Have you ever made a new years resolution to go to the gym or started a routine to get in shape for summer? We often create these resolutions because maintaining physical fitness takes hard work and discipline. And though we might complain about the difficulty of these resolutions, having the ability to fulfill them is both a luxury and a privilege. In Breakthrough’s target area, there are no public fitness centers, putting yet another obstacle in the way of life-long health.
This is why Breakthrough is excited to introduce a state-of-the art fitness center for the East Garfield Park community. The FamilyPlex fitness center will be furnished with cardio and resistance equipment as well as fitness classes and a full basketball court. This is a much needed component of our facility as we seek to serve the needs of neighboring families.
Heart disease and diabetes are both epidemics in America; both are associated with inactivity and obesity. This is especially true in African American communities. 60% of Illinois residents are considered overweight or obese based on body mass index with even higher rates of 75% among African Americans (cdc.gov). The fitness center is just one of the ways that Breakthrough is addressing these public health concerns in our community (more news to come about Breakthrough’s partnership with Lawndale Christian Health Centers).
As the Dream Big Campaign continues we look forward to providing a space that helps people remove obstacles and achieve their fitness resolutions.
