Community Connections Through Fitness

Story by Diane Brent

Most people don’t consider making the move from the northeast to the warmth and welcome of the south until sometime after retirement. But when my husband, Glen, and I realized our interests seemed increasingly tied to the great outdoors, we figured it was time to make a move and start enjoying the more temperate seasons. North Carolina always topped my list based on my business trips to IBM RTP, but we settled a little further north on the picturesque banks of Hyco Lake, where the rural surroundings combined with water sports activities seemed the perfect setting for our active lifestyle. But establishing new roots is no easy task. After completing our move in late 2015, I set my sights on meeting people and getting involved in our new community. Something told me that my passion for fitness and active living just had to play a role here! So, I immediately connected with the Person County Arts, Parks & Recreation Department. In partnership with them, I provide a free seminar called Every Movement Matters, donate my Race Director services for the annual RoxTrot 5K Fun Run/Walk benefit race, and instruct the Couch to 5K training program. The opportunity to help others achieve and maintain lifestyle changes that reflect the value of active living has been gratifying, but the people I have met through these programs and the friendships that have developed are truly a blessing.

And this is just the beginning. As a member of the Person County Recreation Advisory Board and Chair of the Friends of the Parks, I’m collaborating with Person Caswell Lake Authority to bring more fitness activities to Hyco Lake. Our joint goal is to better serve the residents at Hyco Lake and the surrounding communities by offering well-being programs and club meet-up spots right in their own backyard! Parks & Rec has introduced evening fitness classes at Hyco Lake and FitnessEDGE conducts a group fitness class every Tuesday there as well.

This is an exciting time to be part of the Hyco community and its expanding opportunities for “bodies in motion”.  I plan to be there, supporting it every step of the way, and hope you’ll be part of the movement too!

Diane Brent is a Program Manager at IBM, Co-Owner of the FitnessEDGE, ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor, RRCA Certified Running Coach and Certified Tabata Bootcamp instructor.

Glen Brent is Co-Owner of the FitnessEDGE, Certified Level 3 Cycling Coach and RRCA Certified Running Coach.

If you have ideas or suggestions to help us better serve you, let us know by contacting FitnessEDGE (http://www.thefitnessedgeofhv.com), Person County Parks & Recreation or the Lake Authority.