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!

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!

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.

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 :)

Let's Play Campaign

My plan today was to fill you in on our Fitness Boot Camp class that starts in a few weeks. Instead, I feel compelled to take a minute to tell you about all of the activities and programs we have to keep kids of all ages active and healthy. I read an article today about childhood obesity and was just shocked by the statistics (you can read the article here).

Did you know that one in three children, ages 2-19, have been reported as being overweight and childhood obesity causes 112,000 deaths every year? I was completely stunned by those figures. I know there are a number of factors, some that are beyond our control, but getting your children active at a young age can help them develop a love of exercise and physical activity that will last a lifetime.

The secret is finding something your children are interested in. One way to do that is to try a handful of different activities until you find something they like.Our Sporties 4 Shorties class allows your preschooler to try a handful of different sports, including basketball, soccer, football, t-ball and hockey.

Once you find out what your child is good at and what they enjoy, find a program for that sport and age level to sign them up for or try to play it with them outside of organized activities.

Soccer and t-ball are huge sports for preschoolers. The rules, equipment, and field can be tailored to fit any age and skill level. You can call your local parks and recreation department or YMCA for programs in you area. Here at the Massillon Parks and Recreation Department, we offer T-ball, Soccer and Basketball for children as young as 3 years old. Our programs are taught by experienced instructors who know how to teach children that age. We also provide parents with practice guides so you can work with your children off the field.

Getting your children healthy and active doesn't have to cost money, either. It's as simple as playing outside after school or work, going for a walk around your neighborhood or taking a bike ride on the weekend. And an extra benefit of getting involved in these activities with your kids - you could get in better shape, too, and have fun while you're doing it!

The NEW Parks & Recreation Blog

Since Kenn has successfully completed his weight loss journey with Get Fit, Stark! and reached his goal weight of 255 lbs, I thought we should reinvent our blog. I had many ideas of what to do in it, but I finally decided to use it as a way to give everyone an inside look at our programs, events and the department as a whole.

Our new blog will include previews and personal experiences of classes and events and even take you through some of what we do to get ready for our events. It will keep you informed and updated on what is going on at the Massillon Parks and Recreation Department. We hope you enjoy it and find it useful. Please feel free to comment and make suggestions for future posts!

Thank you and Enjoy!