Get in Shape with Parks and Recreation

Running, lifting and Nordic walking available

Porter County Parks and Recreation is offering several programs geared toward getting in shape for spring.

Beginners and advanced runners can train with our Road Runners Club of America Certified Coach Amy Hartz in a variety of programs. The Couch to 5K program starts April 9 and is for beginner runners. The cost is $40. More experienced runners can join Amy for the Sunset Hill Farm Running Club, which meets at no charge at Sunset Hill Farm County Park on Mondays at 6 p.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8 a.m. year round.

Nordic walking is a new program that will be available on Wednesdays from May 4 to June 22. This exercise combines fitness walking with the use of specially designed poles. The benefits of this program are extensive, as participants burn 20 to 50 percent more calories than traditional fitness walking, and exercise 90 percent of their muscles simultaneously. The beginner program takes place at 9 a.m., while an intermediate program begins at 10 a.m. The cost for this program is $30 ($25 for seniors) and equipment is provided.

A body bar training program aimed at toning muscle and burning fat is scheduled for Mondays from May 2 to June 27 from 5:15 to 5:45 p.m. Equipment will be provided for this program, which costs $25 for the entire eight weeks, or $5 for a single class.

Space for these spring fitness programs is limited. Contact Amy Hartz at 219-465-5209 or e-mail her at ahartz@porterco.org to register or for more information.