Boston Parks Is Expanding Its Free Fitness Classes in August

The Hub loves free fitness, and the proof is all over Instagram. Check out the crowd at the free Pilates classes held on the patio at Sterling’s restaurant on Saturday mornings (image above).

According to the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC), nearly 3,500 people participated in the free classes offered in June. And while the numbers for July aren’t in yet, the city must expect it to be even greater because beginning this week, the Boston Parks Summer Fitness Series is expanding its schedule.

The August schedule of free fitness classes will include new classes such as “Commuter Bootcamp” provided by Boston Sports Clubs and a Core Fusion class provided by Exhale Spa. Zumba and Bootcamp, currently held at Christopher Columbus Park in the North End, will be extended through September.

The BPHC and the Parks Department will host a “Re-Launch Celebration” in Copley Square from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, August 4, to celebrate the additional summer offerings. The event will also include a free bootcamp and Zumba class.

According to the release:

Expanding fitness opportunities in Boston’s neighborhoods is among the City’s core strategies in combating epidemics of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. According to the 2012-2013 Health of Boston Report, approximately 50 percent of all residents are overweight or obese. Extending classes into neighborhood parks like Franklin Park where Line Dancing has been offered each Wednesday this summer, has been a chief attraction for new participants. “There’s been an amazing turnout, between 50 to100 experienced and brand-new line dancers each week. One participant has already lost 30 pounds and made a real life style change,” said Christine Poff, Executive Director of the Franklin Park Coalition. “It’s so much fun, everyone’s having a ball.”

For a complete schedule of Boston Park Summer Fitness Series classes visit cityofboston.gov/parks.