STERLING — As the days begin to get longer and warmer temperatures start to feel more frequent, we look forward to all the joys that come with the season of spring.

Whether it’s the anticipation of baseball season, your child’s countdown until spring break or summer, the planting of your garden, or getting back on the golf course, there is so much to look forward to.

At the Sterling Park District, we know exactly how that excitement feels, particularly when we roll out the new Spring Activity Guide.

Our Westwood Fitness and Sports Center stands as the premier destination for those seeking a comprehensive fitness experience in the Sauk Valley region. Spanning three expansive buildings and boasting over 5 acres of indoor space, the facility provides an impressive array of fitness options.

With more than 40,000 square feet dedicated to fitness equipment and functional training areas, including The Lab for performance training, Westwood caters to both athletes and fitness enthusiasts. The facility also houses courts for a variety of sports like basketball, volleyball, tennis, and more, alongside specialized areas, such as a 200-meter track and indoor batting cages.

For relaxation and wellness, the 3,500-square-foot Wellness Center offers hydromassage, infrared saunas and a new cryotherapy chamber. Additionally, the on-site Kids Gym ensures that parents can work out worry-free, and the Westwood Smoothie Co. provides nutritious, delicious refreshments and meals to complete your visit. Whether you’re training, playing, or relaxing, Westwood Fitness and Sports Center has something for everyone.

The Duis Center is a versatile facility that caters to both aquatic and gymnastics enthusiasts while also offering rental spaces for various events. Its swimming pool is equipped with a 25-yard, six-lane lap pool and a separate 12-foot deep diving well, complete with a one-meter diving board. This makes it an ideal venue for swim lessons, water fitness classes and lap swimming, as well as being the training ground for the Wahoos swim team.

On the gymnastics front, the first floor is fully equipped with uneven bars, beams, a vault and a floor area, along with tumbling features like a Tumbltrak and a double mini trampoline. The second floor houses the “Little Gym,” which includes a mini-mountain inflatable designed for young children ages 3-6. Additionally, the Duis Center offers a multi-purpose room that can be rented for parties or events and is also used for Tae Kwon Do classes and board meetings.

Exercising with friends or in a group setting not only boosts motivation but also increases the likelihood of sticking to a fitness program.

The spring guide offers a variety of opportunities to enhance overall fitness while fostering a sense of community. For seniors, there are tailored classes such as Steps for Today, Fit for Life, and a Senior Fitness class, all designed to promote health and well-being in a supportive environment.

Those looking for a more intense workout can try Unicus Functional Fitness, which accommodates all skill levels with high-intensity routines. Unicus also offers classes focused on bodyweight and dumbbell exercises, as well as Olympic lifting, to help participants improve their technique and achieve new personal bests. If flexibility and mental clarity are your goals, The District includes Vinyasa Yoga, Hatha Yoga and Vin/Yin Yoga, which provide opportunities to relax and rejuvenate both body and mind.

Westwood Wellness offers a range of health and wellness tools, including cryotherapy, which provides benefits like pain relief, improved joint function, and enhanced recovery in up to three minutes. This treatment also supports weight loss and reduces stress. In addition to cryotherapy, Westwood Wellness features hydromassage, tanning, red light therapy, an infrared sauna, salt therapy and compression therapy, promoting overall physical and mental well-being.

The Lab brings modern exercise and testing equipment to the forefront with different application techniques to help individuals achieve their goals. Through the use of this equipment and current scientific research, The Lab will help individuals perform better both athletically and in everyday living.

Director of Human Performance Kel Bond oversees the Lab’s operations. Kel has worked in the fitness field for over 15 years and is currently finishing his Ph.D in Health and Human Performance. Kel has trained individuals in a variety of areas including multiple levels of athletes, Navy Seals, physique competitors, and general populations with goals of weight loss, increased balance, general strength and bone density. Kel’s goal is to stay on top of current research to ensure the best route to each one’s goals.

Racquet sports, such as tennis and pickle ball, have gained recognition for their numerous health benefits, contributing to increased life expectancy. These sports offer a comprehensive workout that enhances cardiovascular health, improves agility and strengthens muscles. Additionally, engaging in racquet sports can boost mental well-being by reducing stress, enhancing concentration, and fostering social connections. At the Westwood Tennis building, Chris Dudley, our on-staff tennis professional, is available to coach both youths and adults, offering private or group lessons tailored to different skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your technique, Dudley’s expertise in tennis and pickle ball can help enhance your skills while reaping the physical and mental benefits of these dynamic sports.

The Sterling Park District Spring Guide is brimming with engaging activities designed to keep the whole family active and entertained. For parents looking for a fun and healthy outlet for their children, the Kids Gym is a fantastic option, offering a mega playground and interactive fitness equipment that merges technology with play. March 10-13 marks the Spring Break Swim Camp at the Duis Center, where kids can enjoy afternoons filled with swimming, diving and learning safety skills, with a special lesson from a Wahoo swim team coach.

A swift and thrilling Easter egg hunt on the Westwood soccer fields awaits at 1:30 p.m. April 12, complete with a photo opportunity with the Easter Bunny for kids 8 and under, free of charge. Finally, cap off the school year with the School’s Out Swim Party on May 23, from 6-9 p.m., a fun-filled evening at just $5 per person. These events are perfect for keeping your little ones entertained and active this spring!

Pick up a Spring Activity Guide at any of the Sterling Park District facilities or view online by Feb. 14 at www.sterlingparks.org.

Nora K. Reuter is the Sterling Park District’s marketing manager.