By Julie BUTCHER

“It’s the only way I’ll exercise. I’m just more willing to try something, even if it may not be my favorite exercise, when I’m in a group like this,” said Jaime Laug. Laug started attending fitness classes at Crescenta Valley Park three years ago, first at the beginners’ level called “Let’s Get Moving!”

“I was trying to get healthy. I can only come on Tuesdays,” she added cheerfully, heading off after the class.

Each Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., local residents meet up on the lawn just west of the dog park in Crescenta Valley Park for an hour of exercise, community and nature.

The 3 WINS fitness program is coordinated through the kinesiology program [kinesiology is the scientific study of human (or non-human) body movement] at California State University, Northridge (CSUN) and, when school is in session, interns in kinesiology and public health earn credit for their work in helping to organize the fitness program that states it is “dedicated to empowering individuals to improve their quality of life by building healthier minds, bodies, and communities.”

According to the 3 WINS website, “We are university educated staff trained in the art and science of human movement. Our goal is to enable the public to resist the prevalence of inactivity and dietary related diseases through the delivery of progressive exercise programs and health education courses.

“We have faithfully maintained its original intent: an exercise program that would be free (accessible), sustainable (no external funding) and replicable.” 

According to the website, 3 WINS:

1. Focuses on the student to provide an opportunity to apply their education, gain job-related experience and grow in leadership skills and self-empowerment.

2. For participants, it provides an opportunity for young and old, fit and less fit, to improve their health and maximize their potential.

3. And, for the community, to expose the entire community to a healthier lifestyle and provide the education and the programming to make changes in the health of their families and reduce the personal and economic burden of physical inactivity-related diseases.”

Everyone is welcome, regardless of level of activity. The classes are always free.

“When the interns are on break,” exercisers Anna and Hillarie explained, “Chris leads us. He’s one of us.”

Terry Beyer explained the tiered levels: beginner, intermediate (called active living), and the most fit level “performance.” At 74, Beyer thinks it is important to stay active and in shape. He is proud of his competitive fitness and hopes more people come to participate each session.

“We’ve had as many as 100 [people],” he said.

“It’s really just a great excuse to run and play in the park,” another participant commented, heading back to the parking lot after the end of the class.

There are six other 3 WINS locations across the San Fernando Valley. For more information about the Crescenta Valley classes, contact program director Tania Hernandez by email at tania.hernandez.528@my.csun.edu.

CV Park is located at 3901 Dunsmore Ave. in La Crescenta.

  Julie BUTCHER