We’ve made it through the first month of 2020. Many Philadelphians are working hard to live up to their New Year’s resolutions. Did you know research shows that one-third of all New Year’s resolutions fail within the first month? Don’t worry! Your local park or rec center can help you stay on track and achieve those New Year’s goals. Here’s how:
1. Get on the right track
You promised yourself you’d run the 2020 Philadelphia Marathon, or at least half of it, or maybe just a 5k. Whatever your goals, you need to start somewhere. What better place than your own recreation center? Plenty of rec centers have treadmills, or indoor and outdoor running tracks. As the weather warms up, you can take up trail running and explore the Wissahickon Valley Park. If walking is more your speed, join We Walk PHL. You’re bound to make some friends who will help you stay on track!
2. Skip the take-out
As you leave work on a cold night, that food delivery app looks all the more tempting, but don’t give in! Save your money with the help of a Parks & Rec cooking class. Whether you’re new to the kitchen or simply looking for new recipes, our cooking classes are a fun, social way to stay healthy and eat well. All at a fraction of the cost of takeout!
3. Show your strength
Strength training is a popular resolution for the new year, and a great way to maintain health and energy. Visits to a gym or access to weight-training equipment need not be expensive. Many recreation facilities have their own weight room or gym. For those with serious muscles, consider training with others by signing up for a weightlifting class or club.
4. Build your digital savvy
Did you know that Parks & Recreation has 24 public computing centers across the city? They’re completely free to use and many offer computer literacy classes. You can find assistance in resume writing and submitting job applications, or even just browse the web. Make 2020 the year you step boldly into the future.
5. Find your fitness niche
Going to the gym can be intimidating, especially if you don’t know where to start. Taking part in rec center workout classes can cut through that anxiety. It’s also a fun way to get fit while connecting with your neighbors. From Zumba to yoga and everything in between, low-cost group workouts are motivating and fun.
6. Get involved and give back
Contribute to your community! Support your local recreation center’s advisory council or park friends group. These volunteer groups help Parks & Rec maintain and improve neighborhood community spaces. They organize park clean-up days, host neighborhood programs, and sponsor events.
There are currently over 100 active Park Friends groups in Philadelphia. If your park doesn’t have a Friends group yet, we have a toolkit available to help you start one!
See if your park or rec center has an active Park Friends group or Recreation Advisory Council, and start showing up! Some recreation centers even host Teen Advisory Councils, so it’s never too early to get involved.
7. Learn a new art form
From musical instruments to visual and performing arts, our rec centers offer classes and clubs to meet nearly every artistic pursuit. From ceramics to drill team, let your creativity flow. In 2020 show the world, or just yourself, what you’re capable of!
