SOUTH BEND, Ind. — While many people begin their Saturday mornings with a cup of coffee and the morning news, there are some people who start their weekends in the middle of Downtown South Bend under the gentle rays of the sun peeking through the buildings over the St. Joseph River.

For the past four years, instructors from local hospitals and gyms have held yoga classes, Zumba classes and more at The Gridiron Saturday mornings in the summer, free for anyone who wants to participate. Yoga is at 8 a.m., Zumba is at 9 a.m. and there is a mix of different high endurance activities at 10 a.m.

“Every year it grows,” said Downtown South Bend Events Coordinator Kylie Carter. “This year is our largest year yet.”

Carter said that the yoga classes draw about 50 people and the Zumba draws about 75 people. She said that the skill level of the participants varies greatly.

“There are teenagers through 70-year-olds,” Carter said. “Instructors encourage participants to push themselves as their skill levels allow.”

She said that the program is designed to help bring more exercise options to the city of South Bend.

“It was started as a way to provide fitness opportunities for people that couldn’t afford gym memberships,” Carter said.

To participate, all people have to do is show up. The Downtown South Bend website recommends participants dress in appropriate clothing and footwear, as well as bring adequate fluids. Participants also must sign a waiver prior to the start of each class.

“Sometimes people are hesitant to come downtown because of parking,” Carter explained. “But on Saturday mornings, it’s easy to find spots.”

Downtown South Bend recommends that participants take advantage of free parking on the street and in the garage at Leighton Center.

If the weather is uncooperative, then the fitness program will take place inside the Leighton Center parking garage, as well. Carter said that this has only happened once this summer.

“Less people showed up, but we still held the program,” she said. “The draw is to be able to have sunshine on your face.”

Another draw may be the discounts some local businesses offer.

“Some of the restaurants have deals for people who participate in the Outdoor Fitness Series,” Carter said. “Sometimes, if you just look sweaty, you’ll be able to get a discount.”

This summer, fitness classes began June 13 and will run every Saturday morning through August 29. This upcoming Saturday, the program will feature a special children’s yoga class at 10 a.m., open to children of all ages (including any adult beginners).

For more information about the event, including a full schedule, visit downtownsouthbend.com or call (574) 282-1110. The Gridiron is located at 122 S. Michigan Street in South Bend.