BROWNSBURG Continuing an annual tradition, President Donald Trump recently declared May as National Physical Fitness and Sports Month.

As a way to increase awareness about its fitness programs, Brownsburg Parks is taking advantage of the proclamation and working to promote its programs during the month and beyond.

I think it [fitness month] is a really cool idea, Mark Callaway, recreation coordinator, said. All these health issues that are seemingly getting worse, just having a month dedicated to fitness is important to keep in everyones minds that its not just a fad, its something that should be continued throughout the year.

The parks main classes are for active adults and general group fitness classes. Those 55 and older can often regularly be found in the yoga, cardio classic and morning stretch classes, mainly because they are offered in the mornings.

There is also the Pathfinders Walking Club that meets in the mornings.

One plus the Brownsburg Parks fitness classes have for older adults is the tie to the SilverSneakers program. This is a healthcare based benefit for those who are 60 and older and allows them to come to the classes for free, Callaway said. SilverSneakers includes unlimited access to every participating gym and fitness center in the network, according to the programs website.

That [SilverSneakers] is a great way to get folks who may not have available funds to come to our classes, he said. They have that, they can come and participate in that class regardless of their ability to pay.

There are also water aerobics classes, which are popular among a variety of age groups. There are currently four water classes on the schedule water aerobics, aqua boot camp, gentle aqua and aqua cardio.

Those are growing classes, Callaway said.

A unique class offered by the parks department is ballroom social dancing. The next session will begin May 11.

We have two professional dance instructors, Callaway said. They have a pretty good following.

The classes have ranged anywhere from 10 to 20 couples, however individuals are welcome to come out as well.

Overall, the department is trying to grow its class offerings to better suit the community.

I think, in general, we are trying to increase not only the programs, but the enrollment in the programs, Callaway said.

There are currently three instructors who teach the classes: Dusty Dawn Teter focuses on the water aerobics classes, Regan Mosher-Rudolf teaches evening yoga and Judi Daniels teaches morning yoga and runs the Pathfinders Walking Club.

The instructors help set apart the Brownsburg Parks fitness classes from those offered at other facilities.

Not only are they certified, but they have a commitment to the Brownsburg community specifically," Callaway said. "They want to see our participants come back, grow, change, get healthier and I think thats probably what sets us apart, that personal community touch that maybe some other folks dont have."

The classes are designed for any age range and any ability level with a focus on a reasonable price and a quality program, he said.

To learn more about the Brownsburg Parks fitness classes or to enroll online, visit the website at brownsburgparks.com. Punch cards for three, five or 10 visits can also be purchased on site at any of the classes, except ballrooms social dancing.

Follow Hendricks County Flyer reporter Sara Nahrwold on Twitter at @saranahrwold.

Brownsburg fitness classes

Water aerobics: 5:30-6:15 p.m. Wednesdays at Brownsburg High School Aquatic Center

Aqua cardio: 6:30-7:15 p.m. Wednesdays at Brownsburg High School Aquatic Center

Aqua boot camp: 10 a.m. Saturdays at Brownsburg High School Aquatic Center

Gentle aqua: 11 a.m. Saturdays Brownsburg High School Aquatic Center

Hatha yoga: 9-9:45 a.m. Mondays and Fridays at Eaton Hall (free for SilverSneakers)

Yoga stretch: 11-11:45 a.m. Mondays and Fridays at Eaton Hall (free for SilverSneakers)

Evening hatha yoga: 6-7 p.m. Tuesdays at Eaton Hall

Morning stretch: 11-11:30 a.m. Wednesdays at Eaton Hall

Cardio classic: 10-10:45 a.m. Wednesdays at Eaton Hall

Ballroom social dancing: 6:45-7:30 p.m. Thursdays (beginners), 7:45-8:30 p.m. Thursdays (intermediate) at Eaton Hall

Pathfinders Walking Club: 9-10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at Arbuckle Acres Park lower level shelter 6 (free program)

Excerpt from:

Brownsburg Parks highlight Fitness Month - The Hendricks County Flyer