Let's Get Fresh: Introducing the West Virginia Physical Activity Network
By Bob Workman on April 12, 2015 from Let’s Get Fresh via Connect-Bridgeport.com
By Christina Hunt
To celebrate the launch of the West Virginia Physical Activity Network, on April 12 the Bridgeport Farmers Market will offer free yoga and hula hooping classes. The farmers market may seem like an unusual venue to host physical activity, but when you think about it, adding physical activity to the market makes sense!
Medical experts agree that the keys to having a high quality of life are a healthy diet and physical activity(Healthy Weight- It's not a diet, it's a lifestyle. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.) West Virginia has taken great strides to increase access to healthy foods and has seen the growth of many community farmers markets in the past five years. (Member Markets. wvfarmers.org.)Now it’s time to build on the physical activity side of the equation.
Physical activity has benefits beyond controlling your weight. It can help (Physical Activity. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.):
- Reduce risk of cardiovascular disease
- Reduce risk of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome
- Reduce risk of some cancers
- Strengthen bones and muscles
- Improve mental health and mood
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Increase chances of living longer
What if we began to view farmers markets and similar events not just as food-focused, but as gatherings that support a healthy lifestyle overall? Including an opportunity for physical activity at farmers markets may seem like a crazy idea, but it can:
- Broaden the appeal of the market – people who might not come for vegetables may come for yoga, Zumba, or hula hooping; once at the market they’re more likely to make a purchase
- Give people a reason to spend more time at the market – a shopper who may normally show up and leave in 30 minutes could end up staying for 2 hours
- Create a “captive audience” of shoppers – if a family member or friend is waiting for someone to finish a group activity class, they will likely spend that time browsing the market
- Make people hungry – after being active people are more likely to be hungry, increasing the chance of purchasing food
- Help to build a culture of overall health – diet & exercise all in one place
There is a growing awareness of the importance of physical activity for a healthy life. The Bridgeport Farmers Market is leading the way in creating a culture of health for West Virginians. I’m very excited to teach at this Sunday’s market, and hope to have an opportunity to come back!
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Christina Hunt is a 200 Hour Certified yoga instructor and Morgantown native who has recently returned to West Virginia after years of living in other places. She is excited to see the success of WV farmers markets and is now working with the West Virginia Physical Activity Network to get West Virginians moving. Yoga helps her focus on the process and celebrate improvement rather than being attached to a particular outcome.
Thanks, Christina!
In addition to all that is going on at the Market today I want to take a moment to make all of our loyal supporters aware of two other important dates. First, the BFM’s first Community Dinner of the season will take place later this month on Tuesday, April 28, at the Bridgeport Conference Center. Festivities get under way at 6PM and tickets are $20 for adults and $12 for children under 12. All proceeds benefit the Market and its mission of promoting local foods, artisans, and musicians. Tickets can be purchased at the Market information table today or by calling Deb Workman at 304-669-4340. Or send us an e-mail at the address shown below.
The second important date to put on your calendar is Sunday, May 17. That is the first day of Season 7 of the outdoor Market! Hope to see everyone there!
Until next month, Stay Fresh!
The Bridgeport Farmers Market Association is the seven member all volunteer board of directors that governs the Bridgeport Farmers Market. It is supported by a wonderful group of community volunteers who help in the setup and maintenance of the market. For more information on the Farmers Market or to see how you can help please e-mail us at bridgeportfarmersmarket@yahoo.comor, better yet, LIKE us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter. You can also check out the Market’s own YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/BridgeportFarmersMktor for more BFM video content you can now go to http://vimeo.com/bridgeportfarmersmarket/videos
