Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) - Mayo Clinic has announced the public debut of a new and unique exercise system for Rochester area residents. It’s located at Mayo’s southeast Family Clinic in the Shoppes on Maine complex and has been named the Path to Health total fitness system.

The walking and jogging path is equipped with 20 exercise stations that offer the option to participate in a self-guided, self-paced, balanced exercise routine. Heart rate guides also are posted to enable users to gauge exertion levels and properly pace their workouts.

The public debut will take place Friday as part of an event that will run from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

During the event, Mayo wellness coordinators will demonstrate exercises at the stations that incorporate stretching, flexibility, muscle toning and cardio activities. A “poker walk” also will be set up along the trail for participants to collect cards and, depending on the cards collected, win prizes.

The community fitness and health project is a collaboration among the Hexum family of Rochester, Mayo Clinic, and the Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP) of Olmsted County Public Health Services.

“According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3 out of 5 Minnesotans are overweight or obese, and insufficient physical activity plays a role in that statistic,” says Pete Giesen, Director, Olmsted County Public Health Services. “Path to Health is a community-led project to improve and promote good health, and aligns with the SHIP goal of reducing obesity rates and helping prevent chronic diseases.”

“We want to invite individuals, groups and businesses in the community who are interested in fitness or those seeking a new path to walk or jog to try out the Path to Health,” says Tom and Barb Hexum, donors and members of the project planning team. “This was created to be a community resource to utilize and enjoy.”

 

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