On Saturday, June 8th the first ever Fitness Day was held at Beall Woods State Park. The event was sponsored by Wabash General Hospital. The morning started off at 9am with heart pumping workouts. Betty Kimpel (Studio B) cranked up the music and brought so much energy into the Zumba class. The excitement didn't stop there. Down by the lake, Chloe Farmer (MTC Fit) had several in attendance for the PiYo class. Many participants commented that they had never taken PiYo in the past, but now it is one of their favorite programs and would like to take it again. Master Ryan Marx (Carmi Taekwondo) began his morning of instruction with Taekwondo in the campground.
At 10am, Marx continued instructing but shifted disciplines in order to teach Krav Maga. Many enjoyed this self-defense class and felt more confident after taking it. Tambra Matthews (Unleashed Strength and Fitness) offered a very informative Functional Fitness class. Attendees were shown proper form while using various types of equipment that would be available at the gym. If you saw lots of kicking and punching by the lake, Elise Thomason (MTC Fit) presented an intense Cardio Kickboxing class.
Matthews wrapped up the morning with another Functional Fitness class at 11am. It was accompanied by two other classes. STRONG, presented by Kimple, was a high intensity workout at the Visitor Center. For those who wanted to improve balance and flexibility, they choose Tai Chi with Mrs. Patricia Mills (Carmi Taekwondo).
Throughout the morning, dietitians Laura Luecke (Wabash General Hospital) and Whitney Buckles (Fairfield Memorial Hospital) provided participants with healthy snacking options and pre/post workout eating tips. Luecke had three different smoothies for everyone to try and Buckles had a wonderful assortment of trail mix items.
The staff at Beall Woods State Park would like to thank Wabash General Hospital for sponsoring the event, Danielle Stevens for her assistance with planning and promoting the event, and all of the hospital staff that showed up to help that day. A huge thank you to all of the instructors and both dietitians for taking time out of their schedules and sharing their passion for improving health with participants. Also, to Jonas Trimble (Wabash County Farm Bureau Young Leader) for assisting with set up before the event. And last but not least, the Albion Hope Center for donating footballs, bicycle helmets, and a basketball for door prizes. Thank you all for coming together and making Fitness Day at the Park a successful event!
Sophia Hammell participating in the Functional Fitness class
Wabash General Hospital Dietitian (Laura Luecke) offered three different smoothies for participants to sample during the event.