Wondering how to get fit and feel good in the preserves?

The Forest Preserve District is offering a Wellness Workshop: The Path to Feeling Good from 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4, at the Sugar Creek Administration Center in Joliet. Registration is required for the free, all ages program. Register online or call 815-727-8700. 

The workshop will feature a trainer from Chicago Sports & Fitness Club in Joliet who will address whole body wellness. 

“Some people really like to work out at a gym and that’s a great part of a fitness routine, but others might not be able to access those kinds of resources due to fees," said Em Wilcher, the Forest Preserve’s recreation coordinator. “Our presentation will include examples of exercises and movements that you can do in the preserves without any special equipment to stretch and build strength.” 

Though the workshop is being held indoors because of the winter weather, the focus is on the outdoors.

“By using the winter months to do some education on recreational opportunities and benefits, we can reach more people,” Wilcher said. "And we’re teaming up with community partners for each of these workshops.” 

This is the second of four Wellness Workshops scheduled for the first Thursday of each month from January through April. The remaining two workshops also will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. at Sugar Creek. Workshop topics and dates are: 

Taking in the Great Outdoors: Tuesday, March 4. The Conservation Foundation will give a presentation on the Nature Rx initiative, which highlights medical research from around the world and documents the benefits of time spent in nature. The presentation will be followed by a discussion of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors in Will County forest preserves.

Our Place in Nature: Tuesday, April 1. The Will County Land Use Department’s Resource Recovery and Energy Division will present on the role we play in nature. In a changing global environment, it’s easy to feel small, but we each have a role to play in shaping our local ecosystems. Learn how a healthy environment around you feeds your own health. 

“The goal for our wellness series is really to emphasize the idea that when we’re connected to nature, we experience wellness,” Wilcher said. “There are so many benefits to spending time outside for our mental and physical health, and all the recreation opportunities the forest preserves offer truly benefit the residents who take part.”