SELF Magazine Workout In The Park Returns

Back for its 18th year in a row, SELF Magazine Workout in the Park is here again and better than ever. Boasting 17 different dynamic classes, the 2011 roster includes top trending fitness classes like LaBlast, Glee and Kama Strength. This is the perfect event for women of all ages who are looking to strengthen their way into svelte shape and get tons of great beauty, fashion and nutrition tips.

Along with New York City and Chicago, SELF has added a new and exciting market this year, San Fransisco, where "Biggest Loser" host and author of "The Mommy Diet" Alison Sweeney will make a special appearance. She will also be at the Chicago WIP. New York City will take place at Rumsey Playfield on Saturday, May 7, Chicago will take place at Butler Field, Grant Park on Saturday, May 21, and San Fransisco will take place at Little Marina Green on Saturday, April 30. All events are from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM.

Featuring top instruction from the innovative fitness leader, Crunch Fitness, WIP has many sponsors like Garnier, Jockey, Reebok, Asics, Athleta, Lucy.com, Puma, Nivea, Luna Bars and more, so you can expect everything from mini facials to product samples to private hair consultations.

Tickets go on sale March 15, and along with entry to Workout in the Park, you will receive a year subscription to SELF magazine. Join the other thousands of women from coast to coast for a full day of workouts, goodies and inspiration.

Check out our Q&A with SELF's Associate Publisher Yung Moon about Workout in the Park 2011.

That's Fit: What makes Workout in the Park unique this year?
Moon: Every year we do different workouts, have a new set of sponsors, and we try to add another element that will be super fun for our readers.

TF: Who is the average woman that attends this event?
I wouldn't say there is really an average woman attending this event. I think it appeals to every age level; we've seen women who are in their early twenties, late twenties, early thirties or early forties, so I don't have a median age for these women. Our median age reader is about 34, but this event really appeals to women who are thinking about working out, are currently working out, or those who just want a day off to do their own thing and have it kind of prepared for them.

TF: If you're already fit, is this an event for you?
Absolutely, there is something for everyone at the event. If you're generally fit, this is a great time in terms of going out and trying different workouts. Usually you do your one workout and you have your usual routine. This really gets you out of that routine and gets you to do something very fun and outdoors right before summer. If you are not fit, this is a great time to start some classes. You don't have to do the whole day; you can do bits and pieces. Even if you have absolutely no interest in working out, there are so many things going on on the periphery like mini facials, hair consultations and tons of samples.

TF: Which is your favorite of the 17 classes being offered?
There are so many fun things that are going on. I definitely want to try the Glee Club workout since that is new, and certainly the Kama Strength is also great because everyone loves anything that has to do with core strength. I also really love Cardio Piloxing because it's cardio and strength training so you're feeling both at the same time. Retro-Robics is also really fun because the music kind of brings me back. And Masala Bhangra is really my all-time favorite; it's one of the ones where the entire audience gets really into it and our coach is an international star, so she really elevates the level of excitement and energy in the whole park.

TF: Are there beginner, intermediate and advanced levels?
I think it's one big level. Crunch Fitness will try to energize the group and get everyone feeling the same thing. At the same time, if you're not able to follow every single move, you can do it at a slightly slower pace. If people are doing a high impact exercise, there will certainly be a low impact move you can follow. There is always a dual system going on so you don't have to do such an intense workout. I think the fact that there are so many classes at 20 minute intervals also lets you pick out your favorite ones. You can certainly do it from beginning to end, but if you want to pick out a few that you definitely want to do, you can pick those out in your schedule and then rest in between. It's really geared for every level.

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