Each of us has a different expectation of what our fitness level should be, and our doctors and healthcare professionals also have expectations for each and every one of us.

For 51-year-old Pat Thorne, of Columbia, it is about keeping her blood pressure under control and fending off diabetes that runs in her family. She keeps herself healthy by participating in the Strength-n-Fit class taught by Sara Schwab and by walking around the indoor track at the Glenwood Center. Thorne's ideal body vision is to have "sculpted arms like the TV role-models."

For 47-year-old Donna Nejako, of Woodbine, it is about "losing weight and getting into shape." She encouraged her friend Gail Schwarz, of Lisbon, to join her in the Strenght-n-Fit class. They both said, "we are healthier, stronger and want to take more of these sessions." All three ladies love the center's state of the art equipment and its presence in western Howard County.

How could one find out which class is the right choice? The center offers a sampling with its May Fitness Sampler Classes for ages 14 and up. Get On The Ball will be taught Tuesday, May 6 at 5:30 p.m. The exercises taught focus on balance and form, working both muscular endurance and muscular strength.

Want to lose body fat fast? Sign up for the Strength-n-Fit class that will be held May 8, at 6 p.m. This class focuses on toning and conditioning with weights. Looking for something low-impact? Try the Total Stretch class that features a combination of dynamic and static traditional stretching with a blend of basic yoga stretches. Class will be Tuesday, May 6, at 6:30 p.m. Each of the described classes is 45 minutes long and costs $5.

For teens age 13-15, the center offers Intro to Teen Weight Training. This four-week class is designed to teach fitness room etiquette, proper stretching, cardiovascular equipment and the proper techniques of circuit training, combining weight machines and free weights. Participants will develop a personal program to continue on own. Instructor is certified trainer Leo Conlon, who is also the assistant fitness coordinator at the center. Completion of program will allow teens to purchase a fitness room pass (with adult supervision).

After getting in shape, it is always fun to reward oneself with a little something that one may have given up or cut back. So let the Glenwood Center treat you to a free donut in honor of National Donut Day, June 7, at 8 a.m. First come, first served.

Looking for something with a little more body and soul to indulge in? Be among the first to know that the Department of Recreation and Parks will host the 16th annual Wine In The Woods at Symphony Woods in Columbia. All ages are welcome (drinking age is 21, of course). Prices range from $5 to $25.

Now that summer is just around the corner, it is time to make those plans to keep the kids entertained. For teens, Movie Under The Stars will take place behind the center May 23, June 27 and July 25, from 9-11 p.m. The movie is free, and light refreshments are available to purchase. Call 410-313-4840 a week prior to find out the movie listings.

Looking for amusement for the whole family? At the center, one can now purchase amusement park tickets at a healthy discount. Choose from Busch Gardens, Hershey Park, Kings Dominion, Six Flags and more. Prices vary according to ages and type of park.

For more entertainment, check out the Department of Recreation and Parks' Travelin' Bands. The department's Showmobile stage is coming -- and will be at the Western Regional Park June 20 at 7 p.m. to kick off the Relay For Life event. Also, mark your calendars for the Sunset Serenades Summer Concerts at Centennial Park every Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. from June 18-Aug. 20. Events are free and open to every age.

To register for events and classes, call 410-313-4840 or go to www.howardcountymd.gov/rap www.howardcountymd.gov/rap.

E-mail Shyami Codippily Murphy at shyami1@comcast.net.

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