County to open second Fitness Court in La Mesa

Ribbon-cutting set for 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 14 at La Mesa Community Center

Organ Mountain News report

LA MESA - Doña Ana County will open its second Fitness Court next week, bringing an outdoor gym and wellness space to the La Mesa Community Center.

The county partnered with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico and the National Fitness Campaign to install what organizers call the world’s first integrated outdoor gym experience. The project is part of an effort to upgrade facilities and expand low and no-cost fitness options across the county.

A ribbon-cutting is set for 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 14, at the La Mesa Community Center, 744 San Jose Rd. The event will include a demonstration of the new Fitness Court Studio.

"The new Fitness Court Studio is more than just a workout and Zumba space. It's an investment in health, access, and equity for our rural communities,” Board Chair Christopher Schaljo-Hernandez said. “Thanks to the National Fitness Campaign and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico, La Mesa now has a place where residents of all ages can come together, get active, and take charge of their health and wellness close to home."

The Fitness Court Studio features two dedicated classrooms for outdoor wellness classes such as Zumba, yoga, Pilates and dance. Designed for adults of all abilities aged 14 and older, workouts can be adapted for different fitness levels. A free Fitness Court app offers workout guidance and integrates with the outdoor gym for a digitally supported experience.

Doña Ana County is among the first National Fitness Campaign partners building a network of Fitness Courts in New Mexico with support from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico.

“Regular physical activity helps prevent heart disease and certain cancers, reduces blood pressure, improves brain function and prevents falls,” Dr. Latha Raja Shankar, chief medical officer and vice president of health care delivery at BCBSNM, said. “This outdoor Fitness Court will give residents in Doña Ana County access to optimal health outcomes right in their own community.”

“We are excited to have Doña Ana County join us in the journey to improve health and wellness as we work to make a powerful and long-lasting impact on health outcomes and happiness by building healthy communities across America,” Mitch Menaged, founder of National Fitness Campaign, said. “The addition of the outdoor Fitness Court Studio, along with digital wellness programming, demonstrates a tremendous commitment to the health and well-being within the La Mesa community.”