Getting fit is as easy as that!
By Erica Haller-Stevenson, MPH, CHES
Are you looking for a fun way to exercise this fall? Perhaps you need to find activities for the family, or just want to spend some time outdoors. You do not have to look any farther than your city and county parks. The City of San Antonio and Bexar County operate over 150 parks, in addition to many other sports complexes, special use facilities and plazas.
There are many ways to be physically active at your parks this fall:
• Walk, jog, or run.
• Do calisthenics.
• Skate.
• Bike.
• Golf.
• Play basketball, soccer, tennis, baseball or another sport.
• Take a group exercise class.
• Walk your dog at a dog park.
There are even playgrounds and activity classes for you and your family to enjoy. Park facilities and activities are available at little or no cost.
You do not have to be an athlete or avid exerciser to take advantage of these opportunities. In partnership with Steps to a Healthier San Antonio (a Metro Health program), 12 City of San Antonio parks recently posted signs that list the length of the park walking trails and tips on healthy eating and exercise.
Be sure to take precautions to protect your skin from the sun and stay well-hydrated while you get out and have fun in your parks.
For more information about your parks, contact the City of San Antonio or Bexar County:
City of San Antonio
http://www.sanantonio.gov/sapar/
(210) 207-8480
Bexar County
http://www.bexar.org/bcinf/InfraCitizen.asp
(210) 335-6732
Erica Haller-Stevenson, MPH, CHES, is the Community & Media Liaison for Steps to a Healthier San Antonio, San Antonio Metro Health District. The program is part of Steps to a HealthierUS, a national program focusing on the prevention of diabetes, obesity and asthma by addressing related risk factors such as poor nutrition, physical inactivity and tobacco use and exposure. Visit the San Antonio Metro Health District online at www.sanantonio.gov/health/.
