Anything But The Gym Kicks Off A Series Of Free Fitness Classes In New York City

Online, October 13, 2009 (Newswire.com) - Mary Gillis, founder of Anything But The Gym (www.anythingbutthegym.com) is kicking off a series of free fitness classes in public parks around New York City. First up is "City Stretch," a one-hour group stretch in the middle of New York City's Times Square. This fun, innovative session is designed for busy New Yorkers who don't have time (or just plain hate) going to the gym.

The events will take place Wednesdays this October (the 14th, 21st and 28th) from 9 am to 10 am in Father Duffy Square at West 47th Street and Broadway. Mary will continue these free classes throughout the fall and winter 2009-2010 in different parks throughout the city.

Mary's unique approach to fitness will get even the most reluctant people up on their feet and moving. The concept of Anything But The Gym is to help adults reconnect to the most important ingredients in any healthy lifestyle - being outdoors and being with friends. "Getting in shape should be something you look forward to, not something you dread. And who doesn't like to play with friends?" says Mary.

Mary is a truly driven and inspiring athlete and motivator who brings insight and a broad knowledge base, positive energy and creativity to the field of fitness. Her vision is to bring fun back into fitness to the people of New York. Eventually, Mary sees Anything But the Gym expanding outside of New York and into cities nationwide.

Mary Gillis is an ACE certified personal trainer and an Applied Physiology doctoral student at Columbia University. She is a former Division 1 track and field athlete, figure competitor and triathlete. In spring 2009 Mary launched Anything But The Gym, an innovative New York-based health and fitness company that encourages "outside play" as a sustainable form of exercise.