OCALA, FL (352today.com) – As he arrived at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano sported a white dress shirt with a sleek black tie comfortably knotted around his neck.
Boots supported the swagger. Freshly combed hair, and a gleaming smile were equal parts disarming and convincing.
It’s the look of a confident businessman, an aura that trailed the mayor as walked through the double doors.
There was no indication that the recently elected mayor was as ready for a workout as he was for a business meeting.
The preconceived notion the mayor dressed right for the wrong occasion, quickly evaporated when he threw on workout attire, put on a black baseball cap, and switched from dapper politician to fitness guru.
In a flash, the mayor found himself in the middle of a dance class located in the center’s basketball court.
After showing off his moves, the mayor made his way up the stairs to the workout area and got in a bit more cardio by running a lap around the center’s indoor track, jogging on the treadmill and then pumping some iron on the weight machines.
“A big part of my initiative as a mayor is to improve the physical and mental health of the community,” said Marciano. “We’re rated one of the unhealthiest cities in the state of Florida which breaks my heart. But I don’t think it’s a coincidence that I’m now the mayor having over 20 years of experience in the fitness industry.”
Marciano admitted that since starting his term as mayor in December, the amount of work he’s had to do both in and out of the office along with three kids at home has kept him from focusing on his physical health as much. Life happens to all of us.
“For the first three months of being a mayor I didn’t work out, and I just felt horrible,” said Marciano. “Now I’ve made a commitment to start off my morning with cardio, and it’s amazing how my mindset is just so much better.”
Marciano now plans to spread his love of fitness with everyone in the city of Ocala by holding a free workout session on his birthday, Saturday, May 4, at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center.
Some of the highlights of the workout will include an activity called “meet the machines” where people otherwise unfamiliar with workout equipment will be guided by fitness trainers who will teach you everything you need to know.
Marciano also says there will be plenty of stuff for the kids, including activities such as Nerf wars to keep them occupied while also getting exercise.
There will also be a smoothie bar open for those looking to refresh and recharge with healthy beverages after the workout.
“You can work out, but if you don’t choose to make healthier food options then you won’t see great results,” explained Marciano. “So, we really wanted to teach people the importance of that with the smoothie bar.”
Accompanying the mayor at the workout will be Clint Hart, former NFL safety and current CEO of Healthy Harts Fitness, a gym in Ocala. Hart will be leading a strength-training class during the community workout.
“I just think this event is a great time for everyone to come together,” said Marciano. ” I’m really big about bringing the whole community together and that’s what I want to see that day.”
The last ten minutes of the workout will be dedicated to celebrating the mayor’s birthday, as he turns 45 years young.
“It’s my birthday, and it really is my birthday wish to see the Ocala community coming together under this great cause.”
The workout on Saturday, May 4 starts at 9 a.m. and ends at 10 a.m. and takes place at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place which is located at 1821 NW 21st Ave. in Ocala.
