Check out fitness options at libraries

By Elizabeth Marie Himchak

Each January typically includes people making New Year’s resolutions to get fit, which they can do for free at local libraries.

The Rancho Bernardo, 4S Ranch and Poway libraries offer free exercise classes in some of the most popular styles, including Zumba, yoga and tai chi that are geared toward adults of all ages and body types. There are also some youth classes.

Youth Services Librarian Zelda Santos-Sacro said the Rancho Bernardo Library’s classes are very popular and typically “jam packed.” This includes the two Zumba Gold classes offered each week, where 45 or more locals build up a sweat as they move to Latin and popular music.

Gerty and Stephania Rey – a Rancho Bernardo-based mother-daughter Zumba instructor team — said Zumba Gold provides a workout, but is less strenuous and not as fast paced as a traditional Zumba class found at fitness centers. That is why it is especially popular among older adults or those who due to injury want a full workout with moves that are kinder to their joints.

“The classes are very effective,” Gerty Rey said, explaining Zumba is a mix of 70 percent dance and 30 percent cardio exercise. She said that is the same proportion of Latin and international dance styles.

Gerty Rey said those who say they do not like to dance or do not like to do cardio workouts usually find Zumba Gold to be the solution because of how the class is taught. She moves around a lot so all can see her, faces participants so she can slow down when they start tiring or having difficulty, and offers variations for those with hip or knee issues.

“It is slower paced but they get the same benefit,” Stephania Rey said, adding benefits are lowered heart disease and cholesterol, better joint mobility, decreased loss of bone density, weight loss plus sharper memory and reflexes.

Many in the RB class said they have formed friendships and invited friends to join.

“I love it,” said Cora Viado. “It makes me feel young.”

Lucy Granados said since joining she is slimmer and has more energy, while Teresa Fidler said she likes the pace better than when she took Zumba at a fitness center.

Sally Bismont, 74, said the class is good for seniors and now she is “more energetic all the time.”

Santos-Sacro said library yoga and Zumba classes are less stressful because participants wear any loose-fitting clothing and have all body-types. In contrast, she said people can feel intimidated at a gym where they are surrounded by those who are very physically fit and wearing tight-fitting exercise outfits.

RB Library youth classes include dance and parent-child yoga. They typically attract 20 to 40 per session, she said. Some teens have requested a Zumba class geared toward them, but it will not be added until there is sufficient interest due to cost.

At most San Diego Public Library (city) or San Diego County Library branches the classes are funded through Friends of the Library organizations. Some are taught by volunteers and paid instructors often offer classes to the libraries at discounted rates since all classes are free for participants.

4S Ranch Branch Manager June Zhou said most of its instructors are volunteers and the library tries to offer what patrons request. “There’s a need, especially for yoga,” she said. “A lot ask for it.”

Zhou said the library tries to encourage variety, which is why it offers more than just arts and crafts programming. “We want different programs to draw in all family members,” she said.

Poway Branch Manager Penny Taylor said participation limits had to be put on the tai chi and yoga classes because they were getting so packed that people had no space to move around. They tried to hold tai chi in the courtyard instead of community room, but newcomers said they felt uncomfortable exercising in view of the public, she said.

As for libraries offering exercise classes — not the first combination to come to mind for some — Taylor said it is due to not only the county library system, but county government officials emphasizing the need for good health.

“There has been an emphasis on health for everyone,” Taylor said. “This is a charge from the top ... and something we support when we have a facility, have a room or ability to have exercise classes.”

Taylor said it also goes beyond only offering fitness classes. For example, Poway Library in conjunction with Palomar Health is offering free monthly blood pressure checks (10 a.m. to noon on the first Monday) and health talks like one at 2 p.m. Jan. 24 on Covered California (health insurance) and at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 30 on what to do in emergencies before an ambulance arrives.

An added benefit to having exercise classes at the library Santos-Sacro said, is participants often check out related DVDs and books after the classes.

Want to join a free exercise class? Here are some options. Due to space limitations, some libraries require participants to pre-register.

Rancho Bernardo Library

, 17110 Bernardo Center Drive. Call 858-538-8163.

• Hatha yoga (for adults, gentle and slow-paced) — 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. the first Monday.

• Zumba Gold (geared toward seniors, but all adults welcome) — 6 to 7 p.m. each Tuesday and 1 to 2 p.m. each Friday.

• Toddler yoga and story time (18 months to 5 years) — 10:30 to 11 a.m. the first and third Thursday.

• Tiny Movers with Evolve (dance for 18 months and older) — 10:30 to 11 a.m. the second Friday.

4S Ranch Library

, 10433 Reserve Drive. Call 858-673-4697.

• Yoga and meditation for stress reduction (adults) — 6:45 to 8 p.m. the first and second Tuesdays.

• Gentle yoga (adults) — 9:30 to 11 a.m. the first Wednesday.

• Kids fitness (18 months to 5 years, with parent) — 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. and 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. the third Wednesday.

• Zumba (adults) — 9 to 10 a.m. each Saturday.

• Family yoga (ages 9 to adult) — 10 to 11 a.m. each Saturday.

Poway Library

, 13137 Poway Road. Call 858-513-2900.

• Tai chi (adults) — 11 a.m. to noon each Monday.

• Gentle yoga (adults) — 10 to 11 a.m. the third Thursday.

• Books & Boogie Storytime (toddlers and pre-school age) — 10:30 to 11 a.m. each Thursday.