Memphis Kroc video series helps neighbors get fit

By: David Ibata

Those who have been following the Memphis, Tennessee, Kroc Center's "Get Fit Friday" videos on Facebook since they launched in January have plenty of watching left to do: Most of the 52 fitness and wellness shorts have yet to air.

"We did 52 short, one-minute segments with different fitness professional and instructors we have on staff," said Rehana Hanley, marketing coordinator at The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Memphis.

The Memphis Kroc Center is a 100,000-square-foot learning, recreation and worship center located in the heart of the city, at 800 E. Parkway South. It's been named best fitness and health center in Memphis for several years running by the Memphis Flyer newspaper and Memphis Parent magazine.

Most members come to work out on the facility's equipment, meet with trainers and take fitness classes. Recognizing this, the marketing department came up with the idea of the 52 videos, one for each week of the year, posted online every Friday.

The videos are a community outreach. They highlight the Kroc Center and its unique offerings, such as its barre studio and indoor sports turf. They also invite viewers to schedule a free coaching session with the Kroc Fitness team, at fitness@krocmemphis.org

"They give our members insight into our training staff, if they're new to us, and they provide free information to the public, so we can be a trusted source for fitness, wellness and health," Hanley said.

Eli Silva, a Memphis video and internet producer and marketing executive, created the series. It started airing after the Kroc's January "Fitness Launch" – a quarterly event, similar to an open house, when people can tour the center and try out fitness classes with members.

"We wanted to keep it broad for everyone, so you'll see things from basic stretching to weight lifting, yoga exercises and agility training – all different types of fitness," Hanley said. "We show how our members progress and get more technical skills and hone in on their own wellness and fitness capabilities."

The videos, she said, "put a friendly face on a friendly trainer so people can feel comfortable walking through our doors, knowing we're here to help."

To view them, go to the Memphis Kroc Center's Facebook page: http://bit.ly/2H1SmzT