Photo courtesy of the City of Magnolia

In an effort to improve the overall health of residents, Live Well! in Magnolia will launch on March 7 with a community fitness program designed to improve mental and physical health.

The eight-week citywide health and lifestyle initiative will be held Saturdays throughout March and April at the covered pavilion in Unity Park from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Each Saturday event will feature Foodfit, Bodyfit and Soulfit lessons to focus on healthy eating, exercise and mental health.

Mark Cornelison, founder of SweatCor and former contestant on the NBC show "The Biggest Loser," will facilitate the sessions with his wife, Cathy, to share their story of weight loss and adapting to healthier lifestyles with residents. Mark and Cathy have lived in Magnolia for more than 10 years.

"We wanted to do something within our area to help the community," Mark said. "It's great for us to be able to do this where we live."

The couple will share tips on changing unhealthy habits, including how to read nutrition labels and cook healthy food at home. Kris Frenchak, fitness instructor at Magnolia Fitness Center, will also talk about ways to get in shape with exercise programs like yoga, zumba and Brazilian jiu jitsu.

"We wanted to give people a taste of different [types of fitness routines]," Mark said. "If we give everyone something different to try, then hopefully they're going to find something they'll like doing."

Magnolia's focus on wellness won't fade away when the Saturday sessions end after April. Magnolia Economic Development Coordinator Tana Ross said the eight-week initiative is just the beginning of a larger marketing program to promote health tourism in Magnolia.

"People want the whole healthy living approach, so [this program] shows that whatever you need to live, you can live well in Magnolia," Ross said. "It's a great place to be if you want to have a super healthy lifestyle. We are at the crossroads of progress. I feel certain that by the end of this, we'll be recognized as one of the healthiest cities in the region."

Ross said local businesses will be involved in the program as well and plan to promote the health initiative through real estate, restaurants and retail shops.

"Many of our restaurants here offer healthy choices, and not a lot of people are aware of that," Ross said. "Arlan's [Market] has also become a supporter and is now offering healthy, on-the-go meal options."

The Saturday events are free to attend for a single session or for the duration of eight-week program, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs to the pavilion at Unity Park. The program will culminate with a Run Through the Woods fun run and a health fair on April 25 at 9 a.m. in Unity Park.

Registration for the Saturday sessions can be found online at www.cityofmagnolia.org, or attendees can register in person on the day of the event. Those wishing to participate in the fun run can sign up at the Magnolia Fitness Center at 405 Heflin Street or at the Magnolia City Hall permits office.