Fitness Trend in Mower County

Many options in Mower County are available to be active...from organized fitness centers/studios to outdoor parks, playgrounds, waterways, sports facilities and bike trails. These are valuable resources that encourage a more healthy and active county.

Mower Refreshed explores what citizens are doing to live well and to make healthy choices easier, we have discovered a trend in our county that is inspiring! Throughout the county we have observed a growing movement of citizen-led efforts that are creating opportunities to make fitness easy to get to and affordable.

LeRoy citizens Pat Utz, Jan Soltau and Eileen Evans were self-motivated to become certified instructors through the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program and created classes at LeRoy Community Center that focus on strength building and endurance. There is no cost to the program that offers participants of all ages with light weights and exercise bands as part of the fitness program. For more information email pat.utz@hotmail.com or call the LeRoy Community Center.

Shari Mason has been busy offering yoga classes that give back to the community. Participants in the classes not only are able to receive the benefit of increasing flexibility and relaxation but an opportunity to donate $1.00 at each class and support the Salvation Army dinner program. Chair Yoga ( 3:30-4:15pm) and Fitness Yoga (5:45-6:30pm), both on Mondays at the First Congregational Church in Austin. More information: email pastor@austincongoucc.org or call 507-433-2301.

Tucked in the lower level at The Cedars of Austin residents meet six days a week for thirty minutes each day to exercise as a group. Inspiration comes from learning the group is citizen-led by two women who are ninety-four and ninety-eight!. Laughter and encouragement are all a part of the group that beautifully integrates staying active with a focus on gratitude!

Another group for women of all ages meets 5:30pm on Tuesdays at Cornerstone Church in Austin. This group accommodates all levels of fitness in their workout and offers time to reflect and support one another in active, healthy living. This group also equips women who are interested in trying a 5k or half marathon with the opportunity to train with others. Some of the women in the group will be team training for the 2nd Annual Darren Dash in 2013. Class is free. For more information contact corinneneitzell@msn.org or call 507-271-7886.

Don’t forget to check into your local community education programs , Mower County Senior Center and consider taking part annually in the county-wide Get Fit Be Fit Challenge offered by United Way of Mower County, YMCA of Austin and Mayo Clinic Health System Austin.

We know there are other opportunities out there in our county and we need your help to promote them in our “Get Moving Mower” fitness link on our new website due to launch late January. A quick click will feature all the walk/run/swim/bike/ski events in Mower County January-December with basic contact information. A quick click will also get you to fitness classes, centers/programs and wellness organizations in Mower County!

Send us events and fitness connections you know about in our county for “Get Moving Mower”!

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