MINERSVILLE - Women in the borough looking to get active have a new option.
Step N Stride is a clinic for women that helps develop their fitness level through walking and running and aims to promote a healthful lifestyle.
The group will resume meeting at 6 p.m. Sundays beginning Sept. 8 at the Minersville Recreation Complex, rain or shine.
There will be a 10-minute fitness talk followed by a guided run/walk workout and a written program for that week.
Sandra Bergan, Minersville, one of the founders of Step N Stride, said it was started about five or six years ago.
She started it with chiropractor Jennifer Burgess, Minersville, since they would usually see lots of women running in Pottsville, but never in Minersville.
Both have been running since they were young.
"We thought, let's try and make Minersville a healthier place," Bergan said. "We enjoy it (running) and we wanted to share how we felt with other people, other women."
Bergan said that since women are "very social and generally won't work out on their own," the clinic is a great way to network with lots of people and have others to workout with.
In its first year, Step N Stride had 16 participants and this past year it had about 60 participants.
"It's not just running," Bergan said. "You can walk or run. It's designed to be very stress-free. We want it to be their workout. You can run it if you want to."
Along with running, there are also events such as a scavenger hunt and participants take part in races such as 5Ks and marathons.
"It's for all ages and abilities," Bergan said. "You don't have to be a runner to start. It's for anybody who thought, 'I'd like to do something for me and be healthy.' You could also be the marathon runner and you'll benefit."
Bergan said that those interested can show up on the first night and they generally allow new people to join until about the third week.
For more information, visit www.doctorburgess.com or "Minersville Step N Stride" on Facebook or email stepnstride@hotmail.com.