Put Down That Sugar Cookie, Try Out Park District's Fitness Center for Free

While many people think they are too busy to include an exercise routine in their busy schedule this month, exercise may be the most important ingredient for surviving the hectic holidays.

"By working out 20 to 30 minutes a day during the holiday season," said Danette Livingston, fitness center coordinator with the Huntley Park District. "You can decrease stress and ward off those extra pounds. If you start exercising now, you're giving yourself a step up to the new year."

The Huntley Park District Fitness Center, 12015 Mill Street, is offering people an incentive to get exercising: a free trial. Huntley residents, and non-residents, have the opportunity to experience the fitness center for free from Monday, Dec. 20, to Friday, Dec. 31.

For people who have not exercised in a long time, Livingston advises them to "start slow. You don't want to hurt yourself. Start with cardiovascular exercise for 15 to 20 minutes. For weight training, use lower weights with lesser repetitions."

While there are many things in life that people cannot control, Livingston said that they can control their eating and exercise habits.

"Exercise allows us to have some control over conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes," Livingston said.

The 3,800-square-foot fitness center has been in operation at its current location for the past five years. There are currently 255 members, according to Livingston.

Equipment at the fitness center includes Life Fitness and Precor cardio machines, Paramount Strength Machines, Life Fitness Dual Adjustable Pulley system Free Weights, multiple weight benches, medicine balls, kettlebells, mirrored dance studio, locker rooms, and large screen televisions.

Livingston said kettlebells are an older form of weight resistance that became popular again. The kettlebell is a cast iron weight that looks like a cannonball with a handle. It is used for cardio, strength and flexibility training.

Fitness center hours are: 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday through Thursday, 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

In September 2010, Livingston said that the fitness center started charging the same rate for residents and non-residents.

"The response has been very positive," Livingston said. "People who work in Huntley can now work out in Huntley."

The fitness center offers group classes from 9 to 10 a.m. on Monday through Friday.

"There is a different class every day," Livingston said. "We offer cardio kickback on Monday, body sculpting on Tuesday, hard core cardio on Wednesday, Pilates on Thursday, and step on Friday. Babysitting is available for children ages 3 months to 10 years old from 8:30 to 11:30 on Monday through Friday."

The fitness center holds a Lite & Lively chair class from 10:30 to 11:30 on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

"It's a standing and chair-based exercise class," said Livingston. "It's a wonderful program. Starting in January, we will have an over 50 fitness class that will run after the group fitness class and before the Lite and Lively class. There will also be yoga for preschool kids starting in January."

In November, the park district began offering "Ballroom Blitz" from 7 to 9 p.m. on Fridays. The class costs $5 per person and is taught by Jason Labar. After 30 minutes of ballroom dancing instruction, participants can enjoy open dancing in the REC Center.

For more information, contact the park district at 847- 669-3180, ext. 311; www.huntleyparks.org.