“Fattest City” trying to get fit

On April 22, Corpus Christi was officially recognized as the "fattest city in the United States." Within the next 48 hours, former fitness instructor Cinia Montoya was off and running with Fit and Free by the Sea, a free fitness program designed to help get Corpus Christi back on the path to fitness.

"On the day the article came out, I called my web site guy and my graphic design guy and within 48 hours I had all that set up," said Montoya.

After compiling a team of fitness enthusiasts, nutritionists and healthcare professionals, they were able to put together the first Fit and Free by the Sea, citywide weight loss challenge exactly a month to the day that the article was released.

"The whole Fit and Free by the Sea Program is about a balance. It's a healthy lifestyle balancing health, nutrition, and fitness," Montoya said.

The weight loss challenge is designed to encourage participants to start living a healthier lifestyle, the foundation of Fit and Free by the Sea.

Participants have blood and glucose screenings, weight, blood pressure and body mass index readings upon registration for the six-month challenge.

These challengers will then meet once a month to weigh in and have their waist measured and participate in free group work and other activities if they choose.

On the sixth month of the challenge, the same screening that took place the first month will be repeated and a winner will be chosen and featured in a 30-second commercial airing throughout the month on KIII-TV3.

"There are so many things that are going to be going on and that we are already doing," said Chris Barrows, fitness enthusiast and committee member.

Beginning May 25 and every Tuesday after, Barrows has held free fitness classes (weather permitting) that are open to those who want to take a positive step towards getting fit, but might not be able to afford a gym membership.

"Fitness is my passion, so I was more than willing to see what I can do to help out, and fortunately I was able to get involved with Fit and Free by the Sea," Barrows said.

Over the past months, fellow fitness enthusiasts Lucas Aguilar, a certified personal trainer since 1995, and Michelle Acebo, owner of Yoga Studio of Corpus Christi (and one of only two Jivamukti-certified teachers in Texas) joined Barrows in the effort. The three hold two-hour Tuesday workouts from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Cole Park Amphitheatre. Barrows and Aguilar split the first hour with low-impact, equipment-free workouts that target cardio, core and strength conditioning.

"We want to follow a natural linear progression not only for safety but to see the best results," Aguilar said. They utilize different techniques that are easy to learn and can be used at home for those who choose to do so.

"It's nothing fancy. It's just something that anybody can do on their own with no equipment, to show people you really don't need the expensive weights and all that stuff. It's just workout," Aguilar said.

The second hour is a free yoga workout with Acebo, open to anyone who wants to take part--just bring a yoga mat. Like the first two workouts, the yoga lessons are novice-friendly and will only push individuals as hard as they are willing to push themselves according to Acebo.

"I want people to see that yoga can do so much for them, body and mind. Money should not be a problem. Just bring yourself–-there is nothing to fear. We are teaching techniques that people can take home with them and practice on their own," Acebo said.

Free yoga lessons are also offered at Yoga Studio of Corpus Christi, 513 Clifford, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m.

Another opportunity for a free workout – the Ballroom Burn, another low impact cardio workout – is offered at Fonzie's Dance City, 2033 Airline, on Wednesdays.

Organizers said that Fit and Free by the Sea is not just about working out, but also about educating and helping people maintain a healthy lifestyle.

The committee will be introducing a children's cooking show. The group also plans for a restaurant guide that will include healthy eating tips, recipes and a list of restaurant menu items that meet guidelines set by a committee of dieticians, nutritionists and chefs.