Falls, Germantown Join Forces With New “Get Me Fit!” Program

Summer is right around the corner.  If you’re one of those who feels a bit out of shape or unhealthy you might want to take advantage of a brand new program designed to help individuals and families switch to a healthier, more active lifestyle.

“Get Me Fit!” is an eight-week program to be coordinated by  and the Germantown Park and Recreation Department.  The program will be held on Thursday evenings from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. June 16 to August 4 at Spassland Park, W160N10000 Colonial Dr., in Germantown.

“There’s a lot of different ways that people can be active in and out of the home,” said Renee Vertin, nutrition coordinator, UW-Extension Washington County. “Winter time is very much a concern for us because of the weather and a shortness of daylight. There are things people can do as families or individually to be more active. When they’re more active they reap the health benefits.”

Each week the program will feature a 45-minute presentation by a health professional followed by 45 minutes of physical activity including walking, running, and active family games. The program will offer a variety of educational topics including proper stretching, cardiovascular activities, starting a vegetable garden, reading food labels, bike safety, avoiding injuries, and limiting screen time such as watching TV, playing with video games and hand held devices.

“What we are really hoping is that families will sign up as families for this class,” said Kathy Menard-Rothe, wellness manager for Community Memorial Hospital. “Maybe mom, dad and the kids or perhaps just mom and the kids might come. The focus is on healthy lifestyle, looking at physical activity and nutrition from a family standpoint.” 

Dietitians will teach a nutrition segment that will explain how to stay motivated with some lifestyle change.  During the first session, body measurements such as height, weight, waist circumference and blood pressure will be taken. Participants will also be given a colorful, user-friendly Guidebook which focuses on MyPyramid, a food and activity plan.  The book contains a two-week menu plan, recipes, shopping tips and more.

“Throughout program, we’ll encourage participants to be more active and to eat better,” Menard-Rothe said. “Then we will do follow-up testing at the last session to see if there is any progress with weight, waste circumference, and blood pressure.”

The cost for the entire eight-week program is $8 per person with a registration deadline of Monday June 6.  For more information, contact the Germantown Park and Recreation Department at (262) 250-4710 or register online.