1-hour free fitness classes at JKPL

Joeten Kiyu Public Library will be hosting one-hour free fitness classes every afternoon in the library’s Children of Homeland Center.
The classes will be offered from Tuesday to Friday, from 4:45pm to 5:45pm and is open to the public.

Classes will be offered through exercise DVDs or videos.

Those interested can sign up at the circulation desk located in the main lobby of JKPL.

Participants are advised to dress in proper workout attire and that space is limited to the first 30 participants.

JKPL technical services librarian Rosalyn Ajoste said the classes are a way to market the health resources that are available to the community.

“At this point, JKPL staff are not professionally certified physical trainers. Participants will be asked to sign a liability waiver,” Ajoste said.

Ajoste said it is also a “good idea to consult a physician prior to beginning any exercise program.”

“It is important for everyone to go at their own pace and not push too hard,” she added.

According to Ajoste, depending on the number of participants in the pilot program, JKPL hopes to be able to offer classes by certified instructors in Zumba, Pilates, high/low impact aerobics, yoga, core strengthening, and more.

JKPL is a member of the “Let’s Move Marianas” coalition.”

JKPL executive director John Gonzales said that they are planning on partnering with “Let’s Move Marianas” on the fitness classes but it is not settled yet.

Ajoste said that they would eventually like to partner with other government organizations that are committed to improving the health of all CNMI residents.

“The library should be a place where people come to learn and live healthier in their mind, body, and soul,” Ajoste said.

As part of its improvement on services to the community, JKPL will be experimenting with new programming ideas and looking for ways to increase patron traffic among teens and young adults, all the way up to the senior citizens.

Ajoste said that the target audience of the fitness classes is anyone looking to improve personal health and fitness, for those who cannot afford or may not have access to a gym, for those who can avail of the library’s centralized location, and who is looking for a group of supportive individuals to work out with.

For more information, call the public library at 235-7315 or 235-7316.