physical fitness

Dozens of organizations with information about free and low-cost fitness opportunities have been congregating at the libraries over the past few weeks. The reason? The 50+ Fitness Fairs. Think of them as a combined celebration of:

• beautiful mid-Spring in New York City
• Earth Day
• Physical Fitness and Sports Month
• National Bike Month
• Older Americans Month
• Celebrate Baby Boomers Month (O.K., I made that one up...)

If you missed the fairs, you have one more chance. The last of this series of fairs will take place this coming Saturday, May 16 from 12-4 P.M. at the Countee Cullen Library in Harlem. Take a look below at the websites of some of the organizations that have attended these fairs. More importantly, take advantage of the opportunities they offer for getting fit, while having fun.  read more »

Spring beckons: warmer weather teases; suggestions of summer intrude; promises to self to get out and exercise are made.

Yes, this is the year to start seriously walking, even hiking, maybe camping! And how about trying some bicycling, tennis, or canoeing. . .

I’ll do it—I’m going to the library!
Whaaat??? Who thinks of the library when they decide to get some exercise? Well, you should..

Allow us to be your friendly guide for your forays into fitness. Over the next four weeks the New York Public Library will be hosting four 50+ Fitness Fairs, at which we plan to introduce you—especially if you’re 50 or over—to organizations in New York City that provide free and low-cost opportunities to become more active and physically fit, while having fun.

More than a dozen organizations will be sending representatives to one or more of the fairs to distribute literature and give brief presentations on fitness activities in the metro NYC area. These include: the Outdoors Club, Inc., whose members lead walks and hikes in and near New York City; the Appalachian Mountain Club, known mostly for hiking and camping and which I was surprised to learn is involved with many other activities as well; and the Shorewalkers, who not only sponsor the Great Saunter every spring but have many walks along Manhattan’s coast. You can find out how to start a walking club in your neighborhood, or how to join one that already exists.  read more »