Hope Clinic's Get Fit Club

Posted: Sep 26, 2012 at 1:51 PM [Sep 26, 2012]

For the last fifteen Saturday mornings, a diverse group of people have been meeting in Ypsilanti to “get fit” and have found it to be a lot more fun than they expected. The Hope Clinic Get Fit Club was designed to help patients and clients of Hope Clinic improve their fitness and overall health through exercise. Those participating have found the group walks/runs invigorating and “a great way to start the day,” according to Lynda, one of the club members.

 

Over 53 people have participated during the summer. Many of them are patients of Hope Clinic who face a variety of medical issues, including diabetes, high blood pressure, mental illness, sight impairment, and balance issues. Some come to Hope for the food programs, while others heardabout the Get Fit Club through friends and contacts in the community. The club leaders interviewed each participant to learn about their fitness goals anddeveloped a customized training plan for each person.

 

Lee is another woman who joined the Get Fit Club. She notes that “the members and volunteer leaders (trained athletes) are friendly and supportive towards your individual goals. It’s great if you want to walk and talk because then you don’t even realize that you’re exercising.” Participants have not only experienced weight loss, stress reduction, and improved fitness, but they have formed new friendships with people of different ages, races, and backgrounds, all united in a common goal to improve their health.

 

Many of the Get Fit Club members will be taking part in the upcoming Run Scream Run race as part of Team Hope. Along with other supporters of Hope, they will be walking or running the 10k, 5k, or 1-mile races at Wiard’s Orchards on Saturday, October 6. Race participants will raisemoney through pledges to support the services that Hope offers. One client has been busy raising funds by asking friends to donate $5. “Most of my friends don’t have a lot of extra income, but I figure anyone can give $5. I want to help give back to Hope and participating in Run Scream Run is one way I can do that.” Visit www.grouprev.com/hopegetfitclub to make an online pledge on behalf of Get Fit Club members.

 

Hope Clinic in Ypsilanti provides free medical and dental care to thousands of patients each year and supplies groceries through their food bank and hot meals program every weekend. To learn more about Hope Clinic and participating in Run Scream Run for Team Hope, visit www.thehopeclinic.org or call Connie Hallom at 734-484-2989.