March 30, 2006

GET MOVING, BROOKLINE: TOWN LAUNCHES FITNESS CAMPAIGN
By Erin Smith/ Staff Writer

Have you ever wanted to try a high kick like the martial arts masters, see firsthand why there is so much commotion over the latest yoga and Pilates crazes or just try a new gym? Brookliners will have one week to try local health clubs, dance classes and other fitness classes during the first week of April - for free. Town officials are teaming up with local businesses during National Public Health Week, which runs from April 3 to 9, to launch its new campaign, Brookline: On the Move.

The goal of the campaign is to improve physical fitness and increase physical activity for the people who live and work in Brookline. At more than 25 locations, Brookline's gyms, health and fitness clubs and dance studios will open their doors free of charge. "Anybody who lives in town or works in town is more than welcome to participate," said Lynne Karsten, who organized the campaign. Karsten, the town's director of community health, said she plans on trying Boabom and yoga classes next week. Karsten told selectmen last week that she hopes the new campaign will show town employees and residents how easy it is to fit exercise into a busy schedule.

To prove her point, town organizers have even scheduled 30-minute walks through Emerson Park on April 5 led by town department heads, such as Town Administrator Richard Kelliher, Superintendent Bill Lupini and Alan Balsam, the town's health director. Yoga instructor Andrea Soler is scheduled to lead a class entitled "Why yoga? Why now?" at the main library on April 4. Anybody can go," said Soler. "I'm going to gear it more towards beginners." Soler plans on teaching residents posture and breathing exercises, as well as a brief introduction on the history and benefits of yoga. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothes and bring a towel or a mat. Other events planned include a talk on the new carbon monoxide detector law and other safety issues by Pat Maloney, the town's chief of environmental health.

Some of the more than 25 participating partners include Brookline Community Center for the Arts, Coolidge Corner Gym, Inner Space, The Boston School of Boabom , Brookline Tai Chi, Dancesport Academy of New England, Brookline Adult & Community Education and Brookline DAHN Yoga & Healing.

For more information or the schedule of events, visit
www.townofbrooklinemass.com/onthemove or contact Lynne Karsten at the Brookline Health Department at 617-730-2336.

Also, take the National Public Health Week safety quiz at
www.townofbrooklinemass.com/Quiz/healthquiz.asp and win a prize!

Erin Smith can be reached at esmith@cnc.com