Reviving Recreation: Inside New Gym Equipment, Lake Forest Day 5K Fun Run, Fall Open House, and a Chat with Program Manager John Eldridge

By Kayla Moore 

There is much to celebrate as Lake Forest Day approaches, including the recent enhancements made to the Recreation Department’s Fitness Center, the annual 5K Fun Run, and an Open House showcasing the new fitness center equipment.  

Over the summer, Lake Forest’s Parks and Recreation team has been working to improve and upgrade the Fitness Center by installing high-tech and more user-friendly equipment. Program Manager John Eldridge provided detailed information and insights into the new equipment and upcoming events, including the Lake Forest Day 5K and Fall Fitness Open House.

 “We have gotten a lot of good responses so far. People jumped on them right away," says Program Manager John Eldridge about the new equipment at the Recreation Department Fitness Center.

“We purchased five new treadmills and three upright bikes," said Eldridge of equipment which was installed July 8. “To ensure high-quality equipment, we went with Life Fitness, which is a respected brand in the fitness industry.” Diving deeper into the benefits of the fitness center’s new equipment, Eldridge noted, “The biggest difference is the functionality. Our previous equipment was purchased in 2013 and this equipment, being new, has many more functions. It has 22 preloaded workouts and a more user-friendly interface on the LCD screen. It also has Bluetooth technology, allowing you to listen to the TV through your headphones and has connectivity with Apple watches.”  

In addition to revamped cardio equipment, Lake Forest Fitness Center is implementing a second phase of improvements in August. “We are purchasing additional weight equipment and storage-based items that provide functional training opportunities. Two new Pelotons bikes will arrive in August as well, and they will have a commercial subscription available so you can log in on your own account,” Eldridge said. When asked about the community members’ responses to the already-installed new equipment, Eldridge replied, “We have gotten a lot of good responses so far. People jumped on them right away.”   

The Lake Forest Fitness Center team has also been working hard to prepare for the annual Lake Forest Day 5K Fun Run on Aug. 6, held at Deerpath Community Park at 7 a.m. There will be a variety of raffle prizes, including a golf outing at Deerpath Golf Course. It is a fun way to start your Lake Forest Day celebration and get a little exercise in before you go out and participate in the parade and carnival. 

Eldridge said usually 100 or so people of all ages turn out. "It is a fun run, so we have kids as young as eight years old participating with their parents, and we have had seniors participate every single year. You do not have to be an avid runner to participate - we get walkers as well.”  

Finally, the Lake Forest Fitness Center is hosting a Fall Fitness Open House on Sept. 6 from 9 a.m. to noon. Local vendors focused on health and wellness, including a massage therapist, will be on hand. "We have a local vendor, Piper’s Other Bars, selling holistic energy bars made with organic ingredients, which are a healthier alternative to traditional energy and protein bars," Eldridge said. "Lake Forest Greens is going to be here making smoothies, and Sam’s Club will be here as well, giving out freebies.” In addition to these services, the fitness center will be bustling with activity. “We will offer a variety of free mini group exercise classes – four 30-minute classes. Just wear your exercise clothing if you would like to participate!" Eldridge said. "Trainers will be present and will demonstrate how to use the new equipment. If you purchase an annual membership on the day of the event, you will get a month free."

With so many perks, the Lake Forest Recreation Center is the perfect place to exercise and utilize its brand-new equipment this summer and fall. When you are there, make sure to thank the Lake Forest Fitness Center team for all their hard work and commitment behind the upcoming Lake Forest Day 5K Fun Run and Open House in the fall.