The 2016 Get Fit Palmetto Bay program, created by the village’s Parks and Recreation Department to boost awareness of health issues for residents, got off with a good start on Sunday, Jan. 10, at Coral Reef Park.
An estimated 200 people turned out for the official launch of the yearlong program emphasizing wellness, nutrition and fitness. There were sponsor tents featuring fitness-program demos, health screenings, chair massages, vitamins, health food samplings, skin care, fitness shoes and apparel and more than 40 residents registered for the seven-week Mayor’s Fitness Challenge.
Palmetto Bay Mayor Eugene Flinn and Councilmember Karyn Cunningham joined with representatives of Baptist Health South Florida on a day with ideal weather. The Baptist Health community outreach team performed more than 80 onsite wellness screenings and the Village Parks and Recreation staffers say it was a very good first-year event.
Mayor Flinn was happy with the event.
“The numbers are far from final as there is still time to get registered,” Mayor Flinnsaid . “I am very pleased with the kickoff for Get Fit Palmetto Bay. Hundreds were present throughout the morning to get screened by Baptist Health, participate in the Zumba, Yoga, and Boot Camp demonstrations.
“I am looking forward to the scheduled events set for the next few weeks, months and throughout this year. The primary goal is to increase our activity and live longer, healthier lives.”
The mayor said that the program will allow participants to get to know the village’s parks better and continue to increase community spirit. Participants are reportedly already talking about starting some new groups such as run clubs.
“Improving our fitness is the stated goal, but participating in our parks with existing friends as well as making new friends is the icing on the cake,” Flinn said. “Did I just say cake? Join in, bike, walk, run, and/or play your way to healthy friendships in 2016.”
Sponsors were Baptist Health South Florida, Fit2Run, Bike305, MAC Cycle, Everglades Bicycle Club, CrossFit Demand and Affordable Acupuncture Clinic.
For information, visit the village website at www.palmettobay-fl.gov/content/get-fit-palmetto-bay-2016. Get Fit Palmetto Bay is based on a nationwide initiative and information on that can be found at www.phitamerica.org.
