It’s definitely not uncommon to want to begin a new year on the right foot and set impressive fitness goals from the jump, however Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation team members have created a way for everyone to start strong and stay strong with a new, fun event that lasts throughout the entire month of January.
The team wanted to indentify a way to help people get excited about their fitness goals, start off in a strong and meaningful way and encourage them to have fun doing it, all so they're motivated to continue. The second objective of the team was to introduce community residents to several of the city's fitness facilities.
Murfreesboro aquatics superintendent, Kyle Goss explains, “With the New Year, it brings in all the resolutions to be healthier and get in shape. Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation is here to help you on your way and prevent you from falling victim to National Quitters Day. Throughout the month of January, we're highlighting many of the classes and programs we have to offer."
He adds that this monthlong 'Start Strong' event culminates on Jan. 31 with a fitness class sampler at Sports*Com and with a variety of instructors from across the city, a 1-mile Fun Run and the annual cold plunge into the pool at 'Boro Beach.
The Start Strong event kicks off with the New Year’s Day 5K race on Jan. 1, starting at 10 a.m. This is one of the community’s favorite local races and is capped at 550 runners; it's a great way to start new fitness goals off on day one.
The series of Start Strong events continues with showcase samplers offered at Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation facilities giving the community a chance to try out a wide variety of fitness options. All of the facilities will be offering a showcase of sampler classes at shortened intervals so guests can try something new and find what they like:
- Friday, Jan. 9, at the St. Clair Senior Center, 325 St Clair St.
- Saturday, Jan. 10, at Sports*Com, 2310 Memorial Blvd.
- Saturday, Jan. 17, at Patterson Park Community Center, 521 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
- Saturday, Jan. 31, at Sports*Com includes: Showcase Sampler 8:15-10:30 a.m.; 1-mile Fun Run 10:30-11 a.m.; and Cold Plunge 11 a.m.
The Cold Plunge is an event that has taken place at the outdoor pool at Sports*Com for more than 20 years and has had several different names, but it always brings out a large group of people that truly love it and come back year after year.
"As a self-described 'veteran plunger' at the Cold Plunge event, I always get asked: 'Are you crazy?,' shares Kyle. "While the answer to the first question is up for debate, I usually feel initial shock followed by intense euphoria, mental clarity and physically invigorated right after the plunge. Throughout the day, I also feel renewed, more focused and less stressed. Beyond all these benefits, this is a great way to grow a community of fitness-minded friends who can help each other stay committed to New Years fitness goals. It’s honestly one of my favorite events of the year."
Therapeutic sources indicate key benefits of cold plunges can include reduced inflammation, metabolism boost, improved circulation, stress response adaptation and mood enhancement. Plunges reportedly increase "feel-good" hormones, such as dopamine and noradrenaline, which improve focus, motivation and alertness.
Everyone is encouraged to visit different facilities during January and then come back to Sports*Com on Jan. 31 for a high-energy showcase, the 1-mile Fun Run, and of course, the Cold Plunge, where enthusiastic cold plungers of all ages will line the outdoor pool at ‘Boro Beach and then make a grand splash. Guests also will be invited to participate in drawings for prizes and snacks will be provided.
The overall mission of Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation is to provide vibrant public spaces and inclusive programs, delivered with visionary leadership and caring staff that engage the individual and strengthen the quality of life of our community.
As a self-described 'veteran plunger' at the Cold Plunge event, I always get asked: 'Are you crazy?' ~Kyle Goss, Murfreesboro aquatics superintendent
"Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation is here to help you on your way and prevent you from falling victim to National Quitters Day."