LA PORTE - Indiana University Health La Porte Hospital, the City of La Porte and the La Porte County Family YMCA have partnered to provide a newly created weekly non-competitive group for interested walkers and runners or just those interested in general fitness.

All members of the public are invited to attend Fitness Fridays, offered at 4 p.m. every Friday from March 30 - Sept. 28 (weather permitting) at the Y, 901 Michigan Ave. in La Porte. Participants are asked to meet at the Michigan Avenue entrance.

Participants may walk or run along a scenic 5K route that starts in downtown La Porte at the intersection of Maple and Michigan avenues, ventures by the historic homes and down the tree-lined streets of Michigan Avenue, passes through the Beechwood Golf Course and returns back to the Y.

Fitness Fridays came to fruition as an initiative to promote fitness and active lifestyles, program organizers said. Organizers brainstormed innovative ideas for months before gaining unanimous support to provide the community with healthy programs like Fitness Fridays.

Im thrilled with the partnership and cross-participation between all three entities, Mayor Blair Milo said. We all pro-actively worked together to provide La Porteans a casual, social option of exercise through the beautiful scenery of La Porte. We encourage everyone to come out each Friday, bring the whole family and make a change to improve your quality of life.

The initial March 30 Fitness Friday will kick off with sign ups and other activities. Additional events and activities will be planned throughout the summer as well. In addition, IU Health La Porte Hospital will provide a free T-shirt to participants who attend more than ten Fitness Fridays.

The flat route was designed to be all-inclusive - for beginners, amateurs or seasoned runners of all ages and fitness levels.

This is really for everybody, said Cindy Berchem, executive director of the Y. We want to raise awareness for our community to get up, get involved and start moving. Its always a lot easier to be active when you have a friend, a spouse or other family member to bring along.

For more information, call the Y at (219) 325-9622.

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Public invited to La Porte's 'Fitness Fridays'