Get your fitness fix with Healthy Herriman’s Perks in the Park program

By Julia Partain | [email protected]

On your mark, get set, go! It’s time to dust off those sneakers and get outside with Herriman’s Perks in the Park (www.herriman.org/perks-park) program. 

This diverse, outdoor recreation series contributes to the community, providing a high quality of life for Herriman residents. With increasing urbanization, communities continuously seek new ways to provide outdoor spaces and activities to residents, and outdoor exercise is one ideal option. 

“Perks in the Park is a program that we run throughout the year to promote the parks in Herriman and encourage healthy and active lifestyles,” said Dayton Martindale, events manager for Herriman City. “The spring program focuses on a Couch to 5K plan.”

Established in the winter of 2019 by the Healthy Herriman (www.herriman.org/healthy-herriman) committee, this weekly workout program began as an opportunity for residents to participate in outdoor activities in a variety of Herriman Parks. This volunteer group is associated directly with Herriman City, the Salt Lake County Health Department, Intermountain Healthcare and the University of Utah Health Plan. As a team, the committee works together to create solutions for health-related issues. Healthy Herriman meets once a month for discussion, planning and implementing creative and beneficial ideas. 

Perks in the Park activities vary throughout the year, as do the ages for those participating in certain activities.

“Yoga is offered during the summer months, followed by high aerobic classes in the fall,” Martindale said. “Winter perks include free ice skating at the Ice Ribbon at J. Lynn Crane Park.”

Active classes in the parks require participants to be 12 years of age and older. Winter ice skating allows locals of all ages to join in the fun. 

Want to get in on the action? Hop off the couch to train for a 5K, with 5:30 p.m. Wednesday workouts, through June 16 at J. Lynn Crane Park. This hourlong, energetic fitness series gets participants ready for the 2021 Herriman Yeti 5K & Kids Fun Run on June 22 and provides a fun way to improve overall agility and fitness. Those that participate in this program also receive a discount toward their Yeti 5k registration. Perks in the Park activities are free, and preregistration is required for each day the athlete plans to attend. Spots are limited.

“Over the 13 weeks, participants engage in conditioning training and workouts in the park with the ultimate goal to improve functionality, endurance and using multiple modalities to improve cardio,” Martindale said.

Running can be stressful on the body, especially when just getting started. This program prepares runners for the demands of running. Some general strength and mobility exercises offered helps manage the demands and also cuts the chances of getting injured. Staying injury free during the first few weeks of running is crucial.  

It doesn't matter which kind of sport or activity is chosen. Get up, go outside, move around and enjoy the fresh air with new and old friends. Visit www.herriman.org/perks-park for more information.