Fun, Festive, Free – Two Months of Healthy Huntsville Events to Get You in Shape
Published on April 26, 2017
No excuses! That’s the message from the Healthy Huntsville team after announcing a series of free fitness events designed to entice the most reluctant couch potato to get up and move.
From salsa dancing to Zumba, the Mayor’s Bike Ride, yoga, or a brisk walk at lunch, Healthy Huntsville is filling its “no-excuses” calendar with opportunities to improve your quality of life.
“It’s easy to justify the many reasons why you don’t have time to exercise, and we want to help everyone throw those excuses out the window,” said Mayor Tommy Battle. “Thanks to the volunteerism from physical trainers and our Healthy Huntsville partners, we’re offering some fun and easy ways to get outdoors and shake it up.”
Wearing his Fitbit during a news conference in Big Spring Park East, Mayor Battle unveiled a list of events, including a three-day Healthy Huntsville blitz to jump-start a warm weather fitness regimen. Leading the way is the National Walk@Lunch Day, sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama.
“Blue Cross recognizes the importance of Alabamians making healthy lifestyle choices and we are proud to partner with the City of Huntsville for this special health and wellness event,” said Brian DeMarco, Senior Media Specialist for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama. “National Walk@Lunch Day encourages employees to get active and walk 30 minutes during their lunch break which can help reduce the likelihood of future health problems and lower overall healthcare costs for both the employer and employees.”
WEATHER DATE CHANGE: Tuesday, May 9 – National Walk at Lunch Day, Big Spring Park East, 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m..
This collaborative walk with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama specifically targets workers who might not be able to move a lot during the day. Join us for a 30-minute walk at lunch to improve your health. Register as a team or individual before the event to be eligible for prize drawings: https://www.bcbsal.org/web/public/portal/walk-at-lunch/huntsville.html . After the walk, we’ll have more than 25 groups on site to provide information on wellness and nutrition.
WEATHER DATE CHANGE: Friday, May 12 – Cinco de Mayo Dance Party, Campus No. 805, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Great fun for those looking for variety in their workout after office hours. Healthy Huntsville is throwing a Dance Party to remind you that there are lots of ways to exercise (and to have fun while doing it!). Register from 5 – 6 p.m. for a chance to win door prizes. Zumba by Mira Eggleston from 6:15 – 7 p.m.; Salsa Lesson by Ricky Jenkins of Dance Rocket City from 7:15 – 8 p.m.; Dance, Dance, Dance with Live DJ from 8 -10 p.m.
Saturday, May 6 – Mayor’s Bike Ride, Big Spring Park East, 10 a.m.
An annual favorite, the Mayor and local cycling clubs will lead a family-friendly 4-mile bike ride around Downtown Huntsville. They’ll be booths with cycling information before and after the ride. If you don’t have a bike, grab one from the new Zagster Bike Share program (grand opening will take place before the ride at 9 a.m.) but be sure to bring a helmet. Registration 9:30 a.m., Mayor’s Bike Safety Month Proclamation at 10 a.m., followed by the Bike Ride.
Saturdays, May 13 – June 24, Saturdays in the Park, Big Spring Park East, 9 a.m.
The popular Saturdays in the Park return with free one-hour fitness classes every Saturday morning. It’s a great way to try a different exercise and to meet new friends. Lead organizer is the Huntsville Hospital Wellness Center.
“We are proud to have supported Healthy Huntsville since its inception and events such as Saturdays in the Park allow us to improve the health of the community in a proactive manner,” said Kevin Ready, Program Manager, Wellness Center.
May 13 Row an Ergometer, Rocket City Rowing with Kathy Biddlecombe
May 20 Pound, YMCA with Lynelle Lamons
June 3 Zumba, Hip Healthy Chick with Tasha Edwards
June 10 Yoga, Rocket City Yoga Week with Mitzi Connell
June 17 PiYo, YMCA with Carrie Driggers
June 24 Fitness DEFY’D Fit Camp, Fitness DEFY’D with J’Que
Led by Mayor Tommy Battle and the City’s Parks & Recreation Department, Healthy Huntsville is sponsored by the following non-profit organizations: City of Huntsville, Huntsville Hospital, Huntsville City Schools, HudsonAlpha, and the Huntsville-Madison County Health Department . These organizations are working with the community to offer FREE programs throughout the year to help educate our citizens on wellness and good physical health. Our goal is to: “Reduce obesity by promoting healthy eating and active lifestyles.”
More information at huntsvilleal.gov/healthyhuntsville .
