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a longtime resident, I was excited to write about the City of Lakewood
Department of Community Resources and their recreation division department.
I wanted to revisit past adventures and check out the new schedule. “There’s
a lot to choose from for all ability levels,” say Paula Aurand
and Polly Zimmerman. Paula is the fitness coordinator responsible for
the fitness and wellness programs, while Polly is a fitness advisor who
also oversees “Silver Sneakers,” a program for active adults
ages 65 and over. Shortly after my oldest son was born, my mother-in-law presented me with a gift that I’ll always remember. It was a six-week yoga class that I attended with her at the Green Mountain Recreation Center twice a week. Not only was I able to get my body in better shape, but the centering and calmness that I learned helped me in other areas of my life. I eventually added another class that incorporated aerobics for calorie-burning and overall fitness. Speaking of burning calories, the holidays are just around the corner. With so many tempting treats, I’ve been looking at the catalog of classes available at Carmody Recreation Center where I recently became a member. Will it be swimming, aerobics, Pilates, or yoga? What about a five-week “Tots in Action” session for my 1-year-old grandson? Talk about calorie burning. Paula and Polly’s enthusiasm for “Body Pump,” a new class being offered, is contagious. They say it’s the fastest way in the universe to get in shape. It’s a one-hour workout that can change the way your body looks, and it’s one of the most efficient ways to burn calories. They say to attend the class no more than three days a week because your body needs a 48-hour recovery time to rest your muscles. As your muscles rest, that is when the change in your body’s appearance begins its transformation. Body Pump classes are provided as a group workout using weights and straight bars at changing speeds to elevate your heart rate. It’s a challenging, yet motivating environment for any level of fitness. The instructors will work with you on an individual basis to determine and recommend the weight that you can lift safely, while at the same time help you develop the proper technique to avoid injury, Paula and Polly say. Lakewood Recreation has multiple facilities throughout the city that offer programs and classes in a non-intimidating, non-threatening fashion. Regardless of your age, fitness capability, or goals, you are welcome to improve your health and meet new friends, Paula and Polly add. With the purchase of a pass you can visit any of the centers, which offer different classes from location to location. Passes are available to purchase on a daily basis as well as monthly, for six months, or annually. Family, individual, adult, senior, and student packages accommodate a wide variety of needs and include all general admission classes. Childhood obesity is becoming more of an issue within our youth population, and by community request Lakewood Recreation has developed a program called “F-I-T. Fun In Training.” This is a 12-week program that is broken into two phases and has shown great success. Structured to meet the needs of ages 8 through 14, there is a full staff of professionals led by exercise physiologists, registered dietitians, behavior therapists, and mental health professionals from the Jefferson Center. The program strongly encourages parental and family involvement. Paula and Polly explain that fast food, fast lifestyles, and too much stress are sending children down a speeding highway toward bad health. In the long run, the effects of an unhealthy large segment of our population will drain resources at a rapid rate. Obese or overweight children are 85% more likely to miss an additional 10 to 18 days of school annually than those who are within a normal weight range. There is also the likelihood that these children may have learning problems that can affect them well into adulthood. An educational component is a key piece to these classes, along with an introduction to a variety of activity options. For more information on F-I-T, call Lauren at 720-963-5370. After months of being shut down, the Carmody Recreation Center has reopened their indoor pool facility. The 35-year-old facility underwent a multitude of repairs such as replacing the pool’s circulation system with a stainless steel gutter system and adding more drains. These repairs, along with an overhaul of the filtration system, will improve the water turn over in the pool, help maintain chemical levels, maintain a consistent water temperature, and improve water clarity. And with a new surface finish, this facility is ready for swimmers! The list of classes on the mind/body punch card includes “Anusara-inspired yoga,” “sunrise yoga,” “Pilates on the mat,” and “yoga renew for beginners and intermediates,” as well as a number of others. Ask about “Pilates reformer” instruction. General admission includes classes such as “cardio dancing,” “cardio kickboxing,” “power sculpting,” and “power workout with step.” For advanced participants, you could try “BOSU,” which combines the challenges of a ball with the stability of a balance board. The “Ab Blaster” is a 30-minute workout that is said to strengthen your abs, obliques, and lower back using a variety of safe and effective exercises. If you want to get fit and stay fit, “Fit Forever” is a low-impact class that is said to enhance your overall aerobic fitness and strength. Offered several times a week at various locations at different times, Paula says this is a great class to keep your weekly routine going. Instructors at the Lakewood Recreation facilities have a variety of experience and backgrounds, yet they are all equally motivating, positive, and upbeat as they welcome you to participate in their classes, Paula adds. With baby-sitting available at some locations and generous hours of operation, the Recreation Centers in Lakewood invite you to visit or call 720-963-5366 to find the nearest location. Visit www.lakewood.org to see a complete list of classes. |
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