Free Bilingual Fitness Classes

Leslie Valle
Apr 11, 2022
2 min read

Updated: May 16, 2022

SYLMAR, CA - Working out for many can be intimidating, especially for those where English isn’t their first language and are unable to afford a gym membership. Cal State Northridge program 3-WINS, is a graduate student led program offering goal oriented classes in Spanish and English for free.

Photo Credit: Leslie Valle

The classes meet at the El Cariso Community Regional park in Sylmar Saturdays from 8:30 a.m to 9:30 a.m. and again at 10 a.m. to 11 a.m rain or shine.

Garland Gibbs, member of 3 Wins, says "we thought it would be an opperutunity to help the community, basically, we thought it would be an opportunity to create a mile as apposed to a 5k."

The program all together encourages personal healthcare and fitness for ages five and up.

Arlene Flores Program manager at 3 WINS Fitness says the program didn’t let the pandemic affect their goals. "We have to learn how to do exercise with no equipment or equipment that you can find at home like: cans of food, bags, towel."

Holding these bilingual classes open the door to communities that have been underserved. Evidence shows that physical inactivity puts people at an increased risk for obesity and shorter life expectancy.

Without fitness and health education translation, many are left without the knowledge needed to be healthy.

Arlenes mom Irma Flores says this program is a huge opportunity for Spanish speakers in the Valley. "No es fácil de entrar a un gimnasio apagar por algo, no muchos saben lo que está ofrecido por gratis." "Its not easy going into a gym having to pay for something, not many people know what’s offered for free."

3 WINS actively invites members of the community to show fitness is essential for everyone to build healthier minds, bodies and communities.

The one-mile race will take place October 29th at MaClay Ave in San Fernando.