Getting fit for 2008

EVANS -- For many, the new year means a new resolution.

Inevitably weight loss tops many people's lists, but often, in these cold winter months, motivation to get off the couch is lacking.

That's why the city of Evans is offering a free fitness fair Jan. 3 to help jump-start those New Year's plans.

"The mentality is to encourage people to get started on that (New Year's resolutions) as soon as possible and just hopefully keep it going," said Amanda Doubet, special events coordinator with the city of Evans recreation department.

The fair, intended to introduce residents to various recreation programs, will showcase such classes as boot camp, mat pilates, yoga, cardio kickboxing and power abs.

Instructors from each class will be on hand to describe the classes, which start Jan. 6.

This is the third year Doubet has put on the fitness fair, and she said it usually attracts some new participants.

"I measure success by how many new people are brought in," Doubet said. "One woman came last year and is still enrolled in classes. Even getting one person makes it successful."

Edie Trowbridge, Hatha Yoga and senior fitness instructor, will be on hand at the fair to give people a taste of her classes.

With a 15-minute example of what the two classes offer, Trowbridge hopes to attract some fresh students for the new year.

"Mainly we just have a lot of fun," Trowbridge said. "We play games and we laugh, and everyone goes at their own pace."

Classes range in price from $27 to $60, meeting one to three times a week.

Aerobic kickboxing and power-abs instructor Larissa Koch said the fitness fair coincides with the new year, when lots of people are looking to live a healthier lifestyle and improve their physique. Koch said her classes fit well with people's busy schedules and are intended to boost those goals.

"A lot of people's goals around the new year is to lose 'X' amount of pounds," Koch said. "Maybe this will give them more incentive."