Mayor's Council on Physical Fitness

555 Walnut, Suite 203 Abilene, Texas 79601
P.O. Box 60, Abilene, Texas 79604
Phone: 325-676-6206
Fax: 325-676-6229
E-mail: mayorscouncil.physicalfitness@abilenetx.com


The Mayor's Council on Physical Fitness was established in March 2008 by Mayor Norm Archibald. It was formed to help build a healthier community. The Mayor's Council assists in the development and support of ongoing physical fitness programs, annual fitness campaigns, and educational outreach that are designed to meet the fitness and wellness needs of the community.

 

For information on fitness opportunities in Abilene, visit www.myfitnessabilene.com


Upcoming Events

Any time: Random Acts of Fitness
If you're out walking or doing some form of physical activity in the community, you may become the recipient of a random act of fitness. Members of the Mayor's Council on Physical Fitness are giving out free t-shirts at random to residents who are "caught in the act" of physical fitness.

Next Meeting

4 p.m., December 9, 2009 in the Basement Conference Room at City Hall, 555 Walnut Street.

Fitness Tips

Click here for training programs: Runner or Non-Runner

Bill Horn, who is a Mayor's Council member, Road Runner Club of America (RRCA) certified running coach and past president of the Abilene Runners Club, developed the 5 week program. He said it's designed to help a person finish the 5K "happy, healthy and injury-free". Horn explained that the pace a person should run is determined by what he terms the "Talk Test". That is if they can jog and carry on a conversation with a friend, they are doing well. If they are not relaxed enough to talk, they are running too fast. He emphasized that the race day running should be an extension of what they've been doing for the previous four weeks. If they watch their pace (Talk Test) and follow the walk/jog ratios from start to finish, they should have no problem finishing the Mayor's Round-Up.

For a specific question(s), you are welcome to e-mail Bill at coachbillhorn@gmail.com.

You can also view the training tips at www.youtube.com/AbileneTelevision.

*Before starting any new fitness/training program, consult with your physician first.*

 

Out and About in the Community

September 10, 2009 Karen Stover and

Tanya Brice at the Mayor's Council on

Physical Fitness booth at ArtWalk.

 

September 10, 2009 A young cycling

fan checks out the bicycles at Bike

Town's booth during ArtWalk.

 

Mayor Norm Archibald proclaims

September 10, 2009 as Abilene on the

Move Day. Representing the Mayor's

Council on Physical Fitness are Tanya

Brice, Joy Hedges, Dennis O'Connell

and Liz Rotenberry.

 

   

  September 10, 2009 Sondra Cox and    

  Mayor Archibald join a group of

  City of Abilene employees for a

  ten minute walk around downtown on

  Abilene on the Move Day.

 

  June 27, 2009 The Mayor's Hike at

  Lake Abilene attracts fitness

  enthusiasts of all ages.

 

  June 27, 2009 A group of hikers enjoy

  Lake Abilene during the Mayor's Hike.

 

News Releases

 

October 2009

 

Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness promotes favorite fitness activity of the month  

ABILENE, Texas – The Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness is promoting a favorite fitness activity of the month. For October, it’s cycling.

 

“Cycling is a low-impact aerobic activity that is suitable for nearly all age groups”, said Dennis O’Connell, Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness Vice-Chair. “It doesn’t take a huge time commitment plus it helps increase muscle endurance and cardiovascular fitness. It’s a great stress reducer also.”

 

The Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness is donating water for the 2009 Wheels for Life bicycling event, which is being put on by Biketown. The event is taking place tomorrow, October 24 at Primetime Family Entertainment Center, 4541 Loop 322. Registration, which is $25/person, begins at 7:00 a.m. with a 7:30 a.m. start. For more details, go online to www.myfitnessabilene.com.

 

For November, the favorite fitness activity of the month is disc golf.

 

Citizens serving on the Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness are: Dr. Pug Parris (Chair), Dr. Dennis O’Connell (Vice-Chair), Dr. Tanya Brice, Joy Hedges, Mary Herron, Bill Horn, Dr. Dan Munton, Liz Rotenberry (former Chair), Deonna Shake and Karen Stover.

 

Mayor Archibald established the Council on Physical Fitness in March 2008.

 

Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness awarded $7,500 state grant

ABILENE, Texas – Mayor Norm Archibald announced today that the Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness is the recipient of a $7,500 grant from the Governor’s Advisory Council on Physical Fitness. The third phase of the grant will go toward the board’s mentoring of other cities in establishing and setting up their own Mayor’s Fitness Councils.

 

Back in June 2008, the Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness was awarded $24,000 in the grant’s first phase which was applied to the development of community wellness and fitness programs as well as to conduct a community fitness resource and needs assessment. In November 2008, the board received $56,000 in the grant’s second phase which went toward a community-wide awareness campaign to enhance access to and awareness of opportunities for physical activity within Abilene. Over the past year, the Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness has sponsored more than a dozen fitness-related events and launched www.MyFitnessAbilene.com, a website that serves as a clearinghouse of fitness activities and events in the Abilene area.

 

Citizens serving on the Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness are: Pug Parris (Chair), Dennis O’Connell (Vice-Chair), Tanya Brice, Joy Hedges, Mary Herron, Bill Horn, Dr. Dan Munton, Liz Rotenberry (former Chair), Deonna Shake and Karen Stover.

 

Mayor Archibald established the Council on Physical Fitness in March 2008.


May/June 2009

The Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness and CityLink promote fitness for kids through summer fun pass
ABILENE, Texas – The Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness and CityLink have partnered to promote physical activity for kids during the summer months by offering a $10 summer fun pass. This is a savings of $50 per child! The discounted bus pass is for children between the ages of 6 and 18 who provide proof of involvement in a summer activity or organization at the time of purchase.

The $10 passes are valid from June 1, 2009 through August 31, 2009 on all fixed bus routes. Passes may be purchased at the CityLink Station located at 1189 S. 2nd. The validity of the summer activity involvement will be decided at the discretion of CityLink.

Qualified activities are Stevenson and Rose Park Pools, City of Abilene recreation centers, Boys and Girls Club, YMCA, day camps, summer school and more.

CityLink is Abilene’s public transit system, offering an affordable transportation alternative for passengers. CityLink’s goal is to provide this service safely, efficiently, courteously and in the most professional manner possible.

The Mayor's Council on Physical Fitness was established in March 2008 by Mayor Norm Archibald to help build a healthier community. The Mayor's Council on Physical Fitness assists in the development and support of ongoing physical fitness programs, annual fitness campaigns and educational outreach that are designed to meet the fitness and wellness needs of the community.

For more information, call CityLink at (325) 676-6609 or visit www.myfitnessabilene.com.

Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness named 2009-2010 Chair and Vice-Chair
ABILENE, Texas – The Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness named Dr. Pug Parris the Chair and Dr. Dennis O’Connell the Vice-Chair for the 2009-2010 term.

Parris has over 30 years experience in physical education with numerous awards, authorships, workshops, as well as the Samuel Taylor Fellowship for research in Physical Education, to her accreditation. She is currently Professor of Kinesiology and Program Director for the Department of Kinesiology and Health Fitness at McMurry University, Abilene, TX.

When asked about her upcoming year as Chair, Parris stated, “Mayor Archibald has shown tremendous interest and leadership in making our community one that believes in activity and has access to the ways and means to improve quality of life through fitness opportunities. Liz Rotenberry, Chair 2008-2009, initiated some wonderful projects that will benefit Abilene for years to come. It will be a pleasure to continue these early initiatives and work to create new fitness projects for Abilenians."

O’Connell, PT, Ph.D., CSCS, CEAS, FACSM is a physical therapist, exercise physiologist, certified ergonomic assessment specialist and certified strength and conditioning specialist. He has published several book chapters and scientific manuscripts on a variety of topics including strengthening in wheelchair users, submaximal aerobic exercise tests, and back extensor endurance in school children. Currently, Dr. O'Connell is a Professor and Sheldon-Lacewell Endowed Chair of Physical Therapy at Hardin-Simmons University, Abilene, TX.

Parris will preside over the next Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness meeting scheduled for 4 p.m. June 10, 2009 in the Basement Conference Room, City Hall, 555 Walnut Street.

Mayor Norm Archibald established the Mayor's Council on Physical Fitness in March 2008 to help build a healthier community. The Mayor's Council assists in the development and support of ongoing physical fitness programs, annual fitness campaigns, and educational outreach that are designed to meet the fitness and wellness needs of the community.

For details about upcoming fitness events in Abilene, visit www.myfitnessabilene.com.

March/April 2009

New event at Mayor’s Round-Up features sport wheelchairs, provided by West Texas Rehabilitation Center
ABILENE, Texas – Thanks to West Texas Rehabilitation Center, the 6th annual Mayor’s Round-Up 5K Run/Walk/Wheel will have light-weight sport wheelchairs available on a first come, first serve basis for participants in the 5K Wheelchair Division. This is the first time that a wheelchair event is featured at the Mayor’s Round-Up which begins the morning of Saturday, April 18, 2009 at City Hall, 555 Walnut Street. The Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness, an event sponsor, came up with idea of featuring a wheelchair race at the Mayor’s Round-Up.

"We’re interested in reaching as many people as possible for this family-friendly event,” explained Liz Rotenberry, Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness Chair. “By incorporating a wheelchair race along with a new family mile run to the annual 5K Run/Walk, we are increasing the number of ways that someone can participate. We are grateful to West Texas Rehab for donating their sport wheelchairs for the event so wheelchair-bound athletes can take part, too. We hope many Abilenians will join us for a great morning of fitness!"

The Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness is also sending the overall 1st place male and female 5K Mayor’s Round-Up Run/Walk runners, with their expenses paid, to the 6th annual Texas Round-Up in Austin on April 25, 2009.

Wheelchair racers, who would like to use a sport wheelchair, are advised to register early and make the request on their registration form. In addition, anyone who registers for a Mayor’s Round-Up event by April 11 is guaranteed a t-shirt, race number and participant bag. Race day registration begins at 7:30a.m. with the 5K Wheelchair Race kicking off the Mayor’s Round-Up at 8:25 a.m. followed by the chip timed 5K Run/Walk at 8:30 a.m., and the 1 Mile Family Fun Run at 8:35 a.m. Registration forms and additional information including the course map can be found online at the following websites: www.myfitnessabilene.com, www.abilenetx.com, www.abilenerunners.com or www.jrleagueabilene.com. You can also call 325-676-6246.

The Mayor's Round-Up 5K Run/Walk/Wheel and 1 mile Family Fun Run are sponsored by the City of Abilene, Mayor's Council on Physical Fitness, Abilene Runners Club and Junior League of Abilene's Kids in the Kitchen.

Registration underway for Mayor’s Round-Up 5K Run/Walk/Wheel
ABILENE, Texas – Come on out on Saturday, April 18 and see if you can outrun Mayor Norm Archibald at the 6th Annual Mayor’s Round-Up 5K Run/Walk/Wheel. This year’s event will feature a Wheelchair race and a free Fun Run for kids. Special rates for families will be included and chip timing for the 5K only. The Mayor’s Round-Up will begin at 8:25 a.m. on April 18, beginning and finishing at City Hall, 555 Walnut Street.

You can pre-register now for the Mayor’s Round-Up. See links to registration forms above. If you sign up by Saturday, April 11, fees are $18 for adults,$10 for children ages 10 - 18, and $40 for a family (up to four). Children under age 10 are free. Late registration fees will be accepted through 8:00 a.m.on the morning of the race. These fees are $23 for adults, $15 for children age 10-18. T-shirts are guaranteed for the first 250 5K participants and the first 200 Fun Run participants. Awards will be given to the top male and female finishers in seven different age groups. 1st place male and female runners will be sent to Austin for the Governors Texas Round-Up on April 25, 2009.

The event is sponsored by the City of Abilene, the Abilene Runners Club, the Junior League's Kids in the Kitchen and the Mayors Council on Physical Fitness. For more information, call 325-676-6246.

Stay tuned for more details including "5 Weeks to Your First 5K" training tips for both the non-runner and the new runner.

December 16, 2008

Fitness event sponsorships and other assistance available from Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness
ABILENE, Texas – The Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness wants to hear from organizations that are helping improve the physical fitness of those who live in Abilene. Thanks to a state grant, the Mayor’s Council has funds available to help support fitness events and fitness/wellness outreach programs. Other types of assistance are also available.

Mayor Norm Archibald remarked, “These funds will assist us in making fitness-related activities more accessible to citizens and increase awareness of the benefits of physical activity. The Mayor’s Council has already given its support behind a number of community events, and is looking to do even more to get people active in the new year.”

To date, the Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness has been a sponsor in the Balloon Fest 10K Race/1K Kids Fun Run, the Taylor-Jones-Haskell Co. Medical Alliance’s Hard Hats for Little Heads, and the exclusive sponsor of the Turkey Trot’s 1 mile fun run for kids.

“We hope to partner with more local groups and nonprofits that are spreading the fitness spirit,” said Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness chair Liz Rotenberry. “We have many methods of support available from event sponsorship to providing promotional and educational materials. We’re open to hearing about ways we can help bring the joy of fitness to Abilenians of all ages.”

November 25, 2008

Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness awarded second phase of state grant
ABILENE, Texas – Mayor Norm Archibald announced today that the Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness is the recipient of a $56,000 state grant from the Governor’s Advisory Council on Physical Fitness. The second phase of the grant will go toward the Council’s community-wide awareness campaign to enhance access to and awareness of opportunities for physical activity within Abilene.

“This additional funding will allow the Mayor’s Council to promote awareness of wellness and fitness opportunities in Abilene,” Mayor Archibald noted. “These activities will include the creation of a website at www.myfitnessabilene.com that will serve as a clearinghouse for all local fitness activities; working with the school districts, hospitals and other organizations to increase the availability of health and fitness information as well as emphasizing physical activity to students, patients and clients; and continuing to sponsor and co-sponsor fitness-related events in the community.”

In June 2008, the Mayor’s Council was awarded $24,000 in the grant’s first phase which was applied to the development of community wellness and fitness programs as well as to conduct a community fitness resource and needs assessment.

Citizens serving on the Mayor’s Council are: Liz Rotenberry (Chair), Tanya Brice, Lisa Duncan, Joy Hedges, Mary Herron, Bill Horn, Chris Kyker, Dr. Ralph McClesky, Dr. Dan Munton, Dennis O’Connell, Pug Parris, Marka Riddle, Greg Ruffin, Deonna Shake and Karen Stover.

The Mayor established the Council on Physical Fitness in March 2008.

August 22, 2008

All invited to take part in "Abilene on the Move" day
ABILENE, Texas – The Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness is inviting everyone in the community to take steps towards a healthier lifestyle by participating in “Abilene on the Move” day. September 10, 2008 is a day for families, individuals, businesses and schools to step out and join their fellow Abilenians in an activity that gets people moving.

Make September STEPtember by:


Schools and businesses are encouraged to organize an activity. Some fun examples:
These are just a few ways residents can participate in “Abilene on the Move” day. Businesses and schools can tailor this Abilene-wide event to suit their organization.

For more information about “Abilene on the Move” day, contact Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness members Karen Stover at 677-1444, ext. 2052 or Deonna Shake at 674-2016 or 691-5009.

July 25, 2008

The Mayor's Council on Physical Fitness seeks your input
ABILENE, Texas – The Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness is currently conducting an online survey to assess the physical fitness needs of Abilenians. Citizens are encouraged to take a few minutes to participate in the brief Abilene Fitness Survey. The Mayor’s Council wants to hear from residents who are involved in any type of physical activity, whether it’s a formal gathering or a group of friends who get together each week to walk. The Mayor’s Council also wants to know what could be done to spur more participation in fitness activities.

The survey can be found at www.fitnessabilene.com or on the City of Abilene website, www.abilenetx.com under General Information.

The survey will run through early August. Survey results will assist the Mayor’s Council in making educated decisions concerning the development of community wellness and fitness programs.

Mayor Norm Archibald established the Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness in March 2008.

June 9, 2008

State grant awarded to Mayor's Council on Physical Fitness
ABILENE, Texas – Mayor Norm Archibald announced today that the Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness is the recipient of a $24,000 grant from the Governor’s Advisory Council on Physical Fitness. The grant will go toward the Council’s development of community wellness and fitness programs as well as to conduct a community fitness resource and needs assessment.

“This grant will aid us in determining Abilene’s fitness needs for the young and young at heart”, Mayor Archibald explained. “It’s the first step in implementing a community-wide physical fitness awareness campaign.”

Mayor Archibald appointed the following citizens to the Council: Lisa Duncan, Joy Hedges, Mary Herron, Bill Horn, Chris Kyker, Dr. Ralph McClesky, Tommy Morris, Dr. Dan Munton, Dennis O’Connell, Pug Parris, Marka Riddle, Liz Rotenberry, Deonna Shake and Karen Stover.

The Mayor established the Council on Physical Fitness in March 2008.

March 26, 2008

Abilene’s mayor urges community to shape up this spring
ABILENE, Texas – Inspired by the National President’s Challenge, Mayor Norm Archibald is challenging Abilene citizens to get moving this spring. The National President’s Challenge is a 6-week physical activity challenge in which youth age 6-17 are urged to get at least 60 minutes of activity, five days a week while adults are called on to get at least 30 minutes of activity, five days a week. Mayor Archibald said citizens can meet this challenge by doing something as simple as walking.

Mayor Archibald explained, “I’d like to see residents of all ages do their own version of the National President’s Challenge. It’s about helping people get fit and healthier while doing activities they enjoy which echoes the goals of the Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness.”

While getting 30 to 60 minutes of activity a day may seem far reaching, the Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness has a few fun, easy suggestions for adults and children:

Adults: Kids:
Walk on your lunch break Jump rope
Go bowling Fly a kite
Take the dog for a walk Toss a Frisbee
Garden Ride your bike
Take ballroom dancing Go on a nature hike

Mayor Archibald recently created the Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness which is designed to help build a healthier community.