By Cheryl Conway
When it comes to health and fitness, Mt. Olive Township is stepping things up with more and more programs every season to promote wellness and more active lifestyles and habits.
Starting Tuesday, Sept. 8, local residents aged 18 and over are invited to participate in free guided exercise sessions at area parks. The new initiative—Fall into Health Fitness Program—is being sponsored by the Mt. Olive Twp. Health Department and the Mayor’s office.
This initiative is part of the Mayor’s Wellness Program to encourage residents to stay active and get involved in activities to promote a healthier lifestyle.
“Throughout the year, we host diverse programming for both the community and township employees,” shares Jenna Murphy, Mayor’s Wellness coordinator/Group Fitness instructor. Murphy, who is AFAA certified for 16 years, will be leading the free exercise sessions.
“Through a series of guided exercise sessions, participants will gain valuable knowledge about health, fitness and the benefits of regular physical activity while engaging in fun and accessible workouts,” describes Murphy.
The Fall into Health Fitness Program is set to begin Tuesday, Sept. 8 and run through Nov. 12. Sessions are 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday in designated areas in Turkey Brook Park in Budd Lake and Flanders Park in Flanders.
The program is open to any Mt. Olive resident aged 18 years old and over. Registration is required and gives participants access to all sessions.
The best part is the cost. There are no membership or enrollment fees.
“This program is offered at no cost to participants through funding from the Health Department,” says Murphy. “Support includes access to exercise bands during class sessions and a free fitness band for participants to keep, encouraging healthy habits beyond the program.”
According to Murphy, the program will offer various formats and levels.
“The program will feature a variety of fitness activities suitable for adults 18+ of all fitness levels,” says Murphy. “Sessions may incorporate strength, cardio, flexibility, balance and mobility exercises, with options to modify activities as needed.
“The exact format will evolve as we get to know participants and tailor the program to the group’s interests and needs,” adds Murphy.
Besides showing up, participants are advised to wear comfortable clothing and sneakers, and to bring water.
Every year, the township adds to its wellness program to provide more programs for its residents.
“Throughout the year, we host diverse programming for both the community and township employees,” says Murphy. “Community offerings have included the Mayor’s Wellness Walk and Fun Run, Senior Chair Yoga, Senior Chair Dance Fitness, a Reel Health Conversations library screening of “The M Factor,” and a Mental Health Association (MHA) presentation on self-care and emotional regulation.
“Township staff have also participated in health initiatives like blood pressure screenings, a Winter Blues Walk and dedicated self-care sessions,” she adds.
The MO Twp. Health Department also plans to host a new installment of Reel Health Conversations this fall/winter.
“This ongoing program pairs film screenings with open, community-led health discussions to promote wellness and public health awareness,” says Murphy.
Also planned as part of the Mayor’s Wellness Program throughout the MO Recreation Dept. is a family fitness afternoon— United We Move—set for Sunday, Sept. 13, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Flanders Park.
For questions regarding registration, eligibility, program activities, or accessibility accommodation, contact Murphy at 973-691-0900, ext. 7227.
