Leader Publications

By JESSICA SIEFF
Niles Daily Star

Like it or not – it’s that time of year when it gets a little harder to ignore the subject of exercise. Those who enjoy getting their blood pumping outdoors are thinking of having to take their workout inside and those who don’t workout much at all may want to think about taking it up as loads of Halloween candy, Thanksgiving recipe cards and Christmas cookies loom on the horizon.

To gear up, the YMCA is putting on “A Day in the Park” – a free community event that will allow anyone and everyone to come down to Riverfront Park Saturday, Oct. 10 to take part in a day of fitness classes.

The event is being spearheaded by YMCA fitness instructor Lacey Wiemuth, who was inspired by the “A Day in the Park” event held earlier in the year in Chicago by famous fitness “icon” Jillian Michaels.

Hearing of how so many flocked to Chicago to take part in day of exercise, Wiemuth said she thought it a good idea for right here in Niles.

“From there we started threading our ideas together,” Wiemuth said.

‘We’ would be the instructors and staff at the YMCA who have put together a schedule of fitness classes in half hour increments from 9 a.m. that Saturday to 2 p.m.

Classes include spinning, kick boxing, yoga, toning to name a few.

The classes normally last an hour when given at the YMCA but Wiemuth said they were scaled down “so that people can participate in more than one class.”
Many area businesses have sponsored the event, which will include a raffle for a brand new, unisex bike donated by Cycle and Fitness and the Baker’s Needle donated specially made shirts for the staff and the YMCA will be selling t-shirts to mark the event for $8. Other prizes include personal training sessions, free three month memberships and gift certificates.

All profits will go toward children and family programs at the YMCA.

“We’re going to get it going at 9 a.m.,” said Wiemuth. “All the instructors will be there, ready to teach.”

Each of the classes were picked in order to offer both medium and high intensity workouts as well as strengthening.

“There’s several classes offered throughout the day,” Wiemuth said. “So you never miss out on a class.”

There’s no registration, no sign up required. Anyone interested, said Wiemuth, need only park their car – and maybe layer up on the active wear in case of cooler temperatures.
The event is planned for rain or shine.

To accommodate the spinning courses, all 20 of the YMCA’s bikes will be moved from inside the YMCA down to the park.

For those who may work up an appetite as well – Wiemuth said Riverfront Cafe will be offering a special healthy style lunch.

For members, Wiemuth said the day will be a fun way to get their workout outdoors. And for nonmembers it’s a free way to see all of the specialized classes the YMCA has to offer.
Wiemuth said already the response is growing and she’s expecting a relatively good turnout of people to the park.

The event will also introduce a new class being taught by Wiemuth called “Baby and Me” in which mothers can get some exercise and spend quality time with their children.
If all goes well, the instructor said she hopes to see “A Day in the Park” something the YMCA and members of the community do each year.