Boston's Free Fitness Series Is Back: Here's What To Know

BOSTON, MA — It's finally nice enough outside to move those New Year's resolution workout goals outside. And wouldn't you know it, the Boston Parks Summer Fitness Series — a Boston Public Health initiative — is back June 4 to help you accomplish those goals.

There are 30 free classes from yoga to line dancing. Oh my goodness. And who doesn't love line dancing? OK, so if Line Dancing isn't your jam, there's also zumba, bootcamp and, well, a medley of options. And the free classes at the city's parks will be featured in various neighborhoods until the end of September.

If this is getting you in the mood for fitness, head to Copley Square on May 31 for the opening event where there will be free zumba, line dancing, t-shirts and fanny packs (don't worry, they're in again), among other things. This begins at 5:30 p.m. and goes until 7 p.m.

The series began in 2014 as a way to expand fitness opportunities in Boston’s neighborhoods - something that's among the city’s core strategies in combating epidemics of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.

Approximately 50 percent of Boston residents were overweight or obese, according to the 2012-2013 Health of Boston Report. Extending free classes into neighborhood parks like Franklin Park where Line Dancing has been offered each Wednesday summer 2014, went well, organizers said that year.

“There’s been an amazing turnout, between 50 to 100 experienced and brand-new line dancers each week. One participant has already lost 30 pounds and made a real life style change,” said Christine Poff, executive director of the Franklin Park Coalition at the time. “It's so much fun, everyone's having a ball.”

Here’s a look at the schedule:

The website has a handy guide to what all those activities actually mean and the exact location of all those parks.

For more information, visit bphc.org.
And be sure to follow the Boston Patch on Facebook for updates.

File Photo by Jenna Fisher/Patch