Summer 2021
Quarter 3 Summer Edition
Fitness Center: Pump and Run is Back, How to Select & Grill a Tasty Watermelon, Are You Drinking Enough Water?

Ice Arena: WIFC Introduces Area's First Electric Zamboni, Host an Ice Skating Party With Us, What's New at the Pro Shop!

Recreation: Fall Youth Soccer Sign-Ups Happening Now plus it's Park and Recreation Month!
Smiles are Back!!
As of June 22,the State of Michigan has lifted its COVID restrictions for gyms and arenas. The WIFC is now open 100%! We are thrilled to be welcoming back so many of our former members, as well as lots of new smiling faces!

Rest assured that our entire staff remains committed to our high standards of cleanliness in our gym, as well as throughout our building. Our number one priority is to provide a safe and healthy facility for everyone to enjoy. Please continue to do your part by washing your hands, wiping down equipment before and after use, and to please stay home if you are not feeling well.

We are so encouraged by all of our members who have recognized that the best way for them to manage a pandemic in the future is to take better care of themselves via exercise and physical activity today.
Thank you everyone for your wonderful support and dedication to live a healthy life!

~WIFC Staff
Silver Sneakers
Did you know that the WIFC participates with the Silver Sneakers and AARP senior programs? In addition to a free fitness center membership, participants will enjoy the benefits of regular exercise in a safe environment and will meet new people right in their own community.
SilverSneakers is a free fitness program for seniors offered through Tivity Health and Medicare. To find out if you're eligible for Silver Sneakers, stop by the WIFC or you can check their website:
Walker Pump & Run 2021
October 9, 2021 8 a.m.
Lifting and Running Competition
• Weigh In
• Bench Press a percentage of your body weight as many times as possible
  • Men will bench press 80% of their body weight
  • Women will bench press 50% of their body weight
• Run 3 miles
• Subtract 30 seconds per bench rep from your 3 mile time to get your Pump and Run time.

Need help getting started? See the bulletin board in the gym for tips on how to train for this event. You can also consider working with one of our Certified Personal Trainers.
This competition is for WIFC members only. (Must be 18 years of age).
Meijer State Games of Michigan
In mid-June, the WIFC served as a location for the Ice Hockey portion of the Meijer State Games of Michigan. We had many exciting games in the 10U, 12U and girls divisions! The Meijer State Games works to promote the values of participation, sportsmanship, and healthy living for Michigan residents.
Summer Hydration & Exercise
At the start of each of her fitness classes, instructor Joan Otte gives the following reminder, “Always drink at least 40oz of water per day. This can include immediately before, during and immediately after your workout. Be sure to take a drink before you’re thirsty. If you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated.”

Use the following tips for summer hydration to help you keep up your summer energy levels.

  1. Do some hydration prep work: drinking while working out is great, but you should have 16oz of water at least an hour or two before you exercise, then 8oz 10-15 mins before starting your workout.
  2. Keep water close at hand and sip often: thirst is not the best indicator.
  3. Track your intake: if you know you have a 20oz bottle, it’s easy to make sure you are getting enough
  4. Don’t forget that there are lots of sources of hydration: lots of fruits and veggies have high water composition. This counts towards your daily water requirements.
  5. Don’t forget that the WIFC has ice cold Aquafina available for $2 and reusable water bottles for just $8.99 + tax. Not only great for your workout, but the environment as well!
How To Select A Great Watermelon

Look for “webbing”: Web-like brown spots on the end of melon mean that bees touched the pollinating parts of the flower many times. The more pollination, the sweeter the fruit is.

Look for the “field spot”: The yellow spot, known as the field spot, is the place where the melon rested on the ground. Ripe melons always have creamy yellow or orange-yellow spots, not white.

Select an average size melon- not the smallest or largest. No matter the size, it should feel heavy.

“Boy” or “Girl” Watermelons: “Boys” are bigger, with an elongated shape and watery taste.
“Girls” have a rounded shape and are very sweet.

The tail: A dried tail means the melon is ripe. A green tail means the melon was picked too soon and will not be ripe.
Choosing The Right Sunscreen

  • Choose a sunscreen with "broad spectrum" protection - this gives protection against both UVA and UVB rays. All sunscreen has UVB protection (to protect against sunburn) but you need UVA protection to protect against skin cancer and premature aging too!
  • Wear sunscreen with Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 30 or higher.
  • Water resistant is not waterproof! No sunscreen is waterproof or sweatproof. Labels also have to say how long water resistance lasts.
  • Reapply sunscreen every two hours.
  • Cover up as much skin as possible and seek shade especially between 10am-4pm when UV rays are strongest
Ice Arena Updates
New Zamboni
The Walker Ice and Fitness Center is the first Hockey Rink in the area to have an electric Zamboni! We now have a zero emissions machine that is much more environmentally-friendly. It makes an excellent sheet of ice so our quality of ice will be even stronger than before!
Host your Next Party at the WIFC!

Skating parties take place during our open skate sessions (usually 1 hour 50 minutes) and includes the room rental! Call Facility Director Mary Kay Sherman (616) 735-6286 for more details and to book. We also offer private ice rental.
For information and pricing, please contact Mike Fountain, Ice Director, at (616) 735-6286 or mfountain@walkericeandfitness.com. For an up-to-date ice schedule visit our www.walkericeandfitness.com.
Looking for a room for a Bridal or Baby Shower? Birthday Party, Graduation Party or Family Reunion? We have rooms to rent! Our cost is $50 for 2 hours of rental and $20 for each additional hour. Please call Mary Kay (616) 735-6113 for more information and reservations!
Parks and Recreation
Fall Coed Youth Soccer 
Our soccer program is great for teaching skills and the rules of the game while kids have FUN! Players are divided by age and the divisions are adapted to the abilities of each age group! Practices begin September 7, 2021 and the first game is September 18. 
 
Registration: July 1, 2021 – July 31, 2021 
4-6 yr. old age group is: $30 for Walker residents; $40 for non-residents 
7-8 yr. old, 9-10 yr. old and 11-12-13 yr. old age groups: $40 for Walker residents; $50 for non-residents 

There is a $5.00 discount for each additional family member registered 
There will be a $10.00 LATE FEE charged for any registrations received after the July 31 deadline 

Volunteer coaches now get a full refund of 1 registration after passing a background check. Register online at www.walkericeandfitness.com  
July is Park and Recreation Month!
This year's theme for Park and Recreation Month is "Our Park and Recreation Story." We want to highlight the stories of how Walker's community is strong, more vibrant, and more resilient because of park and recreation programs.
Our parks are at the center of so many experiences and memories and recreation programs like our youth soccer, adult softball and senior bowling allow community members of all ages to get together and have fun.
Events such as Winter Fest, the Easter Egg Hunt and the Memorial Day Parade allow us to come together as a community to celebrate!
We'd love to hear your stories about what Park and Recreation means to you! Be sure to follow along on social media and share your park and recreation stories on Facebook or Instagram using #OurParkAndRecStory #CityofWalker.