Staying Active All Summer
By Tracey Moro
Being outside in the fresh air, in nature, and away from our screens, means we are probably being active and that’s good for our health. With so many parks and trails throughout our county there’s plenty of opportunities for all ages, at all levels. And there’s lot of inspiration coming from a variety of county leaders.
Encouraging residents to explore more trails and be active the Board of Commissioners instituted Drop In Bike Rides. Commissioner Don VanSyckel came up with the idea. Riding a bike is a fantastic way to get exercise since it is low impact and suitable for all fitness levels. The commissioner has been riding bikes since he was a kid.
“My bike was the only way I got around as a boy; we were a one car family as that was what the budget allowed. I even used my bike to get to my part-time job in high school,” said VanSyckel, who later enjoyed biking with his wife and kids. “I have taken my boys on many bike rides. One of my sons has worked at a local bike shop, does bike repairs in his garage, and rides regularly with a group of friends.”
Today the commissioner and his wife continue their love of bike riding, going on multi-mile rides as time allows. “This event is organized as drop-in, in other words, there is no specific start time for everyone so people will be coming and going,” said VanSyckel. Currently there are two rides scheduled one June 7 at Delia Park in Sterling Heights and one later this summer at River Bends Park in Shelby Township. A possible third ride in September is in the works, but a site has not been finalized at this time. “We want to use a different location for each ride to showcase the great recreational resources available in Macomb County.”
For more on Drop In Bike Rides visit – bocmacomb.org/programs-events/
Regular Exercise is Key
Also hosting a free outdoor class, the Board of Commissioners, will host Yoga in the Park Saturday, July 26 at Freedom Hill County Park in Sterling Heights. In partnership with Bodhi Seed Yoga & Wellness, this free yoga event takes place under the pavilion – rain or shine! Pre-registrants receive a custom 10th-anniversary t-shirt and all attendees receive an anniversary bonus gift and are eligible for raffle prizes.
To pre-register bocmacomb.org/events/yoga-at-the-hill/
The folks at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital are also encouraging everyone to stay active this summer and to make it easier they are hosting Wellness Wednesdays each week all summer long. These free weekly exercise classes are Wednesdays at 9 a.m. and run through Aug. 27. Each fitness class will be held at The Mall at Partridge Creek’s Center Court, in Clinton Township.
Participants will enjoy 45-minute classes, beginning with seven weeks of Latin dance cardio (May 28 to July 9) and ending with seven weeks of yoga (July 16 to Aug. 27). There is no preregistration required to join a class.
“Regular physical activity is an important way to maintain overall health and fitness,” said Michelle Fusco, spokesperson for Henry Ford Macomb Hospital. “We’re pleased to provide this fun, free exercise opportunity to encourage our community’s health and wellness efforts.”
For class confirmation, check The Mall at Partridge Creek’s Facebook page or call (586) 416-3849.
