PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM), in partnership with California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) LifeFit Center @ The Beach, is launching a new exercise class program to provide evidence-based physical activity programming for older adults. The exercise class program supports the City’s Age-Friendly Initiative and emphasizes helping seniors maintain their independence and aging well at home. The program, funded by the Long Beach Recovery Act to support older adults impacted during the pandemic, will be held Thursdays at the McBride Park Senior Center and Tuesdays at the Chavez Park Senior Center from 11 to11:50 a.m. starting July 19 and July 21, respectively. Pre-registration is not required, and classes will be available on a first-come, first-served basis until capacity is reached.

“This is a great partnership that not only benefits older adults in our community but also helps to develop a workforce that can support older adults for decades to come,” said Mayor Robert Garcia.

In addition to providing fitness classes for older adults, the program will also provide experiential learning and professional development opportunities for students of the LifeFit Center, an experiential learning and research laboratory within the department of kinesiology at CSULB. The program will offer multicomponent, scientifically-based group fitness programming that will include resistance training, cardio-respiratory training and balance exercises. LifeFit Center student assistant staff members will lead group fitness classes. The LifeFit Center class leaders will be trained by LifeFit Center Director Dr. Ayla Donlin and other kinesiology faculty members.

“The LifeFit Center is thrilled to continue our partnership with Long Beach Parks, Recreation, and Marine to offer comprehensive physical activity programming to the community while simultaneously supporting the education and training of CSULB students pursuing careers in health and human services,” said Donlin. “Come workout with us to get energized and feel healthier, stronger, and more balanced.”

Additional information about the CSULB LifeFit Center is available on its website. More details regarding the City’s Age Friendly Initiative are available here.

These older adult programs are made possible by Long Beach Recovery Act, a plan to fund economic and public health initiatives for Long Beach residents, workers and businesses critically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional information about the Long Beach Recovery Act is available at longbeach.gov/recovery.   

About the City of Long Beach
Home to approximately 470,000 people, the multiple award-winning and innovative City of Long Beach offers all the world-class amenities of a large metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods nestled together along the California coast. As a full-service charter city, Long Beach is home to the Queen Mary, Aquarium of the Pacific, several museums and theaters, a highly-rated school district, Long Beach Airport, the Port of Long Beach, as well as many award-winning City departments such as Health and Human Services; Parks, Recreation and Marine; Development Services; Public Works and more. The City also has a highly respected university and city college, two historic ranchos, five hospitals, 12 libraries, five golf courses, 169 parks, miles of beaches, marinas, bike paths and a Bike Share program.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit http://longbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. 

About Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine 
Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine Department (PRM) is recognized for excellence in management practices and programs, having received the National Parks and Recreation Association Gold Medal Award four times. PRM provides leisure programs and services to residents and visitors, which improve quality of life in Long Beach. PRM maintains 169 parks with 26 community centers, 320 acres of open space, and 6.1 miles of beaches; implements the City's Open Space Plan, provides recreational opportunities to meet diverse community needs, maintains public marinas, and provides for public safety and the humane treatment of animals.  For more information about the Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine programs and services, visit www.longbeach.gov/park. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.