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WILKES-BARRE — Every New Year seems to spawn a widespread commitment to new health and fitness goals.
On Saturday, the first annual Fitness for Faith fundraiser was held at Wilkes University’s Center on Main. There about 50 participants were able to consult with fitness experts and find the right program to meet their new fitness goals, while supporting local churches.
The event was designed to provide an opportunity for participants of all ages and fitness levels to consult with local professionals in a “positive environment,” said organizer and fitness instructor Ashley Faraday from the Circle the Square with Prayer Committee, the group that spearheaded the fundraising event.
Participants were able to research the best alternatives for their individual needs and take part in some classes provided by local fitness instructors. They could join one or all of four 30-minute group exercise classes, taking some motivational cheers from the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Railriders mascot Champ.
The classes included Cardio Fusion led by Jody Dutton, which showed how to strengthen the heart; Burst Training led by Dr. Dan Golaszewski of Power Chiropractic, which targets destroying body fat; BodyAttack led by Lauranel Banks, which combines aerobics and sports moves; and Plyo Push demonstrated by Brandon Whipple and Chris Blazosek, which targets strengthening the chest.
Participants also reviewed workout information from several local gyms, sampled health food products, purchased basket raffles and won door prizes donated by local fitness business sponsors. Railriders’ tickets and merchandise were also raffled off.
Besides focusing on working out, the participants also contributed to the sixth annual National Day of Prayer scheduled for May 7 on Public Square. That event is also organized and funded by the Circle the Square with Prayer committee, Faraday said. She hopes Saturday’s event will raise money to “alleviate the monetary burden” from about 20 local churches.
The participants who showed up all shared an interest in wellness and a willingness to help, Faraday said. Reverend Mike Brewster said although the primary goal of the event was to help raise funds for faith-based activities, good physical fitness helps develop “spiritual health.”
Stephanie Best, from Pittston, said the event gave her a “good opportunity to try a bunch of different classes with new instructors.”
“Participating in this fitness event is a way to introduce fitness to some who may be intimidated to start,” Wendy Sartin, from Pittston, said.
Faraday said she and the committee aim to grow the event into a full-day “health and fitness expo” as soon as next year.