FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 5, 2008

CONTACT: Diane Nevill, (623) 930-3554, Public Information Officer
Susan Murray, 623-930-3541, Teen Services Coordinator

GLENDALE, Ariz. – Everyone wants to be fit or get fit. Glendale’s three public libraries are making it easy and fun for teens, ages 12-18, to flex and stretch their muscles with free Summer Shape Up programs in June and July.

Introductory classes in Jiu-Jitsu will be taught by Dusty Farrow, a former boxer, kickboxer and cage fighter, who is the owner and head trainer of American Martial Arts Center. Jiu-Jitsu utilizes the principles of physics and the knowledge of human anatomy to overcome an attacker with as little effort as possible. In these classes, participants will learn takedowns, striking, respect and discipline. Classesare schedules for:

• Monday, June 9 at 7 p.m. at the Main Library
• Monday, June 23 at 7 p.m. at Velma Teague Branch and Monday
• Monday, July 14 at 7 p.m. at Foothills Branch Library.

Capoeira is a martial art dance that was developed over 400 years ago by African slaves in Brazil. This art has elements of dance, acrobatics, music, art and self-defense. Axe Capoeira Arizona will be at Velma Teague Branch on Saturday, June 14 at 2 p.m. and at the Main Library on Saturday, June 28 at 2 p.m. Learn the basics of capoeira in this high-energy, high-impact workshop.

Yoga for Teens will be taught by Laci Lester, a certified yoga instructor. The movements will stretch one’s mind, body and spirit in 90-minute classes. The Foothills Branch classes are scheduled at 7 p.m. on the following Tuesdays: June 24, July 1 and July 8. The Main Library yoga classes will be held at 7 p.m. on the following Thursdays: July 3 and July 10.

Funding for the classes comes from a Fit for Life grant, which is sponsored by Libraries for the Future and MetLife. Bottled water and mats for the yoga classes are furnished.        

Wear comfortable clothes and be prepared to move in all of these classes. Registration, which begins two weeks before each class, is a must. Register online or call Youth Services at the branch where the program takes place:

• Main Library - 623-930-3537
• Foothills Branch Library - 623-930-3837
• Velma Teague Branch Library - 623-930-3431