EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The tiny rural community of La Mesa, New Mexico in Doña Ana County is getting an innovative outdoor gym, the County said in a news release.
The outdoor gym — called a Fitness Court Studio — is a collaborative effort between Doña Ana County, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico and the National Fitness Campaign.
“This initiative is part of the County’s ongoing effort to upgrade existing facilities and offer accessible low and no-cost fitness options that support a healthier lifestyle in every community,” the County said in a news release.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony be at at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 14, at the La Mesa Community Center, 744 San Jose Rd.
“The new Fitness Court Studio is more than just a workout and Zumba space. It’s an investment in health, access, and equity for our rural communities,” County Commissioners Board Chair Christopher Schaljo-Hernandez said. “Thanks to the National Fitness Campaign and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico, La Mesa now has a place where residents of all ages can come together, get active, and take charge of their health and wellness close to home.”
The new Fitness Court Studio offers two dedicated classrooms, doubling the available space for a variety of outdoor wellness classes like Zumba, yoga, Pilates, and dance.
Created for adults of all abilities aged 14 and older, the Fitness Court workouts are adaptable for all fitness levels, allowing participants to move at their own pace.
Users also may download the free Fitness Court App which acts as a coach-in-your-pocket and enhances the outdoor gym into a digitally supported wellness experience.
Doña Ana County is one of the first partners helping to build a network of Fitness Courts across the state, with the help of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico.
“Regular physical activity helps prevent heart disease and certain cancers, reduces blood pressure, improves brain function and prevents falls,” Dr. Latha Raja Shankar, chief medical officer and vice president of health care delivery at BCBSNM said. “This outdoor Fitness Court will give residents in Doña Ana County access to optimal health outcomes right in their own community.”
“We are excited to have Doña Ana County join us in the journey to improve health and wellness as we work to make a powerful and long-lasting impact on health outcomes and happiness by building healthy communities across America,” Mitch Menaged, founder of National Fitness Campaign said. “The addition of the outdoor Fitness Court Studio, along with digital wellness programming, demonstrates a tremendous commitment to the health and well-being within the La Mesa community.”
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