Wise Walk Program Invites Plum Residents to Get Moving

Participants can set their own goals and walk at their own pace using a complimentary walking guide.

More than 30 libraries, including Plum Borough Community Library, are encouraging walkers ages 50 and older, to take a Wise Walk. The free 10-week walking program is being held in partnership between the Allegheny County Library Association, AARP and UPMC for Life. Participants can set their own goals and walk at their own pace using a complimentary walking guide.  The Wise Walk aims to help adults age well with exercise and healthy aging resources at their local libraries. Groups participating in the Plum program meet at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday mornings at the library. Water, healthy snacks and T-shirts are provided.  Call Marilyn Klingensmith at 412-798-7323 or email klingensmithm@einetwork.net

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Readers' Choice Poll: What's Your Favorite Fitness Center?

We've placed your nominations in a poll. It's time to vote!

This week's Readers' Choice asks you to vote for your Favorite Fitness Center in Plum, Oakmont or Verona. So where will it be? An overwhelming amount of you have submitted nominations, and now it's time to vote! You've nominated Steel City Rowing Club in Verona, Cycling Fusion in Oakmont and the East Suburban Family YMCA in Plum. Voting ends on Friday at noon. The place with the most votes will receive a certificate from Patch. If you think we're missing a location, tell us in the comments and we will add it to our poll. Ready. Set. VOTE. _______________________ Plum-Oakmont Patch is on Facebook and on Twitter. Don't forget to sign up for our daily email newsletter by clicking here.

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Readers' Choice: What's Your Favorite Fitness Center?

Plum, Oakmont and Verona have a variety of gym and fitness facilities—where do you like to sweat?

Summer—and bathing suit—weather is around the corner, so we're sure you want to look your best. We want to know, where in the Plum-Oakmont area do you like to work out? Do you prefer a larger and more public fitness center, or a smaller setting where you can get personalized attention? Or perhaps a little bit of both? This week's Readers' Choice asks you to vote for your Favorite Fitness Center in Plum, Oakmont or Verona. So where will it be?  We have a YMCA, a yoga studio, CrossFit, an indoor cycling studio and many other facilities in our area! Nominate a gym or fitness facility by leaving a comment below! On Wednesday, we'll create a poll with your nominations. A winner will be announced on Friday. Ready. Set. Go! …

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Regency Park Elementary Hosts Family Fun Night

Parents and students participated in fitness fun.

Regency Park Elementary School families stepped it up on Friday night during family fun night. "Witness the Fitness" was held in the Regency Park gym. Families participated in several different fitness stations, including corn hole, jump rope, bosu balls, hoola hoops, hot potat, Wii Dance Party 3 and spin the fitness wheel sponsored by the American Heart Association They also got to make trail mix and healthy potato chips, they received information about EB4K (Energy Balance For Kids) presented by Maryann Lazzaro and Cory O'Brien, watched a C.S. Kim Karate demonstration and participated in a line dancing program hosted by DJ Blake Lipinski.  All guests left with a fitness treat bag at the end of the evening.

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Get Out Weekend Planner

Here are 10 events to check out this weekend.

Welcome to the Plum-Oakmont Patch's Weekend Planner! Got no idea what you'll do this weekend? Patch is coming to the rescue. We've got the best bets for your done-work-outta-here time. Check out our top picks for this weekend to find something for everyone in the family to enjoy. It's a good idea to have cash ready for these events. 1. Presbyterian SeniorCare's Annual Gift Fair Where/When: Presbyterian Seniorcare, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday Why Go: The Presbyterian SeniorCare's Annual Gift Fair is hosted by PSC Auxiliary. A unique selection of gifts, jewelry, greeting cards, stuffed animals and miscellaneous items will be on sale. Come start your holiday shopping early! Pricing: Free admission. 2. Book …

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Celebrate National Yoga Month with a Practice Session

After this writer got the hang of it, yoga became a favorite.

Happy yoga month! OK. I didn’t know until earlier this week that September was National Yoga Month, but that won’t stop me from sharing with you how great I think this form of exercise is. If I associate my love letter to yoga with the special month for it, it won’t seem so weird (right?). I must admit I’ve never gotten so far into yoga that I’ve had some major out-of-body experience, felt comfortable breathing the way I’m supposed to (it’s weird), pronounced the poses the fancy yogi way, or obtained Madonna’s awesome yoga body. However, I have reaped the benefits of yoga over and over, and I love it. According to the American Yoga Association’s website, yoga is over 5,000 years old and was born from the people of ancient time’s desire for…

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Looking on the Light Side

Fit in 15 for a Longer Life

A new study found that even just 15 minutes of activity benefits your health.

A study in exercise science recently found just 15 minutes of physical activity a day can add an average of three years to your life. Most people I know think that if they can’t get in the 30 or more recommended by most health agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, then it won’t be worth it. This study, done by Taiwan's National Health Research Institutes, says it is. Why 15? According to lead researcher Chi Pang Wen, the benefits gained in that first—or only—15 minutes are "enormous." The study also indicated this activity doesn’t necessarily need to be done in a gym, in your workout clothes or anything strenuous—just get moving. I take the bus to my new job downtown, which includes a 10 to 15 minute walk from…

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