 8 or so, I still remember how much fun it was. More than the rides, I remember just being outside and having fun with my family. We'd get greasy carnival food like funnel cakes and corn dogs and play those silly carnival games. I still remember when my mom, dad, sister and I challenged each other to climb the rope ladder to win a stuffed animal. None of us made it up to the top, but we sure did have a great time trying.

I think spending time with your family, no matter what you're doing, is one of the truly important and great parts in life. One of the things I love about being a recreation programmer is being able to provide these fun, family events and opportunities.

The Fun in the Sun Carnival will be at the Massillon Recreation Center Friday, May 28-Monday, May 31. Hours are 5-10 pm Friday, 1-11 pm Saturday & Sunday, and 12-8 pm on Monday. Ride tickets cost $1. Most rides require two tickets. You can also purchase a ride wristband for $15. There are 6 new rides this year! There are also carnival games and food.