TONY DOUBEK / Union-Tribune
Jerry Strybos ran through Hosp Grove, preparing for the Trail Blast fitness program, which will take place at several locations around Carlsbad. |
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CARLSBAD – Jerry Strybos grew up hiking wilderness trails with the Boy Scouts. As an Eagle Scout, he went on to hike the Rockies.
When he became an adult, though, there were years when he wasn't so fit. His job building show cars took a toll, and he often would wake up in pain. Finally, he decided to get a trainer and was able to hit the trail again.
“Training changed my life,” Strybos said.
Now a fitness trainer and owner of Solid Fitness in Vista, Strybos wants to tell everyone what he learned.
“I want to get them as excited about a healthy lifestyle as I am,” he said.
Strybos is one of two professional trainers who will lead local residents in a free fitness program called Trail Blast, offered by the Carlsbad Recreation Department.
The program kicks off Saturday at the Hosp Grove Trail in Carlsbad and runs for four Saturdays until Sept. 30.
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What: Carlsbad Recreation Department's Trail Blast fitness program
When: 9 a.m. Sept. 9, 16, 23 and 30
Where: Sept. 9 – Hosp Grove Trail, meet at Rotary Park trail on Monroe Street.
Sept. 16 – Rancho Carrillo Trail, meet in the ranch parking lot, 6200 Flying LC Lane.
Sept. 23 – Box Canyon Trail, meet at El Fuerte Street parking lot.
Sept. 30 – Lake Calavera Trail, meet at Tamarack Avenue near Strata Drive.
Cost: Free
To register: (760) 434-2978
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Strybos plans to go through warm-up stretches with the group and give fitness tips before heading out on the trail under towering eucalyptus trees.
Each fitness session will feature a different trail that's part of the Citywide Trails System, which runs 27 miles throughout Carlsbad.
“I've never had a podium like this before,” Strybos said.
He plans to go over the benefits of workouts of varying intensity, as well as the types of shoes to wear for a hike or jog on the trails and tips on nutrition.
“Being out on the trails is different from being in the gym,” he said. “The terrain is different, and you can't just go to a vending machine and get something to drink or eat when your blood sugars are low.”
It's easy for Strybos to talk about the benefits of exercising outdoors.
“It's wonderful outside here in Southern California,” he said. “You get fresh air and vitamins from the sun.”
People of all fitness levels are welcome in the Trail Blast program.
“It's not a marathon or triathlon, but it's a good way to get started and ease into it,” said Liz Ketabian, park planner and trail manager with the Recreation Department.
After each fitness session, trainers will give tips on staying motivated and keeping fitness goals.
“You don't need to spend a lot of money on fitness equipment. You can just walk outside and use the trails,” said Craddock Stropes, community coordinator at the Recreation Department.
Participants will receive a free pedometer, and those who finish all four sessions receive a T-shirt and other rewards.
The final Trail Blast at Lake Calavera Trails on Sept. 30 coincides with a workday when volunteers help clear the trails to celebrate National Public Lands Use Day.
For information and registration, call (760) 434-2978 or visit www.CarlsbadConnect.org.
