Chicago Park District Offers Free Fitness Week to Begin 2015

In the greater Grand Crossing community, the Grand Crossing Fitness Center, 7655 S. Ingleside Ave., has several activities for visitors such as a woodshop, running track, volleyball, etc. that visitors can take advantage of during Free Fitness Week hosted by the Chicago Park District from Jan. 2 to Jan. 11.
In the greater Grand Crossing community, the Grand Crossing Fitness Center, 7655 S. Ingleside Ave., has several activities for visitors such as a woodshop, running track, volleyball, etc. that visitors can take advantage of during Free Fitness Week hosted by the Chicago Park District from Jan. 2 to Jan. 11.

Beginning on Jan. 2, 2015 through Jan. 11, the Chicago Park District (CPD) will be offering a “Free Fitness Week” for visitors at all 72 of its fitness centers in the Chicagoland area that will include free admission to fitness centers, free fitness classes and lap swim lessons.

Registering with the CPD is required for access to the fitness center and all activities and equipment are on a first-come first-serve basis. The facilities are equipped with computerized treadmills, cross trainers, upright and recumbent bikes, free weights and benches, cable cross-overs, multi-station weight machines and core-focused weight equipment.

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Russell Square Fitness Center, 3045 E. 83rd St., located at the Russell Square Park, is one of 72 Chicago Park District (CPD) fitness centers participating in Free Fitness Week for all visitors starting on Jan. 2, 2015 through Jan. 11.

There are CPD fitness centers located on Chicago's South side including the Russell Square Fitness Center, 3045 E. 83rd St., located at the Russell Square Park, and is the sole fitness center located in the South Chicago community according to CPD’s website. Russell Square Park has a playground, tennis court, football field, swimming pool, basketball court, etc. For more information about the Russell Square Fitness Center call (312) 747-6651.

In the greater Grand Crossing community, the Grand Crossing Fitness Center, 7655 S. Ingleside Ave., has several different activities for visitors such as a woodshop, running track, volleyball, etc. For more information about the Grand Crossing Fitness Center visit (312) 747-6158.

The need for public fitness centers is increasing. In recent years obesity amongst Chicagoans has been on the incline. According to the City of Chicago’s Public Health Department’s 2011 Healthy Chicago report, the city’s comprehensive plan to improving the overall health of residents, “from 2005-2009 adult obesity increased by 9% to 29.7%”.

In Healthy Chicago’s Feb. 2013 report, “Overweight and Obesity among Chicago Public School Students, 2010-2011”, the estimated obesity prevalence among kindergarten students was 36.5, sixth grader students (48.6), and ninth grade students (44.7). Non-Hispanic blacks were consistent with those figures at rates of (34.1) for kindergarten, (45.2) for sixth graders, and (43) for ninth graders.

The United States as a whole, too, is battling obesity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2013 the prevalence of obesity was no less than 20% in all 50 states. In total, 34.9% or 78.6 million adults in American were obese. The prevalence of obesity in Illinois was 25% to 30%.

Obesity is determined by calculating one’s weight to height ratio in order to discover their body mass index (BMI). If an individual’s BMI is 30 or higher they are considered obese. To learn more about BMI visit http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/index.html.

For more information about the Chicago Parks Department visit http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/.

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