Los Fresnos News

City Health Program Enjoying Success, Praise

Over forty attendees frequent the free fitness classes at Los Fresnos Memorial Park on Mondays and Fridays.

Over forty attendees frequent the free fitness classes at Los Fresnos Memorial Park on Mondays and Fridays.

The City of Los Fresnos has been conducting a health and wellness program for several months and is seeing much success and support.
Describing the reactions of some who have attended the program activities, Christine De La Rosa, Community Health Care Worker for the City of Los Fresnos said “They’re thankful and appreciative of what we’re doing here. They say they’re feeling stronger, more energetic and happier.”

De La Rosa, along with some very motivated volunteer instructors, conducts a free exercise class every Monday and Friday at Los Fresnos Memorial Park beginning at 8:30 a.m. The free classes have received a tremendous response from the program’s beginning back in May with attendance on average being over forty people every class.

Though the program is open to both men and women the classes are mostly attended by women according to De La Rosa.

At the outset of summer De La Rosa was joined by Connie Salazar who was brought on board by the City of Los Fresnos to also conduct walking groups and aqua aerobics for seniors in the community in addition to instructing Zumba fitness and boot camp classes.

The community health and wellness program has modified exercises that are age-appropriate so that all ages are able to participate.

“What is of interest is that health awareness is growing outside of the program” says De La Rosa.

Right: Yesenia Castillo ( Certified Fitness Instructor), Mayra Verduzco (Zin Zumba Instructor), Christine De La Rosa ( Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Fitness Instructor, Certified in Nutrition and Community Health Worker)  Connie Salazar (Aqua Aerobics Instructor and Group Fitness Instructor) Betty Ruiz (Co fitness instructor) Elvira Nava (Zin Zumba Instructor) Maria Gonzalez (Co Fitness Instructor)

Right: Yesenia Castillo ( Certified Fitness Instructor), Mayra Verduzco (Zin Zumba Instructor), Christine De La Rosa ( Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Fitness Instructor, Certified in Nutrition and Community Health Worker) Connie Salazar (Aqua Aerobics Instructor and Group Fitness Instructor) Betty Ruiz (Co fitness instructor) Elvira Nava (Zin Zumba Instructor) Maria Gonzalez (Co Fitness Instructor)

The participants in the program are encouraged to continue what they learn, with regards to nutritional changes and exercise, at home.

De La Rosa continued “some have formed friendships, sharing healthy recipes with one another and they challenge each other. I have also seen some in walk groups together in the evenings.”

On occasion a guest speaker or instructor is invited to visit the group. Friday, September 5, the group was visited by champion fighter DJ Fuentes who conducts Children’s Karate, Jujitsu and Wrestling classes at The Green Ghost Academy located on Hwy 100 next to Charlie Clark Nissan. DJ spoke to the group about childhood obesity prevention.

The program offers much more than just exercise classes, it provides physical and nutritional education, blood pressure and body mass index screenings as well.

For more information on class schedules, upcoming events, health and wellness support you may contact Christine De La Rosa, Community Health Care Worker for the City of Los Fresnos at (956)407-3348.