BFR Sports & Fitness will offer free classes, seminars, and recreational opportunities for the general public over a six-week time period in order to encourage healthy levels of activity, according to Carole Enneking, BFR director.

This year’s Keeping Active wellness promotion will begin the week of Jan. 25 and continue through March 1.

Each week, fitness classes will be offered without charge, as well as free days to use the indoor track and/or take advantage of recreational activities for individuals or families.  New this year will be the 5-2-1-Almost None Family Challenge that will encourage families to be more active as well as make daily nutritional changes. 

Most of the activities will be held at the BFR facility located at 215 Snider Road, Bluffton. A full schedule of activities is available at the building, from area business locations as well as on the web site at www.bfronline.com .

5-2-1-Almost None

The 5-2-1 family challenge is intended to encourage families to be mindful of their eating, drinking, and activity habits. 

During the 6 week challenge, family members will try to consume at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables, reduce recreational screen time to 2 hours per day, participate in 1 or more hours of physical activity each day and replace all sugary drinks with water and milk products. 

A Kick-off event is planned for Friday, Jan. 25 from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.  During the Kick-off, families can register for the challenge, participate in fun activities and learn about the program through interactive stations.  Gift baskets related to the aspects of the 5-2-1-Almost None program will be raffled, as well.  

Families who are not available for the kick-off can register at BFR beginning Monday, Jan. 21 and be eligible for the prizes.  Weekly activity times are included in the Keeping Active calendar so that families can increase their activity time together.

Graduate students from Bluffton University’s Dietetics program will nutritional seminars for parents as well as interactive activities for youth.

Fitness Demos

For individuals looking to add more exercise to their routines, BFR will offer several demonstrations and general exercise sessions. 

A demonstration using kettle bells, an introductory session in the Fitness Center, as well as informal discussions on the importance of exercise will be offered during the Keeping Active program.  These sessions, plus free walking days and fitness classes will fill everyday of the 6-week calendar. 

The first week’s schedule, Jan. 21-26, will feature free walking days on Monday, Tuesday and Saturday during all building hours. 

TBC, a 30 minute, boot camp- style workout class will be offered free on Wednesday morning from 7:30 a.m. - 8 a.m. and a demonstration on how to use kettle bell weights will be offered on Thursday from 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. 

Free recreation will include drop-in adult volleyball on Thursday from 8-10pm, and a family night on Friday from 6-8pm. 

National Wear Red Day

Friday, Feb. 1 is a special day on the Keeping Active schedule since it is National Wear Red Day©.  This day is designated for heart-health education and fundraising. 

In an effort to educate about the benefits of exercise for heart health, activities will include all-day access to BFR’s indoor track, a coffee walk from 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., and physical and  mental challenges from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. for adults as well as children. 

Through the sponsorship of Jerry Lewis’ McDonalds, everyone who attends the Feb. 1st activities will receive a prize.

BFR Sports & Fitness is a non-profit organization that provides life long fitness and sports opportunities for all ages.  This is the ninth year for the Keeping Active promotion. For more information, contact BFR by calling 419-358-4150, visiting the center located at 215 Snider Road in Bluffton, or visit the web site www.bfronline.com.