'Fall into Fitness': A Free Pass to Better Health

Ah, September, the official transition from summer to fall. School is back in session and football is in the air, sure signs that those crisp, cool days and spectacular autumn colors are not far off.

The changing seasons also alter routines. It was easy to stay active in the summer: running, hiking, swimming, cycling, walking everywhere and just being outside, generally. But with shorter, colder days on the horizon, the fitness plan is going to need some tweaking.

With that in mind, the Fox Valley Park District is running a "Fall into Fitness" program that encourages residents to carry over their fitness and exercise goals into the new season.

Throughout the month of September, the park district is offering a free seven-day pass for new visitors (age 16 and older) to any one of its three fitness centers—the Vaughan Athletic Center, Eola Community Center and Prisco Community Center.

Yes, that’s correct, it’s a complimentary pass. If you’re interested in a fitness club membership, Fall into Fitness is like a one-week test drive that allows you to try out all the equipment and facilities, including group exercise classes.

There’s a lot to sample, too. Eola members are currently enjoying brand new equipment that includes 24 M-3 spinning cycles, new treadmills and ellipticals and a cable-crossover weight machine. Also, every cardio work station now features a personal TV, in addition to the six 40-inchers spaced throughout.

The Vaughan Center recently installed 28 new magnetic resistance (spinning) bikes and 10 new treadmills. And, starting in November at Prisco, the Survivor Fitness Challenge will provide members with a fun and motivational program to offset those holiday feasts and stick to an enjoyable workout routine.

It’s all the benefits of being an annual pass holder. Of course, the park district would like you to stay around after the seven-day trial, and most do. There’s something about working out and exercising that makes the mind and body feel so good—the “endorphin rush,” as the fitness folks fondly call it.

While it’s tough for busy, working adults to find time and energy each day for exercise, leaving the gym with a feel-good glow makes it worth the small investment.

That feeling goes far beyond just the post-workout rush. Regular exercise has innumerable benefits that contribute toward long-term health. Maintaining proper body weight and keeping the cardiovascular system well-tuned go a long way toward better living on a day-to-day basis.

The goal of an exercise program isn’t about bulging biceps and six-pack abs. It’s about maintaining a personal level of fitness that leads to a healthier lifestyle.

An added bonus to staying active during the fall and winter months—when holidays are plentiful—is that there’s less of a guilt complex if you happen to enjoy a few too many culinary treats. Hey, you’ll work them off the next day!

All it takes is a little commitment. The Fall into Fitness offer provides the nudge. Once you open the door, you’ll return again and again. You and your body will be thankful you did.

Jeff Long is the public relations manager for the Fox Valley Park District. Contact him at jlong@fvpd.net.