Merced promotes physical activity with new classes

Merced’s Recreation Department is offering three new classes for community members.

Okinawan-style karate, known as Uechi-ryu, is offered at the Rossotti Center in Applegate Park. Classes are held Mondays and Thursdays for $45 per month. Ages 6 to12 meet at 5:30 p.m., and ages 13 and older meet at 6:30 p.m. To register or obtain more information, go to the Merced Civic Center, 678 W. 18th St., or call (209) 385-6298.

The city and the Indoor Sports Center will offer indoor youth soccer on Saturdays for children ages 3 to 10 at the Indoor Sports Center. The program will start March 7 and continue until April 25. The cost is $45 plus an additional $10 for the uniform. Registration will be at Deportes Aguilera, 1033 W. Main St. The deadline to register is Feb. 7. Call (209) 385-6298 for more information.

The city has also teamed up with Mercy Medical’s Dignity Health Group to provide free Zumba classes to the community. Classes meet on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Senior Community Center, 755 W. 15th St. in Merced. Classes are open to all ages.

According to Lindsey Johnson, recreation supervisor, classes like Zumba are one way to help promote healthy lifestyles in a community that has been plagued by high rates of obesity and diabetes. Classes have proven to be a success, attracting an estimated 80 to 100 people each night, she said.

This story was originally published January 26, 2015 at 6:58 PM with the headline "Merced promotes physical activity with new classes."