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星期五, 6月 02, 2017

Boston Kicks Off Free Summer Fitness Class Series

Boston Kicks Off Free Summer Fitness Class Series

Three-month series brings free classes to parks across the City, 
increasing access to physical activity
BOSTON - Friday, June 2, 2017 - The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department yesterday launched the 2017 Boston Parks Summer Fitness Series sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield.
The three-month series brings 26 free fitness classes per week to parks in 14 neighborhoods across the city, aiming to activate these spaces while increasing access to physical fitness opportunities across all of Boston's neighborhoods.
"We know that being active is important for overall health, but we also know how tough that can be to achieve for some people who have less access to physical fitness options," said BPHC Executive Director Monica Valdes Lupi, JD, MPH. "The Boston Parks Summer Fitness Series is a fun way for people to stay on track to meet their health goals, by bringing free fitness opportunities to the very neighborhoods where our residents live, work, and play."

According to the Health of Boston report, 21 percent of adults and 14 percent of high school students are obese. These rates are even higher among communities of color where 33 percent of Black adults and 27 percent of Latino adults were obese, compared to 16 percent of White adult residents. Only about half of adults in Boston have reported to exercise regularly. 

By engaging in a citywide effort to increase opportunities for physical activity, the Parks Department and BPHC aim to increase physical health for all of Boston's residents. This year's series looks to build upon previous program efforts by expanding the number of parks that offer free classes to city residents and making them more accessible to all neighborhoods. In extending this opportunity into the neighborhoods, the Boston Parks Summer Fitness Series aims to further reduce barriers to active living and achieve the goal of ensuring that Bostonians across the city have ample opportunity to be active. This year's Summer Fitness Series classes continue to be tailored to the interests of residents and participants. Many classes for the first time will be offered in Spanish.
"We are pleased to be teaming up again with the Boston Public Health Commission and Blue Cross Blue Shield to offer these healthy activities in our parks," said Boston Parks Commissioner Chris Cook. "Getting people outside and improving their lives is an important part of our mission at the Boston Parks and Recreation Department. To allow people to do this right in their own neighborhoods means that fitness is within reach of so many more Boston residents."

"At Blue Cross, we believe that the public and private sector have a responsibility to help all Massachusetts residents lead healthy lives by increasing their access to positive environments and experiences that inspire healthy eating and physical activity," said Jeff Bellows, Vice President of Corporate Citizenship and Public Affairs at Blue Cross. "Staying active and setting goals keeps your health moving in the right direction. The Boston Parks Summer Fitness series provides accessible physical activity opportunities that are high-quality, safe, and fun. We could not be more thrilled to partner with the City of Boston on this innovative program."

The June 1 kick-off event featured free high-energy 30-minute Zumba and line dancing classes open to all fitness levels, providing an introduction to all that the series has to offer Bostonians this summer including salsa dancing, yoga, tai chi, Zumba, boot camp, line dancing, and more. Polar Beverages provided free water at the event. This year's series includes classes specifically for seniors, children and families. Fitness classes will be offered from June 3 to August 31.
For a full schedule of Boston Parks Summer Fitness Series classes, visit bphc.org/summerfitness. For updates, follow @HealthyBoston, @BostonParksDept, and #BostonMoves on Twitter.
About the Boston Public Health Commission 
The Boston Public Health Commission, the country's oldest health department, is an independent public agency providing a wide range of health services and programs. It is governed by a seven-member board of health appointed by the Mayor of Boston.
Public service and access to quality health care are the cornerstones of our mission - to protect, preserve, and promote the health and well-being of all Boston residents, particularly those who are most vulnerable. The Commission's more than 40 programs are grouped into six bureaus: Child, Adolescent & Family Health; Community Health Initiatives; Homeless Services; Infectious Disease; Recovery Services; and Emergency Medical Services.

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