By COLlive reporter
A women’s running group started in Crown Heights a year ago has been helping local women make healthy lifestyle changes.
WRun, founded by Rivky Zalmanov, a Crown Heights resident, trains women in running for exercise.
Zalmanov, who has been running for years and has participated in the NYC Marathon, started the group to teach some friends about running, and it has grown from there.
She now trains 9 groups of 10-15 women who run three times a week, once as a group and twice individually.
The group is not only about running, Zalmanov says, “it is about a healthy lifestyle, which includes healthy eating and becoming more active.”
Many of the women had never done any exercise before joining her group, Zalmanov explains.
“Many of them have kids, and busy households to run, and they never had time for themselves before,” she says.
While one of the runners has shed 40 pounds since joining, the bi-weekly workouts are not just about losing weight, says Zalmanov.
“Running lifts the mood and eliminates stress, and many of the women have said this has changed their life – they are happier, more energetic, and feel that they are better wives and mothers as a result,” she says. “For so many, running is literally life-changing.”
This week, WRun held their first race, including a 5K and 10K race, in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park.
Their families stood by to cheer on their wives and mothers, and got a sense of the great accomplishment they are achieving, which Zalmanov said is important as well.
“Their mother goes out twice a week to do something important for herself, and I wanted the families to see how great it is and feel a part of it as well,” Zalmanov said.
WRun is open for all women, with beginners (no prior experience necessary) and advanced groups. For more information or to join, call Rivky Zalmanov at 516-754-4796
KOL HAKAVOD!!!!
nice to see something nice for women in ch!
look it up….running can be harmful.
there are many better options
to 11…of course youll have books pro-running…and then youll have books with all the cons…
You’re so wrong….
You need to read books like Borne To Run and the likes.
The best thing I ever done to myself! Thank you Rivky for not stoping to believe in me. I can’t believe I did it!!!
Women were running in long sleevs and tzinuis… Very nice outdoor activity
As a professional with many years of studying and experience in the field of exercise, I agree with 10. Biking and walking are much safer, especially in the long run. I have seen too many young men and women, even in their 20s and 30s, already develop knee and joint problems as a result of running. On the other hand, walking is an exercise you can perform ad meah vesrim, while running is actually quite detrimental in the long run. For those who choose to run, PLEASE make sure that you stretch properly before AND after, as well as supplement… Read more »
For women who feel running in a public park, wearing a tichel and short sleeves is compromising chabad standards of tznius, there is a kosher alternative. A wonderful young woman ms Sarede Switzer has been running various fitness program for the community for several years now. Those activities take place indoors and can even be in the privacy of your own home! She frequently consults with our rabonim and makes sure everything she does is kosher by chabad standards. Check out her sites: Why Go To The Gym When We Can Bring the Gym to You? http://www.bringthegymtome.com Crown Heights Fitness… Read more »
Running has cons. Running pounds harshly on feet and knees, that is why elliptical is recommended above regular bike or treadmill for anyone concerned about joint health. Running taxes the heart, especially when pushed beyond endurance for marathons. Most athletes suffer degraded joint and heart health while enjoying better muscle and bone structure.
Stop proclaiming running (or anything) as healthy, and run if you enjoy it.
It would be great if such a group and training would exist for men. They could use a push too.
So proud of you, hugs and kisses from l.a.!!!!
You go girls!!! Very impressed by what I see – ladies in tights and shaitels that’s commendable. May the Brachos come pouring in!
so proud of you! good luck and stay healthy!
shvigger
Love seeing this community grow and flourish! Shout out to all the awesome husbands who cheered on their wives!!!!
How nice to see so many mommies in sheitels, even while exercising in the heat!
Very proud! Please keep on growing your groups so we can have healthier women in CH
Heartwarming to see how mothers that work so hard find the time and support to do something they like.
Good luck Rivky!
Friendship Circle has an amazing team that goes every year to Miami to take part in the marathon there.
You forsure should all join – what could be better – run for a mitzvah!!!