Winnemucca News

Winnemucca News

Community invited to "Jump Start" fitness with morning walk - 05-05-2010

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WINNEMUCCA — Humboldt General Hospital’s Wellness Department is excited to help jump start this community’s fitness.

This Saturday, all local residents are invited to join HGH’s Wellness Department as it hosts the first of several early morning power walks. The event, which is scheduled for Saturday, May 8, will take place at Paul Vesco City Park, located across the street from Humboldt General Hospital.

A light continental breakfast will be served beginning at 7:15 a.m.; the walk will begin promptly at 8 a.m. Walkers may choose from 1-, 2- and 3-mile routes.

Additionally, free body fat testing and blood pressure checks will be available along with fitness and nutrition information, also beginning at 7:15 a.m.

“This is just a very informal, fun chance to get some exercise and have some fun at the same time,” said HGH Wellness Coordinator Melissa House. “We are trying to create a community of folks who want to do something good for themselves, and HGH is ready to provide some good, steady support to help people make those positive changes in their lives.”

Saturday, House said participants also will have a chance to sign up for the hospital’s free fitness program, “Destination Fitness.”

“Destination Fitness” is open to all community residents including men, women and children. Participants initially “travel” by walking, swimming or biking to California, Oregon, Idaho, Utah or Arizona.

 “From there, there’s no telling where they’ll go,” said House, who developed the program. “We’ll even make it to some foreign countries.”

House said as participants walk, bike or swim in Winnemucca, they keep track of the total number of miles they have exercised.

“So if it’s 300 miles to Sacramento and you walk three miles a day, then in 100 days, you’re going to be in California,” she said. “Once you reach a destination, then you’re off on your next adventure.”

House said she was looking for a fun and unique way to get local residents excited about fitness. “It’s one thing to make a goal to bike three miles a day,”  she said, “but if you can eventually go to New York City while you do it, then that’s even more fun.”

Signups for “Destination Fitness” are free and there is no charge whatsoever to participate.

House said participants are invited to quarterly celebrations to share their accomplishments with others.  Participants also are awarded state and country pins representing their most recent destinations. A “Destination Fitness” lanyard is distributed to hold participants’ travel pins.

 “We’re so excited to debut this program,” said House. “It’s just a fun opportunity to get fit while learning a little bit more about our country and the world with a new group of friends.”

For more information on Humboldt General Hospital’s “Jump Start” early morning power walk or on its new fitness program, “Destination Fitness,” please contact Wellness Coordinator Melissa House at (775) 623-5222, ext. 258.

Written by HGH Press Release - 5/5/10

• Winnemucca News