Shelby County residents can soon get free gym classes thanks to a partnership with UTHSC
Shelby County residents will be able to get their sweat on at locally-owned neighborhood gyms for free starting Monday. Gyms around Shelby County that are identified as “ShelbyCares Neighborhood Health Clubs” will be providing 50-minute group fitness classes that are beginner-friendly and suitable for all residents ages 16 andolder.
The initiative comes from a collaboration between the Shelby County Mayor's Office of Innovation and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center's College of Medicine to promote physical activity, a press release said. Office of Innovation Director Danielle Inez said in the release she is hopeful that residents will believe that Shelby County can be "stronger, healthier, and live longer lives."
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for Shelby County residents, according to the 2022 Shelby County Commission District Health Profiles report. The press release also stated that more than half of Shelby County adults are overweight or obese and fewer than 30% of adults have seen a primary care physician within the last year.
“Turning the tide on generations of poor health is no easy feat, and I commend the neighborhood gyms who have committed to help us expand access to great health," Mayor Lee Harris said in the press release. "This is the type of collaboration that moves the needle. I look forward to meeting many more of our residents in the gym.”
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In addition to promoting physical activity, ShelbyCare's workout classes aim to expose citizens to various workout styles and connect them to peers with similar health goals.
What is ShelbyCares?
ShelbyCares is acommunity partnership between Harris and UTHSC. The partnership offers educational classes, free events and group workouts to promote healthy living.
The press release said that ShelbyCares's mission is to “make Shelby County one of the healthiest places on Earth."
ShelbyCare's previously hosted a Senior Prom for over 400 local senior citizens in addition to opening a free health and wellness center.
The free health and wellness center, ShelbyCares on 3rd located in Westwood, offers free cooking classes and exercise classes throughout the week. Over 1,000 residents have received health and wellness services through ShelbyCares, the county said.
How to get free fitness classes in Shelby County
All classes offered through the partnership will be free of charge for Shelby County residents.
Residents can sign up for classes via the program's website www.shelbycares.co/workout.
Brooke Muckerman covers Shelby County Government for The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at (901) 484-6225, [email protected] and followed on X, formerly known as Twitter @BrookeMuckerman.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Free gym classes for Shelby County residents. Here's what we know
