Fitness program open to families; needs volunteers

Fun, family-friendly, free.

Let’s Move Maricopa is quite the deal.

For an hour a week, adults and kids can participate in a variety of physical activity from learning karate moves to swiveling within a hula hoop, get a few helpful hints on nutrition and escape the sedentary life of video games, TV screens and computers.

And they can be part of the nonprofit national program to get the nation moving toward better health. Funded locally with a $25,000 city grant and $10,000 from fundraising efforts, program coordinator Mirisue Galindo said Let’s Move Maricopa has money to pay fitness and nutrition instructors, and needs more volunteers to keep the program vigorous.

About 20 to 35 adults and children (about five to eight families) currently meet 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Pima Butte Elementary School, 42202 W. Rancho El Dorado. Galindo said there’s plenty of room for more participants.

“My passion is to give back to the community and provide a service that not everyone can afford,” she said.

Mitch Seidman, who moved from Chicago in July, has been bringing daughters Sariyah, 7, and Terena, 11, to the weekly offerings since September.

“This is great. Let’s Move Maricopa keeps kids busy, active and in shape, if only once a week,” Seidman said.

He calls the program “inspirational.” “I understand people have tight schedules, but it’s only one hour and if you need any motivation, you can’t go wrong with this.”

“The girls love coming here; they’ve made some friends.”

Danielle Lemorin’s girls — Johannah, 8, and Deanna, 7 — run, jump and play as their twin sisters watch from their baby carriers.