New outdoor gym opens in La Mesa

Doña Ana County is hosting a ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. Thursday, August 14, at the La Mesa Community Center, 744 San Jose Rd., La Mesa.

There will also be a demonstration during the ribbon cutting and the public is welcome to attend.

The outdoor gym will provide classrooms which will double the available space for outdoor wellness classes such as Zumba, yoga, Pilates and dance.

The space is for adults 14 and up and the space is adaptable for all fitness levels.

This is part of an effort by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico to build a network of fitness courts across the state, according to a news release.

"The new Fitness Court Studio is more than just a workout and Zumba space. It's an investment in health, access, and equity for our rural communities,” Doña Ana County Board Chair Christopher Schaljo-Hernandez said. “Thanks to the National Fitness Campaign and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico, La Mesa now has a place where residents of all ages can come together, get active, and take charge of their health and wellness close to home."

“Regular physical activity helps prevent heart disease and certain cancers, reduces blood pressure, improves brain function and prevents falls,” Dr. Latha Raja Shankar, chief medical officer and VP of health care delivery at BCBSNM said. “This outdoor Fitness Court will give residents in Doña Ana County access to optimal health outcomes right in their own community.” 

“We are excited to have Doña Ana County join us in the journey to improve health and wellness as we work to make a powerful and long-lasting impact on health outcomes and happiness by building healthy communities across America,” Mitch Menaged, founder of National Fitness Campaign, said. “The addition of the outdoor Fitness Court Studio, along with digital wellness programming, demonstrates a tremendous commitment to the health and wellbeing within the La Mesa community.”