Area residents still have a week to feast on calorie-laden holiday meals and candy — and a chance to work off some of the excess poundage through a pair of upcoming fitness programs.
The Iola Recreation Department is offering a Zumba dance course and a Beach Body Bootcamp starting Jan. 4.
The programs are open to anyone 18 or older and will be offered Tuesday and Thursday evenings through Feb. 17.
“We know there are always people who put getting in shape among their new year’s resolutions,” said Jake Lawrence, fitness coordinator for the recreation department. “These classes are a perfect way to get started.”
Both classes will be taught by Sam and Stephanie Schaefer of Garnett. The Schaefers are certified instructors of the popular P90X home fitness training program and Zumba dance classes.
“I’ve been able to watch those two before,” Lawrence said. “They keep things energetic and fun.”
Zumba is a dance-based fitness course in which participants get a low-impact workout set to music.
The P90X program uses a wide variety of exercises for strength training, cardiovascular improvement and stretching.
Both are ideal for local fitness enthusiasts because they can be tailored for individuals, Lawrence noted, from beginners on up.
“Some people may want an intense workout, while others prefer something a little less,” Lawrence said. “We don’t want anybody to think they have to come in and go through everything.”
The Zumba course runs from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Recreation Community Building’s Little Theater. The P90X workout follows immediately from 7 to 8. Classes are limited to 40 participants, although other accommodations could be made if more than that sign up.
Each course costs $30.
“If a person attends every class, that averages to about $2.50 a workout,” Lawrence said, “well worth the money.”
While the classes begin Jan. 4, residents have until Jan. 10 to register.
“They can even come in the first week and check things out to see if this is something they’d really like to do,” Lawrence said.
Registration forms are available at the recreation office at Riverside Park or online at www.cityofiola.com/rec_events_all.html.
Follow holiday feasts with fitness fanatics
