Independent Health, YMCA Buffalo Niagara present 'Fitness in the Parks' for 5th consecutive year

Free, weekly exercise classes will be held at Artpark in Lewiston

Independent Health and YMCA Buffalo Niagara are teaming up for the fifth consecutive year to offer "Fitness in the Parks," free outdoor community exercise classes. In Lewiston, classes will be held at Artpark. The outdoor classes begin Wednesday, June 22, and run until Saturday, Aug. 27.

"Independent Health is excited to partner with YMCA Buffalo Niagara again this summer to offer 'Fitness in the Parks.' It's a great way to get outside and get in a workout," said Nora McGuire, senior vice president and chief marketing officer, Independent Health. "Independent Health is committed to the health and wellness of Western New Yorkers. By offering 'Fitness in the Parks,' we're aiming to make a healthy lifestyle more accessible to folks by bringing exercise classes to the communities in which our members live and work."

The following weekly class will be held at Artpark in Lewiston:

•Wednesdays at 10 a.m. - Pilates

•Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. - Zumba

Each class is 60 minutes and is taught by YMCA-certified instructors. There is no advanced signup required to participate in any of the classes. People can simply show up to the location of their choice at the day and time listed on the class schedule.

"Fitness in the Parks" is one way Independent Health is reminding everyone to run, walk, bike and eat healthy this summer. For a complete list of "Fitness in the Parks" locations, times and dates for giveaways, visit www.independenthealth.com/fitpark.

In addition to partnering with the YMCA on "Fitness in the Parks," Independent Health provides a number of other community programs and initiatives, including the new Reddy Bikeshare program being launched in the city of Buffalo this summer, the "Independent Health and Buffalo Bills Health & Wellness Challenge," Healthy Options at Food Truck Tuesdays, the Independent Health Family Branch YMCA, GO Bike Buffalo, Slow Roll Buffalo, and a health and wellness partnership with Buffalo RiverWorks. The Independent Health Foundation also offers a number of signature programs, including "First Night Buffalo," "Fitness for Kids" and "Kids Run," and "Good for the Neighborhood."