San Antonio Sports ACTIVATE offers free fitness and wellness programs citywide

SAN ANTONIO – A program in San Antonio is lifting barriers to give people across the city the opportunity to live a healthy lifestyle. From free weekly fitness classes to mental wellness to nutrition – San Antonio Sports ACTIVATE offers a whole-body health experience.

“The main focus is what, everyone? Fitness, right?” said Cynthia Calzada, instructor with San Antonio Sports ACTIVATE.

It’s a journey to healthy living and having fun while doing it. San Antonio Sports ACTIVATE has built a community within a community to keep you on track and motivated.

“We support each other, and that’s what I love about this program,” said Mika Obaya, program participant turned instructor.

San Antonio Sports ACTIVATE, formally known as Fit Family Challenge, is an expansion of the program they have been offering since 2010. The mission is still the same, to provide classes that in turn help reduce the obesity and diabetes rates in the city. This is now a year-round initiative.

“Being able to provide an opportunity to those to access fitness classes for free, health screenings for free, preventative care, and then the mental wellness aspect as well,” said Sara Tovar, San Antonio Sports ACTIVATE.

FOX SA checked out their cardio toning class on Monday with instructor Cynthia Calzada.

“It’s strengthening the muscles, enhancing body strength, which is very important as we get older, as well as cardio fitness. But if you are a beginner level, you can use your own body weight resistance,” said Calzada.

Those participating said they have noticed a difference – physically and mentally.

“I have more flexibility, and I don’t get as tired as often,” said Bertha Sanchez, program participant.

“It has helped me lose weight for one thing, and it’s, it’s that one hour that you have to yourself, and you become addicted to the music,” said Margarita Lopez, program participant.

Mika Obaya said this class has even helped her recover from a shoulder injury.

“It has helped me gain my range of motion that I otherwise didn’t have in the beginning, when I got injured,” said Obaya.

Other fitness classes include yoga, body combat, tai chi and Zumba. They are held at locations in all parts of town. They also have pop-up classes which bring out large crowds. Or, you can participate virtually.

Family-friendly 5K runs are also held throughout the year. FOX SA News at Nine anchor Ashley Paredez was the emcee at their last one in June. You can see her emcee again at the next 5K on September 14th at Brooks.

“We’re family, not just working out, but we meet friends that inspire each other,” said Calzada.

The program tracks your progress, and you receive points for what you participate in. Those points can then be redeemed for prizes.

“It’s the people, it’s the music… of course, the prizes, that keeps me coming back,” said Lopez.

You can join in on a class at any time by registering HERE.