San Antonio Sports ACTIVATE offers free fitness and wellness programs throughout the city

SAN ANTONIO – A program in San Antonio is breaking down barriers to empower people across the city to live a healthy lifestyle. From free weekly fitness classes to mental wellness to nutrition, San Antonio Sports ACTIVATE offers a holistic health experience.

“What is this all about, folks? Fitness, right?” says Cynthia Calzada, trainer at San Antonio Sports ACTIVATE.

It's a journey to living a healthy life while having fun. San Antonio Sports ACTIVATE has built a community within a community to keep you on track and motivated.

“We support each other and that’s what I love about this program,” says Mika Obaya, a program participant turned trainer.

San Antonio Sports ACTIVATE, formerly known as Fit Family Challenge, is an extension of the program they have been offering since 2010. The mission is still the same: to offer classes that in turn help reduce obesity and diabetes rates in the city. This is now a year-round initiative.

“We can offer these people the opportunity to get free fitness classes, health screenings, preventive care and then do something for their mental health as well,” said Sara Tovar of San Antonio Sports ACTIVATE.

FOX SA attended her cardio toning class with trainer Cynthia Calzada on Monday.

“It strengthens muscles, improves body strength, which is very important as we get older, and also trains cardiovascular fitness. But if you're a beginner, you can use the resistance of your own body weight,” Calzada said.

Participants said they noticed a difference – physically and mentally.

“I am more flexible and don’t get tired as often,” said Bertha Sanchez, a participant in the program.

“For one thing, it helped me lose weight, and for another, it's that one hour you have to yourself and you become addicted to the music,” says Margarita Lopez, a participant in the program.

Mika Obaya said this course even helped her recover from a shoulder injury.

“It helped me regain the range of motion that I didn’t have in the beginning when I was injured,” Obaya said.

Other fitness classes include yoga, body combat, tai chi and zumba. They are held at locations all over the city. There are also pop-up classes that attract large crowds. Or you can join virtually.

Family-friendly 5k races also take place throughout the year. The last race in June was hosted by Ashley Paredez, presenter of FOX SA News at Nine. You can see her back as presenter at the next 5k race on September 14 at Brooks.

“We are a family. We not only train, but also meet friends who inspire each other,” said Calzada.

The program tracks your progress and you earn points for your participation. These points can then be exchanged for prizes.

“It’s the people, the music and of course the awards that keep me coming back,” Lopez said.

You can join a course at any time by registering HERE.