New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has put out a call to action, asking 100 personal trainers in New York City to volunteer their time and expertise to help overweight, unhealthy New Yorkers. Currently 15 recreation facilities across New York City offer fitness classes and instruction to nearly 1,600 people per week. Those classes are free to participants but the instructors are paid for their work. Due to budget constraints Mayor Bloomberg is asking Personal Trainers and Fitness Instructors to volunteer some of their time to lead these classes so that the individuals who benefit from the classes will continue to be these classes at their disposal. So far, within the first few days of the announcement approximately a dozen fitness experts have signed on. Currently the city’s classes are funded by the Health Department and they target neighborhoods with the highest levels of obesity and diabetes, two conditions that can be reversed with proper diet and exercise.

The National Council on Strength and Fitness is calling on NCSF-CPTs in the greater NYC to get involved. To find out more information about this program and how you can make a difference, contact the NYC Parks and Recreation Department at www.nyc.gov/parks. Click on the option to Volunteer.