FitPHX initiative to make Arizona one of the healthiest states in the nation

FitPHX was started five years ago by Councilman Daniel Valenzuela, Mayor Greg Stanton and Olympic gold medalist Misty Hyman as an effort to make Arizona one of the healthiest states.

The project includes the collaborative efforts of the government, private sector, non-profits and universities to provide residents with tools and education to lead a healthier lifestyle.

“It goes back to a program I started as a firefighter at my other job,” Valenzuela says. “I created a program as a West Valley firefighter… I have a different platform here, it’s a broader platform, so we created FitPHX with that same idea. We’ve taken off with it. There’s dozens of opportunities to get fit for every ability, every age.”

AARP is one of the many non-profits that works alongside FitPHX to promote health and wellness. They host a popular free workout series called “Fall into Fitness” at Margaret T. Hance Park on every Tuesday evening from 6 to 7 p.m. The classes are being held from March 20 to May 22.

“We partnered with FitPHX for a fall fitness concert series last August,” Paula Wright with Arizona AARP says. “It was so successful we decided to do it again. It’s a ten week fitness series. We encourage everyone to come out regardless of age, fitness level or ability… We just wanted to create a fun fitness experience for folks. There’s Zumba. There’s yoga. There’s all types of fitness.”

There are professional instructors for different skill levels, so anyone attending can participate. The lessons are adapted to fit every fitness ability, Wright says.

“People of all ages and abilities are going at their own pace but everyone is having a great time and getting to know one another,” Valenzuela says. “Everyone is working toward their own goals to become a fit version of themselves.”

For more information on FitPHX go to phoenix.gov/parks/fitphx.