Fitness Activities Give Fiesta La Ballona Mornings a Bounce

Early risers can start each Fiesta La Ballona morning actively with health and lifestyle activities conducted by Culver City Parks, Recreation and Community Services instructors and local fitness professionals.

Participate in free morning fitness classes Saturday, starting at 9 a.m., and Sunday, beginning at 9:30 a.m., at the main stage dance floor led by Culver-Palms YMCA, Jazzercise, L.A. Fitness and Fitness Boot Camp instructors.

"My students love Fiesta.  What a fun experience," said Culver City Fitness Boot Camp instructor Irma Sandoval.

"We are super excited. We are looking forward to making this a great time for everyone who shows up," said Jazzercise trainer Linda Webster, who will be accompanied on stage by three of her instructors.

The introductory classes complement other morning attractions that include a jog to the Baldwin Vista Scenic Overlook, swimming at the Plunge, a community bike ride to Fiesta La Ballona and the Kiwanis Club Carbo-Load breakfast at the Beer and Wine Garden. 

In afternoon fitness activities, the area's top tennis and paddle tennis players and teaching professionals lead the Paddle Tennis-Fest, Saturday, and the Tennis-Fest, Sunday, on the Veterans Park tennis courts.

Local running groups will participate in the , an avid runner and former Fiesta La Ballona committee member.

"Outgoing and inspiring, Robert personified the healthy lifestyle the Fiesta La Ballona Activities Committee and the Culver City Recreation Department encourages in this community," said Mike Cohen, Fiesta La Ballona chairperson.  "He brought energy and passion to organizing a healthful activity that would provide a rewarding experience for runners and walkers of all ages and abilities in the two and a half mile jog to the top of the Baldwin Vista Scenic Overlook."

Win prizes and participate in clinics, demonstrations, exhibitions and contests at the Paddle Tennis-Fest Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., led by the United States Paddle Tennis Association, including its President Steve Gumplo, a Culver City resident and championship performer.

Culver City Recreation Department tennis instructor Michael Lanahan and the top players on Culver City High School Girls Tennis Team, coached by Phil Rothenberg, will lead the Fiesta La Ballona Tennis-Fest at the Veterans Park tennis courts on Sunday from 12 – 1 p.m. Paddle tennis-fest participants will catch photos of their great play on www.uspta.com.   

Reward yourself after a good morning workout with pancakes, bacon, coffee and orange juice at the Kiwanis Club carbo-load breakfast, Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

"We may have fresh fruit available for a small donation," said Kiwanis member Ben Blakley.  Assisting the local service club are the Culver City High School Interact Club, Club Rotario de Latinos Unidos and the UCLA Circle K Club.  Prices are $4.50 for adults and $3.50 for seniors (65+) and children under 12 years of age. 

Fiesta La Ballona (www.FiestaLaBallona.org) is held August 24-26 at Veterans Park, 4117 Overland Ave. Culver City.

Wellness in the Park

Health and Lifestyle Fitness

Saturday 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

8:30 a.m.  Kiwanis Club Carbo-Load Breakfast

9 a.m. YMCA Zumba (main stage)

9:40 a.m. Fit Boot Camp, Irma Sandoval (main stage)

10 a.m.  Paddle Tennis Fest (tennis courts to 4 p.m.)

10:20 a.m. Jazzercise, Linda Webster (main stage)

11 a.m.  Tour de Fiesta bike ride (starts in Culver City, ends at Vets Park)

Sunday 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

8 a.m. Robert Rainey Run to the Hilltop: Sun., Vets Aud. fountain

8:30 a.m. Kiwanis Club Carbo-Load Breakfast

8 a.m. Lap swim (municipal plunge to 10 a.m.)

9:30 a.m. LA Fitness body works, Marisol (main stage)

10:20 a.m. YMCA cardio line dance (main stage)

12 p.m. Tennis Fest, Michael Lanahan, Culver City High School tennis team (tennis courts to 1 p.m.)

Click on the PDF to the right of this article for the full Fiesta La Ballona program guide.

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