Decatur Public Library partners with fitness centers to provide free exercises classes (USA)

Area residents visiting the Decatur Public Library, Illinois, for health and fitness information this winter will also have the opportunity to try out various exercise styles. The library has joined with the Decatur Indoor Sports Center and Decatur Family YMCA to provide a series of free trial exercise classes and demonstrations this month. The classes will focus on a range of different workout types to help area residents of all ages and skill levels get started on their New Year's resolutions, said Amanda Standerfer, head of the library's adult division. "I know a lot of New Year's resolutions are around exercising and getting fit," she said. Standerfer said she hopes the fitness offerings, which will include tai chi, karate and Zumba and recently included a Pilates class, will offer something new to existing library patrons and also attract some new visitors. Some people might feel more comfortable trying out an exercise class at the library than they would feel walking into a gym or fitness center for the first time, she said. Standerfer said the library is a unique place to hold exercise classes because people can also access a wealth of information and resources about various health topics. She recently set up a display with DVDs and books on exercise topics