Fall for Fitness, an outreach program of the Piedmont Community Health Coalition and Virginia Cooperative Extension, is kicking off its second year.

“Fall for Fitness is the autumn version of Spring into Health, which was created in the spring of 2016 and was the first time the program was offered,” said Extension Agent Caitlin Miller. “Spring into Health and Fall for Fitness are made possible by Centra and our many community partners who make their programs available to Fall for Fitness participants for free.”

Miller said their partners include Farmville Parks and Recreation, Virginia State Parks, Farmville Community Marketplace, Beulah M. Wiley Fitness Center, Southside Virginia Family YMCA and many of their coalition members.

“The overall goal of the program is to encourage healthy lifestyles by exposing community members to existing healthy eating and active living opportunities,” Miller said. “In our community, we have great parks, fitness and sports programs and people with a wealth of knowledge about health and wellness and we want to inspire people to utilize these resources.”

She said there are many activities made available through Fall for Fitness including yoga, Zumba, pickleball, PiYo, archery and canoeing in addition to programs and equipment available at the Southside Virginia Family YMCA and Beulah M. Wiley Fitness Center in Buckingham.

“Fall for Fitness will also include community garden tours and cooking demonstrations to inspire healthy eating,” Miller said. “For each completed activity, participants receive one raffle ticket and each ticket represents a chance to win great prizes during the final prize drawing event.”

She said prizes include a Fitbit Charge 2, a one-month membership to the YMCA, a $50 gift certificate to the Outdoor Adventure Store and more.

According to Miller, those who want to participate can call or visit the Virginia Cooperative Extension office to sign up.

“Fall for Fitness is a free program, and thanks to our partners the fees associated with each activity within Fall for Fitness have also been waived,” Miller said.

The Piedmont Community Health Coalition is a seven-county health and wellness initiative led by a group of community leaders committed to changing the policies, systems and environments that affect area neighborhoods, health care institutions, community organizations, schools and workplaces in order to improve the health of citizens living in the Piedmont Health District. Those interested in more information can visit the coalition’s Facebook page or website,  which can be accessed here.