Five Things to Know Before Joining a Health Club

Florida's Division of Consumer Services suggests you consider these five things before joining a health club. Plus, an easy way to find sports and fitness centers and gyms in Largo.

Is one of your New Year's resolutions to lose weight and exercise more? If so, you might be considering joining a health club. Florida's Division of Consumer Services recommends you do some homework before joining a health club, or the only thing you may end up losing is money. Here are some tips from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for a fiscally fit workout: Thanks to Florida's Division of Consumer Services for passing this information along. For additional information, visit www.800helpfla.com or call 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) within Florida. 

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Video: Play Dirty Adventure Run Comes to Largo

The new 5K event is in the Largo Central Park Nature Preserve Feb. 2.

Want to run, crawl, slip and slide in the mud? The first-ever Play Dirty Adventure Run with some obstacles is Feb. 2 at Largo Central Park Nature Preserve. The course will take an estimated 30 to 45 minutes. The route is not flat and will include a variety of terrain. The race is designed for beginner adventurer runners, said Mandy Petersen of the Largo Recreation, Parks and Arts. Event proceeds will benefit: Meals of Hope; Friends of Nature Parks; Friends of Recreation, Parks & Arts and summer camp scholarships. Race Information: Stay connected by signing up for our free email newsletter or "liking" us on Facebook.

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Jason Bartolone

5:03 pm on Monday, January 28, 2013

I've always wanted to try one of these ...   more ›

Train for the Shamrock'n Run 5K in Largo

Planning to run a 5k like Largo's Shamrock'n Run? Here are, key training tips and strategies from an expert personal trainer and running specialist. Plus, there's a group training program starting soon right here in Largo.

Is running or more exercise one of your New Year's resolutions? Training for a 5k is a great way to boost your cardiovascular health, reduce stress or simply add more running to your routine. Largo's Shamrock'n Run is on March 15. If you would like to train for a race right here in Largo, Highland Recreation has a group training program, which starts Jan. 23. Participants will meet for group runs and will get homework and training information. Shamrock'n Run training classes will meet every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at 400 Highland Ave. Cost is $40 for residents, $50 for non-residents. Fee includes race registration. Call (727) 518-3016 for more information. A 5K, or 3.1 miles, is perfect for beginners, but it does take some training to gain …

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High Tech Game Room Planned for New Highland Recreation Complex

The Largo City Commission approved the purchase of electronic-exercise equipment for the new Highland Recreation Complex.

The proposed new Highland Recreation Complex will have a special electronic-exercise gameroom for children and adults. The Largo City Commission approved the purchase of the equipment for $89,711 from The Active Gaming Company on Dec. 4. The new recreation complex on Highland Avenue is on track for completion in May. "The room will be filled with equipment that is fun and gets people exercising," said Recreation, Parks and Arts Director Joan Byrne. "The whole point is getting people moving and forgetting that they're exercising," Byrne said. The new interactive gameroom will be the first one like it in Pinellas County, city officials said. The exercise room will include  Lightspace floor and wall equipment. The pressure-sensitive displays …

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New Recreation Area for Adults at Largo Central Park

Largo's new Fitness Zone opens officially today at 10:30 a.m.

Kids are not the only ones who can have fun and exercise at Largo Central Park. A new Fitness Zone for adults opens Oct. 23 at 10:30 a.m. The community is invited to the opening ceremony. The Fitness Zone offers 21 workout stations including an elliptical cross trainer, sit-up benches, and vertical press machines. The shaded adult exercise area is sandwiched between the Largo Cultural Center and the children's playground. It gets people active and working out. It gives parents the option to keep active while they watch their kids, Parks Superintendent Greg Brown said. For more information, visit LargoParks.com or call (727)586-7415. The park has a sign with rules and guidelines for using the new fitness area. The equipment was paid for …

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Healthy Living Can Prevent Breast Cancer: Largo Resources

Research shows good nutrition and exercise can help prevent breast cancer. Here are some resources around Largo to help you stay healthy.

You might be able to find help fighting breast cancer and other types of cancers at your local grocery store and fitness centers, according to the research findings of Dr. Marian Neuhouser, Ph.D, RD.  Dr. Neuhouser is a nutritional epidemiologist with a background in nutritional sciences. She is an investigator at Seattle’s Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Her research is focused on lifestyle factors such as nutrition and physical activity. Some factors may prevent breast and prostate cancer and improve survivorship in those diagnosed with cancer.   According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year, more than 200,000 American women are diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 American women will die …

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Boot Camps Workouts Start this Week in Largo

Looking for a change to your workout? Check out these options around Largo.

Get Fit With Boot Camp Workouts in Largo

Not just for masochists, boot camp workouts have legions of devotees. Find out what you might gain from trying one out in Largo.

Having the best of intentions has never been equated with having the best of bodies—or even less flabby ones. So many of us have unused or infrequently used gym memberships, and even for those of us who do make it to the gym, we often lose a mental struggle with ourselves to stay on the treadmill for a full workout or complete that last set of reps. So what’s a person to do who wants to get in better shape but needs more motivation to do it? Well, that’s where boot camp comes in. Originating on the West Coast around 15 years ago, boot camp workouts have recently made their way to the East Coast and around the globe. While they may have originally appealed to athletes and hard-core fitness enthusiasts, there are now boot camps for people of…

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Five Things To Know Today: Nov. 3

In today's five things you'll find all kinds of specialty fitness classes. Tone up and get fit before the holiday's come around.

1. Cycling & Abs is tonight from 6:15-7:15 p.m at the Southwest Recreation Complex. This class is 45 minutes of spinning followed by 15 minutes of abdominal exercise. Class is $5 for residents with a card, $6.25 without a card and $9.25 for guests.  2. Work those abs! Abs class is tonight from 6:30-7:15 p.m. at Highland Recreation Complex. Class is $5 for residents with a card, $6.25 without a card and $9.25 for guests. 3. Step Aerobics is tonight at the Highland Recreation Complex from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Class is $5 for residents with a card, $6.25 without a card and $9.25 for guests. 4. Zumba- a high energy dance aerobic class- is tonight from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Highland Recreation Complex. Class is $5 for residents with a card, $6.25 …

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Five Things To Know Today: 5 Fitness Classes for $5

On Thursdays, Largo's recreation centers have the best variety of fitness classes (step aerobic, Zumba, cycling, toning and more). Here are five fitness classes for $5.

Today's five things focuses on fitness. Here are five, $5 classes going on at the recreation centers today.     

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