PHILADELPHIA, June 4 /PRNewswire/ -- To help keep members and the community healthy, Independence Blue Cross (IBC) proudly sponsors the newest free to the public activity at Penn's Landing this summer: the Feel Great Fitness Series. The 13 free fitness sessions in the series are yet another way that IBC demonstrates that it's here for its members and the community every step of the way.

The series begins this Sunday, June 8, and runs until Sunday, August 31 on Walnut Plaza, located at Columbus Boulevard near the Great Plaza at Penn's Landing, rain or shine. The fitness programs kick off with How to Get Started with Fitness on June 8 at 9 a.m. The sessions, which will run about two hours long, are led by professional fitness instructors and require no prior experience, just a willingness to learn and get active. The series will involve a variety of special interest activities including: Intro to Running, Fitness with Disabilities, Tai Chi, Dancing for Health, and Fitness for Seniors.

"The Feel Great Fitness Series is an exciting opportunity for Philadelphia area residents to enjoy being outside along the Delaware River, while engaging in fun, educational, and healthy activities geared for seniors, families, and individuals," said Dr. Esther Nash, senior medical director for population health and wellness at IBC. "We hope the programs will help people start a regular exercise routine. Getting just 30 minutes of physical activity daily has substantial health benefits, such as lowering the risk of developing heart disease, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes. It can also improve the health of muscles, bones, and joints."

Obesity is a serious, growing health concern in Pennsylvania for both children and adults, and like many chronic illnesses, can be avoided by Pennsylvanians taking a more active role in their health and committing to regular physical exercise. Programs like the Feel Great Fitness Series are valuable tools to help people learn more about different kinds of exercise while staying on the path to a healthier lifestyle. Here for you every step of the way, IBC reminds members and the community that becoming actively engaged in one's health with fun and diverse programs is a great approach to staying fit and healthy over the long term.

All of the programs offered during the Feel Great Fitness Series promote healthy living and set an important example for the community. There is something for participants of all ages to enjoy as a fun summer outing with family, friends, or as an individual. The schedule for the June events includes:

    June 8         Fitness - How to Get Started
    June 15        Introduction to Running
    June 22        Fitness with Physical Disabilities
    June 29        Engaging Everyone in Family Fitness

The July and August events will be announced on www.pennslandingcorp.com and will include karate, Tai Chi, rock climbing, fitness for seniors, dancing for health and many other health and fitness programs. Independence Blue Cross recommends consulting with your physician before beginning any exercise program. It is also suggested that participants wear comfortable clothes and shoes appropriate for fitness activities, and bring bottled water.

About Independence Blue Cross

Independence Blue Cross is a leading health insurer in Southeastern Pennsylvania. IBC and its affiliates provide coverage to nearly 3.4 million people. For 70 years, Independence Blue Cross has offered high-quality health care coverage tailored to meet the changing needs of members, employers, and health care professionals. Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans. For more information go to www.ibx.com.

About Penn's Landing

The Feel Great Fitness Series is part of the entire summer season of free events and activities at Penn's Landing. Penn's Landing Corporation is the non-profit organization responsible for funding and producing public programming at Penn's Landing. All events produced by Penn's Landing Corporation are FREE to the public. For more information on event locations and details, please call (215) 922-2FUN or visit www.pennslandingcorp.com.