Our clocks have sprung ahead! We are in a season of lengthening daylight with nature around us sprouting, growing, budding, and blooming. Many find this an energizing, invigorating time of inspiration and hope. My challenge this month is for you to grab onto this energy and inspiration, to take advantage of this time of coolness and light, and spring forward! Get moving! By Southern California standards we have actually had a wet and cold winter this year. We may have been indoors more than usual and need to be intentional about getting back out there. There are many opportunities to help us do this.
In the Azusa community and the surrounding area we are fortunate to have
many leaders that have embraced the need to create healthy physical activity choices. There are some I want to highlight. Since November, on the second Saturday of every month, community members and Mayor Joe Rocha have an organized walk at one of the city parks. Targeting children and their parents from the surrounding schools, the Be A Walker events start at 9:30am. Children receive a free pedometer and t-shirt and after a brief and fun health lesson, all participants start off around the park with a guest leader and continue for at least a mile. Afterward, everyone enjoys a free, healthy snack. April’s walk is on Saturday the 10th at Memorial Park and will be followed by the Community Healthy Gardening event.
Another local opportunity is the Azusa Walks program at the Neighborhood Wellness Center (626-812-5191). By making at least a four-week commitment to return weekly, you can receive a free pedometer, a t-shirt, and education and information on health, disease risk, park walking routes, physical activity, and diet and nutrition. An exciting option is participating in the Tuesday and Thursday morning walking groups lead by a committed and skilled trainer.
For the children are some programs led by young and enthusiastic APU students. Kids on the Move, is a coed fitness class for 4th and 5th graders, and Girls on the Move is a dance class for middle school girls. These are after- school programs that are available by calling Azusa Recreation and Family Services (626-812-5287). Additional offerings are always available through this department.
For the “mature” ones among us, there are two dynamic aerobics classes offered every morning, Monday through Friday at the Azusa Senior Center led by the very qualified Ria Benbow. These courses are just some of many provided through Azusa Adult Education.
So there you have it! No excuses now, there is something for nearly everyone. Research has shown us that people making these types of lifestyle choices are most likely to keep up with their physical activity commitment if they commit to it with friends or family. So grab a partner in health and enjoy this spring!
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