Blue Hill Memorial Hospital will hold its third annual 5K Fun Run and one-mile walk on Saturday, August 7.  Once again, Blue Hill fitness enthusiast, Anne Piazza, will lead an exercise program prior to the August event.  “The fitness program is inclusive and highly personalized,” says Piazza.  “All are welcome to join us, regardless of whether they’ve ever exercised before.  I want to help all of our participants to train for the event, as well as meet the minimum requirements of the American College of Sports Medicine regarding cardiovascular stimulus, resistance training and stretching that have recently received attention in the media.”

Piazza adds, “Heart disease, diabetes, and obesity are very real threats to our families, friends, and neighbors.  The fitness program is designed to help prevent, or at least combat such chronic diseases that can compromise the quality of life that is so important to all of us. If you are not exercising at least 3 times a week for 30 minutes and are a male over 45 or female over 55, you already have two risk factors. This puts you at moderate risk for cardiac disease. It is time to take control, get off the couch and get moving.”

This year’s program is expanded to include a boot camp component that will be conducted at two different levels. A boot camp for all levels will be held at the Blue Hill Fairgrounds, and a bit more advanced boot camp will be held at Blue Hill Mountain. Boot camps will be held both morning and early evening to accommodate various schedules.  The boot camps will begin on June 14 and last for eight weeks. 

Piazza’s basic training program will begin on Saturday, June 5 at 8:00 a.m. at the Blue Hill Fairgrounds.  “The race training program focuses on cardiovascular fitness, preparing to walk or run in the three mile road race.” explains Piazza.  “The boot camps will include other components, such as strength and agility training as well as flexibility exercises.”  As she has done for the past three years, Piazza, a physical therapist, cross country coach and group fitness instructor, will help each participant meet personal goals and overcome barriers to fitness.   Participants in any of Piazza’s training programs are welcome to attend an evening lecture series that complements the physical training program.

Those who register for the 5K Fun Run can participate in all training programs at no cost.  The boot camp classes are also available at a modest cost to those who do not wish to participate in the road race.

For more to register for the training program or for more information, contact Anne Piazza at 266-4338 or through email at agpiazza@live.com.  Additional information, including race registration forms, for the race will be available soon at www.bhmh.org.