Hernando County parks and recreation kicks off fitness program Saturday

SPRING HILL — If you've been harboring "get healthy" goals but can't seem to get started, a new county program starting Saturday might help.

The Hernando County Parks and Recreation Department, along with personal trainers Herson and Kim Garcia, are kicking off "Get Out Get Active Saturdays" this week at Anderson Snow Park. The program is free and open to all ages and fitness levels.

Participants will learn exercises to improve health, posture, endurance and body tone. The program is also designed to provide a place where families can get active together; strollers and children are welcome.

"Parents feel guilty for going to exercise and miss being with their kids," said personal trainer Kim Garcia, who owns GIME Fitness with her husband, Herson Garcia.

Organizers plan to educate and motivate people to integrate fitness into their lives. The Saturday morning sessions are just a start, she said. Instructors will focus on exercises that can be done at home throughout the week.

"Our main goal is to inspire people to take small steps or big steps," said Kim Garcia, who has worked as a personal trainer for 15 years.

Garcia said people often think they should be perfect when it comes to weight loss and lifestyle.

"We tell clients to plan for obstacles," she said.

Instead of aiming to lose weight for a reunion or a wedding, Garcia helps individuals to integrate healthy choices fully into their lives — one step at a time and without timelines.

"(When we have fitness goals) we don't put a timeline on how long we're going to live unhealthily," she said. "But we always do it for how long we'll live healthily."

County recreation coordinator Harry Johnson expressed enthusiasm for the program and Garcia's involvement.

"Kim's track record and following have been tremendous," Johnson said.

While classes are free, donations will be accepted, all of which will be given to the Parks and Recreation Department to support the upkeep of county parks and programs.

Participants should wear tennis shoes and bring a water bottle.

Shary Lyssy Marshall can be reached at slmarshall.sptimes@gmail.com.