Beginning April 7, area residents will have a new and exciting fitness option. In partnership with Blessing Health System, the Quincy Park District will offer an outdoor fitness boot camp. It will be led by Blessing Wellness Center nationally certified trainers using a new, unique outdoor fitness station located at Bob Mays Park on North 18th Street.

While it looks much like a swing set, the fitness station offers several work-out stations and accommodates multiple users at once. The Boot Camp and fitness station are designed to build strength, balance, mobility, agility and muscular endurance for people of all fitness levels. The trainers will provide necessary modifications for all class participants.

Additional single gym equipment will be available, including weights, fitness bands and kettlebells. Participants will also enjoy the natural landscape of Bob Mays park and its hard and soft trails area.

“Fitness can be fun and the Outdoor Fitness Boot Camp will demonstrate that fact,” said Anya Thurm, Wellness Center Supervisor, Blessing Health System. “The more fun exercise is the more engaged is the individual in exercise.  People engaged in their fitness routine tend to find success in meeting their wellness goals.”

“Blessing Health System is excited to partner with the Quincy Park District in this program,” said Scott Koelliker, executive vice president, Blessing Physician Services. “Improving the health of our communities means more than delivering quality health care services when someone is ill.  It means giving them access to ways to improve their wellness to reduce their chance of illness in the first place.  Exercise, along with a balanced diet, are keys to improving wellness.”

The Outdoor Fitness Boot Camp will be held from 5:30-6:30 pm, beginning April 7. The class is paid for through the purchase of a $45 punch card which entitles the owners to 10 classes. The card does not expire and can be purchased at the Quincy Park District office at 1231 Bonansinga Drive.

For more information call the office at 217-223-7703.

During June, another outdoor fitness station will be installed at South Park. The Park District continues to look for funding to install a third and final outdoor fitness station at Moorman Park in the future.