McCORDSVILLE — Town officials are urging residents to participate in low-cost workout classes after dozens of citizens requested community exercise classes in a recent survey.
Angie Barnes of McCordsville, a personal trainer, recently began offering exercise classes outside McCordsville Town Hall.
The classes, which are 9 a.m. Wednesdays at McCordsville Town Hall, 6280 W. County Road 800N, cover a range of workouts, including yoga, pilates and calisthenics, Barnes said. The classes are open to men and women and generally last an hour, Barnes said.
Members of the town’s park board recently circulated a survey asking residents to weigh in on the department’s priorities as the board updates its master plan, which must be updated every five years in order for the town to qualify for certain grants.
The town has received approximately 500 responses to the survey, which still is posted on the town’s website, mccordsville.org.
Among the surveys received so far, 125 residents said they would be interested in group exercise classes, said Tonya Galbraith, town manager.
Barnes said she hopes the classes offer residents an affordable alternative to pricier gym memberships.
Many people are hesitant to invest in a monthly gym membership but still want opportunities to work out as a group, Barnes said.
Group exercise often provides more motivation than traditional workouts, Barnes said, because participants encourage one another to succeed.
“When there’s some level of accountability, there’s going to be a higher level of success,” Barnes said.
McCordsville resident Jaime Stevens said she’s pleased to see the town promoting healthy initiatives.
Though Stevens said she generally gets her exercise by walking or jogging on local trails, she appreciates having an affordable option available locally.
Classes could be cancelled by weather, but the program will run through the summer, Barnes said.
Barnes is still tweaking the workout routines, and exercises can range based on the residents who show up. The classes are appropriate for all skill levels, she said.
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Angie Barnes of McCordsville, a personal trainer, recently began holding exercise classes outside McCordsville Town Hall. The classes, which are held 9 a.m. on Wednesdays in a shaded pavilion next to the facility, 6280 West County Road 800N, cover a range of workouts, including yoga, pilates and calisthenics. Residents who are interested in participating in the classes, which cost $5 apiece, may contact Barnes via email at [email protected].
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