Schools
CANIBE Makes Exercising Together Fun
CANIBE, or 'Can I Be,' a Milpitas nonprofit group, organizes a free fitness program Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Milpitas High School field.
"It all started with five friends wanting to work out and train together for a Vegas trip," recalled Milpitas High grad Aaron Ronquillo.
Today, Ronquillo is the one of the co-founders of CANIBE, a nonprofit promoting fitness and wellness in the Bay Area.
Through word of mouth and Facebook, he said, the group grew to about 500 members in three months and later officially established itself as a nonprofit.
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Organizers said the program attracts people from all walks of life. The youngest member is 14, and the oldest is 50.
The training is divided into three levels so participants can choose something suitable for their performance and pace.
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Ronquillo says the organizers are mostly Milpitas High School graduates, so they were able to gain access to the school's football field during the summer.
Every Tuesday and Thursday, personal trainers volunteer to train members to get in shape.
Occasionally, CANIBE throws in a dress-up theme, be it '80s aerobics, crazy socks or sports jerseys.
On Tuesday, the theme of the night was '80s aerobics. Participants showed up in bright neon outfits, colorful headbands and Afro wigs.
"It's nice to have these themes unite the whole group and keep it creative, fun, and healthy," says Chris Petallano, a member of CANIBE.
In two weeks, the summer workouts will end for the season. But the fitness program is just one of CANIBE's projects. The group plans a walk-a-thon to raise funds and awareness against childhood obesity.
Visit canibe.org to find out more about the fitness program or other CANIBE activities.
