PORTALES, NM – May 24, 2024 – Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico and National Fitness Campaign today announced a partnership with Eastern New Mexico University to bring an outdoor Fitness Court® and digital wellness programming to their campus. The Fitness Court, located on the Eastern New Mexico University Campus, will open on June 5 at 10 a.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The campus community and residents in the greater Portales area are invited to attend and experience the Fitness Court.
This Fitness Court was developed by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico, Eastern New Mexico University, and the National Fitness Campaign to expand free access to high-quality workouts and create equitable access to exercise for communities around the state. The Fitness Court lets people use their own body weight to get a complete workout using seven exercise stations.
"ENMU is proud to partner with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico and National Fitness Campaign to promote health and wellness," said James Johnston, ENMU chancellor. "We understand that good health is integral to success in the classrooms and life. This fitness court also represents ENMU's continued efforts to be a great community partner. We are committed to being innovative leaders in higher education and our community."
Created for people aged 14 and over and all abilities in mind, the workouts are adaptable for all fitness levels, allowing participants to move at their own pace. Users are encouraged to download the free Fitness Court App which acts as a coach-in-your-pocket and enhances the outdoor gym into a digitally supported wellness experience.
"Regular physical activity helps prevent heart disease and certain cancers, reduces blood pressure, improves brain function and prevents falls," said Latha Raja Shankar, M.D., chief medical officer at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico. "This outdoor Fitness Court will give residents of Portales access to optimal health outcomes right in their own community."
"National Fitness Campaign is proud to welcome Eastern New Mexico University to the campaign as a leader in New Mexico, championing health and wellness for their campus community," said Mitch Menaged, founder of National Fitness Campaign. "The addition of the Fitness Court, along with digital wellness programming, demonstrates a tremendous commitment to the health and wellbeing of students, faculty, staff and the greater Portales region."
The campus community and residents in the greater Portales area are invited to attend the launch event on June 5 at 10 a.m. to try the Fitness Court. The Fitness Court was made possible by generous donations from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico, JP Stone Community Bank and Childers Construction.
For more information, visit enmu.edu/FitnessCourt or contact Eastern New Mexico University Office of Communication Services at 575.562.2123. For more information on Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico's support of NFC, please visit nationalfitnesscampaign.com/newmexico.
About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico is the largest commercial health insurer in New Mexico, with approximately 700,000 New Mexicans carrying a Blue Cross and Blue Shield card. Since 1940, BCBSNM has been committed to promoting the health and wellness of its members and communities through accessible, cost-effective, quality health care. BCBSNM is a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, the country's largest customer-owned health insurer, and fourth largest health insurer overall. Health Care Service Corporation is a Mutual Legal Reserve Company and an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Learn more in our Newsroom or on Twitter, YouTube, Facebook or LinkedIn.
About Eastern New Mexico University
For 90 years, ENMU has prepared students for careers and advanced study. We are the institution of higher learning that believes every person matters and has the potential to become more than they were yesterday. Students who may not really believe they can leave home or get a college education and are facing obstacles at every turn can find success at ENMU. Our mission combines an engaging learning environment with current technology to provide a rich educational experience. ENMU serves students of traditional age, adult learners, and organizations through undergraduate and graduate programs. Our University is where tradition meets affordable tuition, and flexibility meets fulfillment.
About the National Fitness Campaign
Founded in San Francisco in 1979, National Fitness Campaign is a wellness consulting firm that provides programs and services to cities, schools, and sponsors. Our mission is to build healthy communities nationwide. The campaign delivers an integrated wellness initiative centered around the Fitness Court®– the world's best outdoor gym. National Fitness Campaign welcomed its 500th healthy community in 2023, as it continues to grow the country's largest public-private partnership in support of wellness to build a Fitness Court® within a 10-minute bike ride of every American. Follow along with the National Fitness Campaign at nationalfitnesscampaign.com or on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Contact:
Eastern New Mexico University
John Houser
Asst. VP for Marketing and Communications
[email protected]
Ph: 575.562.9147
National Fitness Campaign Media Contact
Lindsay Valenti
518.596.3944
[email protected]
Blue Cross BlueShield of New Mexico Media Contact
Amanda Douglas
505.816.2426
[email protected]
