Wednesday, February 24, 2016

AARP Safe Driver Course Offered at Pearce

Pearce will host the AARP Safe Driver course on Thursday and Friday, March 17 and 18 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

In Illinois, if an individual is 55 or older, the primary driver of a vehicle, has a good driving record, and takes a course approved by the Secretary of State, all automobile insurance companies must provide a discount on automobile insurance premiums. Participants must attend both days to receive credit from their automobile insurance company.

The course fits the needs of anyone older than 50; however, those under 50 are also invited to attend. The course is a total of eight hours offered in two four-hour sessions.

AARP membership is not required; however, AARP members pay only $15; non-members pay $20.

Friday, February 12, 2016

Expanded Hours of Operation for Exergaming

We are happy to announce that we have expanded the hours of our Exergame Room. Exergaming will be available Monday through Thursday beginning at 4:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. to accommodate members who want their children ages 7 to 15 to utilize the Room while they attend 4:30 group exercise classes.
Children under 10 years old need to be signed into the Exergame Room by the adult they came with, and they need to be signed out by that same adult. We will enforce this rule in the Exergame Room. 

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Junior Fitness Certification

Pearce Community Center is offering Junior Fit Certification on Monday, February 15, from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. After successfully completing the class and receiving certification, young members will be allowed access to the cardiovascular room and the Selectorized equipment area.

Participants will learn how to use the equipment in a safe, productive manner. Additionally, they will learn fitness etiquette and rules.

Pearce Foundation members pay only $9; members $12. Advance registration is required.


Tuesday, February 9, 2016

February Member of the Month

February Member of the Month Ginger Benz works for Cullinan Properties as Operations Manager.  “Going to Pearce after a long day in the office helps me clear my head and release the stress to be ready for the next day,” she says.

Ginger regularly participates in many group exercise classes and frequently utilizes the Women Only fitness room and indoor track.

“Take advantage of all the group exercise classes that Pearce has to offer,” advises Ginger. “The instructors give you tips to increase your intensity of training as well as ways to not be so aggressive. They inspire me to be an instructor one day. “


Ginger enjoys shopping and spending time with her family and friends. She loves to travel to tropical islands, which provides even more motivation to stay in shape. 


Youth Tumbling Coming to Pearce

Pearce is launching a new drop in tumbling program beginning February 16. Toddler Tumbling for children ages three to five will be offered every Tuesday from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. Participants will stretch, bend, balance and flex. Forward rolls, backward rolls, hand stands, and cartwheels will be learned.

Beginner tumbling will be offered on Tuesdays from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. for children ages six to eight. Basic stretching and balancing to promote flexibility along with cartwheels, head stands, hand stands, bridges, round offs, and front and back walk overs will be learned.

The cost per class is $3.75 for Foundation members: $5 for Members; and $6.25 for non-members. Purchase a six-visit punch card for $18.75 for Foundation members; $25 for Members; and $31.25 for non-members.



How Are Those New Year's Resolutions Going?

By Raquel "Rocky" Herron, BS, NASM-CPT
It's month two of your New Year's fitness plan and you're staying on track, eating healthy, and your motivation is high, right? If you answered no, and I'm willing to bet that some of you did, then you're not alone. Motivation is this magical, unseen force that only highly dedicated fitness enthusiasts possess, or at least, that's what some people think. The truth is motivation, like many things in our lives, really comes down to making choices. Today, I will make the choice to pick healthy foods over less healthy foods. Today I will choose to hit the gym after work, if only for 20 minutes. Today I will take the stairs instead of the elevator.  Unfortunately, these choices are often easier said than done. What can help you stay motivated? What can spark the desire to reach your fitness goals again? It might be easier than you think. 

Grab a buddy!  How many times have we heard that having a workout partner promotes adherence to exercise? Why does this help, you're wondering? When you have a workout partner, they're counting on you and you on them. It creates an accountability that working out solo might not produce. If I know that my workout buddy is counting on me to get her through heavy dead lifts, I'm more likely to show up because I don't want to let her down. Workout partners are built- in cheerleaders! They push you to get one more rep or last just thirty seconds longer. They provide a source of encouragement and praise, plus you'll have someone to complain about being sore with! So, if the solo route is feeling lonely, grab a friend, and if you're in the mood for many workout partners, head to class!
 
Group exercise can be intimidating to those who have never taken a class, but they can be a great source of fun and camaraderie, not to mention, a great workout (hint, try one of my classes!). Breaking away from your usual treadmill and weights routine and trying a fitness class will definitely break up the monotony that may be hurting your motivation. Fitness classes will challenge you in a new way because it's something different! I know that some people think that group fitness is not challenging enough or that they're "not in shape enough," but I beg to differ! We have classes to fit everyone's needs and they will provide a fun, safe workout that will help you get your focus back. Plus, group fitness provides a sense of community. We talk and encourage one another, not to mention laugh...a lot! Still need another tip? Two words; fitness swag!

I know it sounds silly, but sometimes rewarding ourselves with great new fitness swag helps with motivation. I hate to think of material things in such a way, but the truth is that sometimes a new pair of running shoes or a new fitness gadget perks us up and gets us back on the fitness bandwagon. There is no reason why we can't celebrate a five-pound weight loss with a new Pearce hoodie! You've been working out and sweating for weeks, why not reward yourself, especially if it's a tool that'll help you continue your fitness efforts.

While motivation is often lost, there are ways to find it again. Celebrate the victories, even if you perceive them to be small. Don't let the "all or nothing" mentality play with your head. Some weeks won't allow for many gym trips and others will. Sometimes life gets in the way and fitness takes a back seat, but that's OK, just get back on track. Grab a friend and head to class with your new kicks on! Remember, you don't have to workout...you get to workout!

Monday, February 1, 2016

Youth Volleyball League Registration Begins

Registration for Pearce Community Center’s Spring Youth Volleyball league will be offered February 1-28.
Volleyball is open to children in third through eighth grade. All games and practices will be held indoors at Pearce Community Center in Chillicothe. The six-week series of games will be played April 2 through May 7.

New this year, a second session of volleyball will be offered. Registration will take place February 1 through May 13. The six-week series of games will be played June 4 through July 16 with no game on July 2.

The League is designed to provide fun recreational volleyball practice and play during which participants will learn basic skills and rules of the game in a structured environment. Every child will play, regardless of their volleyball experience and skill. Two leagues will be available: third through fifth grade and sixth through eighth grade.


Pearce Foundation members pay only $33.75. Members pay $45, and the fee for non-members is $65. Sign up for both sessions at the same time and save: Foundation members $60; members $80; and non-members $110.