SOUTH BEND -- In an effort to draw people downtown and contribute to the overall health of the community, Downtown South Bend Inc. hosted two free fitness classes Saturday on the plaza in front of the Morris Performing Arts Center.

The morning began with an hourlong yoga class at 8 a.m., followed by Zumba at 9. About 50 people attended each of the classes led by local fitness instructors.

"It was great," said South Bend resident Sara Cavadini, who participated in yoga. "It was really nice to see so many different people, and it was nice to be outside in the morning when the weather is nice."

"I really enjoyed it," said Karen Kruz of South Bend, who attended the yoga class with her daughter and her mother, Amy Nuner. "We were just talking about coming back next week."

"I really like the waterfall right here," Nuner added, referring to the fountain outside the Morris.

Kruz said she planned to explore downtown a bit afterward and maybe grab some breakfast, which is no doubt what DTSB had in mind when it decided to offer the classes.

Downtown South Bend plans to host more free classes on the plaza, including cardio dance and jazzercise classes, every Saturday between now and Aug. 11. The classes will be led by local instructors representing a number of area fitness centers.

"I am very excited that we have a beautiful venue in downtown South Bend to exercise outdoors together," volunteer event coordinator Judy Wein said, making a point to thank DTSB as well as area health clubs and fitness instructors.

Wein wasn't the only one excited.

"I thought it was a great idea," Mishawaka resident Pam Guild said while waiting with her daughter and grandson for the Zumba class to start. "I read about it (in the paper) and I was real impressed. I think Downtown South Bend has done a lot to bring people downtown."

Follow this link:
Fitness classes draw dozens downtown