Let's Get Physical

Summer's here...and maybe you're still trying to shed those last few pounds to get into that beach attire for the upcoming shore vacation. Well, we're here to point you in the right direction on the road to overall fitness, which of course leads to Market Square. To help you declare your physical independence this week, members of the Pittsburgh Power arena football team will hold a workout in the Square on Friday, July 6, and City Councilman Daniel Lavelle will conduct the second "Fit in Six" health and wellness fair on Saturday, July 7.

Catch an up close look at the gridiron stars of the fastest, most explosive game in town when the Pittsburgh Power leave the friendly indoor confines of the Consol Energy Center to stage an outdoor practice in the Square, this Friday from noon-1 p.m. Thanks to a portable, inflatable practice field, the team will run through its normal pre-game drills in the heart of the city. You're invited watch the Power beat the heat under the noontime sun. Along with watching this alfresco scrimmage, fans can meet the players afterwards, and a few lucky youngsters just might make the cut and join the team for a few plays. To recreate the gameday experience, Power PA announcer and 100.7 FM morning DJ "Bubba" will call the play-by-play action. Trust us, this will be "powerful" stuff.

When it comes to looking out for residents in the city's District Six, which includes Downtown, councilman Lavelle takes a holistic approach. While he's working to make the city more vital, he's also laying the groundwork for everyone in his wide-reaching district to lead healthier lives. Which is the idea behind "Fit in Six," sponsored by Gateway Health Plan, UPMC and the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership. Back in the Square after a successful inaugural turn last year, "Fit in Six," which runs from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. focuses on many of the health issues and concerns facing residents of the district, which covers much of the North Side, Downtown, the Hill District, Uptown and even parts of Oakland.

Along with health screening provided by UPMC Mercy, Highmark, Family Services of Western PA, Primary Health Care Services, the American Diabetes Association, the Center for Pharmacy Services, the Midwife Center Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Aids Task Force and Healthy Start Inc., Fit in Six will encourage participants to learn more about how exercise and a well-balanced, nutritional diet can improve their mental, emotional and physical well being from birth to the golden years. And did we mention that there will be plenty of fun stuff to do, too, like line dancing and games? Fit in Six is just part of councilman Lavelle's overall, year-round game plan to make residents in his district the most informed and healthiest citizens of Pittsburgh.

There's still plenty of time to shape up for the summer — and the rest of your life. Join us in the Square this Friday and Saturday to get physical!