By Madeleine SutherlandRecord Staff WriterIt is no secret that obesity is on the rise in the United States. What many may not realize, however, is that it also is on the rise in Warren County.According to the 2014 County Health Rankings & Roadmaps study by the state of Missouri, the adult obesity rate for Warren County is 31 percent. That is higher than the top-performing counties which rank at 25 percent or less.The study also found that Warren County has a low rate of access to exercise opportunities — at only 28 percent. The average rate for the state is 70 percent for that category.The Warren County Health Department is working to reverse these trends.In the last few years, the department has introduced programs such as “Ready, Set, Fit!” which is targeted toward those with limited access to health resources. It has hosted exercise classes in a local emergency operational building. In 2014 and 2015, these exercise classes became the focus of the department’s goal to increase fitness county wide.“We received a lot of expressed need from the community for fitness options. It kept increasing,” said Stacey White, a health educator for the health department and a specialist in public health nursing. “People would call and say, ‘Where can we work out?’ and ‘Are there classes for seniors?’ We knew there was the need for more opportunities for community members to get active.”Health department officials decided it was time to expand their fitness classes and move to a new building.To fund the project, the department applied for and received a five-year grant in 2012 from the Missouri Foundation for Health. In addition, the department received a HEAL, or Healthy Eating Active Lifestyle, grant from the state, which gave it the means to move forward.“Once we knew we had the funds to support it, we searched for a building that was centrally located and of easy access to the community,” Administrator Ruth Walters said. “We also wanted to contribute to the revitalization of the downtown area.”The building that best suited the department’s needs was the previous location of the Advanced Beauty College on Main Street in Warrenton officials said.The Warren County Health Department Fitness Center first opened its doors with classes for kids through the department’s “Ready, Set, Fit!” program in the summer of 2014. Soon after, adult and senior classes began. In 2015, the center has seen an increase in participants.“I know it is kind of intimidating at first to come work out,” said Elise Morris, who takes multiple classes a week. “But you’re working out with people you know and you have the opportunity to meet new people. You can go at your own pace in every class they offer.”The center offers a variety of classes, from Zumba to yoga. It also hosts classes specifically for senior fitness.“I enjoy my instructor and the exercises in general,” stated Dolores Owenby. “It keeps me moving.”The classes offered at the center are based on what community members want.“We still want to hear what the community wants. We are trying to meet the community’s needs, and so it is important that we hear what those needs are,” said White.Participants can attend one class for a full 12-week period for $30, or can “drop in” to any class for $5 per class. By purchasing an “All Pass” for $75, a patron can attend any class they wish as often as they wish during 12-week period. The center also hosts free events every second Saturday of the month, which include free classes and door prizes.In addition, the fitness center offers an open gym occurring each day from noon to 2 p.m. that is free of charge. Patrons are asked to take a short safety orientation before using the equipment.The health department encourages community members to come out and get active.“The more participation we have, the better chance we have at sustainability, and the longer we will be able to offer these services to the community,” said White.“We want to promote a community where exercise and health are top priorities,” she said. “This fitness center is a step toward doing that.”For more information or to view the class schedule, visit the health department’s website (warrencountyhealth.com) or call 636-456-7474.Residents participate in an exercise class held at the Warren County Health Department Fitness Center, located on Main Street in Warrenton. Pictured, from left, are instructor Patrick Randolph, Dolores Owenby, Joe Pafford, Rosalie Petersmeyer and Jane Ross. Madeleine Sutherland photo.
