Time to make fitness promise come true

Yes, the New Year is here and so is that little voice that says, “I’m going to get fit this year.”

The great news is that the little voice already reached the ears of the merchants and planners of Historic Downtown Waxhaw. The theme of their upcoming First Friday event for 2013 is the Downtown Fitness Crawl.

Natalie Jackson, Waxhaw’s assistant event planner, gave me a preview of what’s in store for 5 to 8 p.m. Jan. 4.

“The Town of Waxhaw has a significant number of fitness options for people of all ages and interests,” Jackson said. “Everything from fitness centers to yoga studios to cheerleading, dance, Zumba, karate, cycling and beyond. … Waxhaw packs a serious fitness punch for those resolved to make 2013 a healthier year.”

The Downtown Fitness Crawl works this way:

Visitors and their families are invited to begin their crawl at the newly renovated Waxhaw Police Department, now known as the Waxhaw Community Center on West South Main Street next to the Main Street Grill. There they will be able to pick up their “Fitness Passports,” which give them the opportunity to win free fitness memberships and trials at locations around greater Waxhaw.

Armed with the passports, they can walk the streets and encounter demonstrations by the various fitness-oriented organizations. Several will offer the opportunity to participate with the instructors who are doing the demonstrations.

When visitors have worked up an appetite, local shops and eateries will feature 2013 specials, including dishes designed to help fitness crawlers keep their resolutions.

A horse-drawn “sag wagon” will be available for the totally exhausted as well as those who enjoy a carriage ride in the crisp January night air.

Jackson and the local merchants who sponsor First Fridays invite people to “join us for a free fun and fit family night complete with great food, great discounts and so much more.”

This event theme works for me on so many levels.

“Learn to crawl before you walk, walk before you run” are axioms that make a lot of sense to this veteran of many well-intentioned New Years fitness programs that met their untimely demise on the dream-strewn corner of Muscle Ache and Joint Pain.

As 2012 comes to a close, I want to thank readers who sent me stories they wanted to share. I begin my seventh year of writing for you with a happy heart as I continue to learn about the interesting happenings and people in our corner of Union County.