Councilman Vacca is getting into better shape, and he wants the rest of his district to join him in a quest for better health.
On Saturday, January 24, Councilman Jimmy Vacca is hosting a neighborhood-wide “Day Out to Work Out” that will open the doors of a handful of area gyms and sports clubs for free, in hopes that those who participate will find that it is a wise and fun idea to get in shape.
The effort is part of a broader funding program to benefit healthy living in which Vacca will distribute funds to area organizations and schools. The broader campaign will promote physical fitness and healthy living among residents of all ages, from children and middle age people, to senior citizens.
“If President-elect Barack Obama can work out almost every day, then there’s no excuse for any of us not to go to a local gym two to three times a week,” Vacca said. “And you should know I’m going to practice what I preach. Whether it is an aerobic workout or weight training, yoga or simply a dedicated walk, everybody had to put down the remote control and get moving.”
The special offer, in which some gyms are offering free workouts and some are offering free health workshops, is open to anyone 18 or older. Youths can participate with a parent or guardian present.
The owner of one personal training studio that is participating in the program said he is psyched to be taking part.
“People often try to get into shape, but we want to give them some practical advice they can use immediately to start to see some positive results right away and feel better about themselves,” said Butch Nieves, owner of Mr. America’s Personal Training at 1942 Williamsbridge Road and a nationally recognized bodybuilder. “There is a lot of misinformation out there – different types of shakes and pills – that are supposed to help you lose weight, and they are the biggest competition for a business like mine.”
Among the fitness centers and gyms participating are Bronx House Community Center at 990 Pelham Parkway South (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.), Curves (for women only) at 3149 Bruckner Boulevard and 1942 Williamsbridge Road (9 a.m. to 12 p.m.), Dolphin Fitness at 2030 Eastchester Road (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.), Fusion Fitness at 3679 E. Tremont Avenue (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.), Mr. America’s Personal Training (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), and New York Sports Club at 1601 Bronxdale Avenue (12 p.m. to closing).
Vacca is asking that those interested sign up for a particular location and time.
Because of limited space at certain facilities, all participants must register by calling Vacca’s office at (718) 931-1721.
