SUNY Schenectady County Community College unveiled its new MVP Health Care Fitness Court on its campus Monday morning.
The court, which features 30 pieces of equipment for agility and strength-training, is the first of the nine outdoor fitness courts to be opened across the Capital Region. The initiative, a result of a partnership between MVP Health Care and the National Fitness Campaign, aims to get the Capital Region community outside and moving in an easy and equitable way.
“The launch of this first fitness court brings us one step closer to providing equitable access to resources that can change the trajectory of someone’s health and wellness journey,” said Stacey Barss, the leader of field marketing at MVP Health Care. “We hope these courts will further inspire people to put their health and wellbeing first.”
The free fitness court stands directly along the Mohawk-Hudson Bike Trail Access Point, giving walkers, bikers, and other locals open access to its seven-movement workout. The structure is open to all ages, sizes and abilities, and operates free of cost.
In fact, beginning Wednesday, MVP Health Care will sponsor five weeks of free fitness classes for those interested in learning the ropes of the fitness court. The classes will be led by Hardwired Fitness’s Jenna Stankus every Wednesday at 5 p.m., and are open to all.
But more than general community involvement, Dr. Steady Moono, the president of SUNY Schenectady, believes that the fitness court will be particularly beneficial to the students given its location on the College grounds.
“We know that our students have gone through a really difficult time over the past almost-three years,” said Dr. Moono. “But balance is important – if you’re going to be successful in class, you also need to take care of yourself… so physical exercise and meditation is one of those balances that you must have.”
Kristen Rossler, an SCCC student and one of the ambassadors present to demonstrate the equipment at the fitness court’s grand opening, is optimistic about both the larger community’s interest in the court and that of the SCCC students.
“People today were definitely curious about it — I’m hopeful for it and I’d still go to it,” Rossler said.
Categories: -News-, Schenectady, Schenectady County
