QUEENS — Now that spring has finally arrived, it may be a good time to start getting in shape.
A walking club in Forest Park — organized as part of Shape Up NYC program — has just launched its new season.
The free program organized by the Parks Department offers an opportunity to trek around the park with a group of local residents and an instructor.
The group meets every Saturday and walks along various trails for about two hours, covering approximately 3.5 miles.
The workout includes some elements of yoga and stretching. Walkers also learn about the park and do some birdwatching, according to Sharon Cevallos, the instructor who leads the program.
The greatest benefit of the club is that people can walk around the park together and motivate one another, Cevallos said.
“A lot of the people that live in and around that community for one reason or another just don’t feel comfortable walking through the park alone,” she said.
But the club, she said, gives them a chance to meet new friends.
“This is an opportunity for people to bond with other human beings,” she said. “It’s the camaraderie and the encouragement that they get from the other walkers.”
Everyone, regardless of their age and physical fitness, is welcome, she said, and participants are encouraged to walk at their own pace.
“People come with their children, they come with their dogs,” said Cevallos, adding that in previous years she had walkers ranging in age from 5 to 85.
The program runs from May through December.
Forest Park Shape Up: Walking Club meets every Saturday at the flagpole at Victory Field at 1 p.m. The workout is canceled only in case of heavy rain or strong wind. Participants do not have to sign up. Similar programs are offered in other city parks. For more information go here.
