I'd like to take this opportunity to wish all Town of Hempstead residents a happy and healthy New Year.

With every New Year, we often make resolutions. One of the most common goals, especially after the holidays when we all tend to eat more than usual, is to get in shape. In the Town of Hempstead we are very fortunate to have many parks and recreation programs that will help residents do just that, not only during the winter months but also throughout the year.

The fundamentals of Pilates, focuses on improving flexibility and strength for the total body through controlled movements, engages your body and mind. Classes are held at Merrick Road Park Golf Clubhouse in Merrick. In-person registration is Monday, Jan. 24 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Merrick Road Clubhouse.

One of our most popular fitness programs is our Slimnastics program, designed for women 18 years of age and older. This program is held at Merrick Road Park Golf Clubhouse, Echo Park in West Hempstead and Levittown Hall in Hicksville. In-person registration for Merrick Road Clubhouse will take place Monday, Jan. 24 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Registration for the Echo Park classes will take place Tuesday, Jan. 25 for the 2005 all year program from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Registration for the Echo Park classes for the winter/spring program will take place Tuesday, Jan. 25 from 9:30-10:30 for day classes and 6:30-7:30 for evening classes. Registration will take place at Levittown Hall Thursday, Jan. 27 from 10-11 a.m.

Women may also be interested in our low-impact aerobics classes, designed to firm and tone muscles and increase cardiovascular efficiency. This program is held at Echo Park, Forest City Park in Wantagh, Levittown Hall, Baldwin Park and Merrick Road Park Golf Clubhouse. Registration for the Echo Park classes will be held Tuesday, Jan. 25 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Forest City Park registration will take place Wednesday, Jan. 26 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Registration at Levittown Hall will be held Thursday, Jan. 27 from 10-11 a.m. Baldwin Park registration will take place Tuesday, Jan. 25 from 7-8 p.m. Merrick Road Park Golf Clubhouse registration will take place Monday, Jan. 24 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Body sculpting classes include toning and stretching with light weights and resistance bands. This program is held at Echo Park. Registration will be held Wednesday, Jan. 26 from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Our elite Shape-Up Time program is a great opportunity for men 18 years of age and older to either improve or maintain their physical condition. This program is held at Echo Park all year round on Sundays and Wednesdays. Registration for both classes will take place Sunday, Jan. 30 from 9-10 a.m.

Considered the first style of yoga, Kundalini Yoga lessons for adults is a unique system which combines breathing, movement, meditation, stretching, relaxation, rhythm and chanting to work on the mind, body and spirit. This program will be held at both Merrick Road Park Golf Clubhouse and Echo Park. Registration at Merrick Road Park will be held Tuesday, Jan. 25 from 7:30-8:30 p.m. and registration at Echo Park will be held Friday, Jan. 28 from 10-11 a.m.

Kripalu Yoga for adults teaches gentle yoga postures and conscious breathing. This program is held at Echo Park and Levittown Hall. Registration at Echo Park will be held Wednesday, Jan. 26 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Registration at Levittown Hall will be held Saturday, Jan. 29 from 9:30-10:30 a.m.

The Tai Chi program is designed to take you on a journey of meditative movement, gently guiding you on a path of well being and inner peace. This program will be held at Echo Park. Registration will be held Thursday, Jan. 27 from 1-2 p.m. for day classes and 8:30-9:30 p.m. for evening classes at Echo Park.

Our karate/self-defense program is an excellent beginner's course for men and women, boys and girls in the fundamentals of karate and self-defense. This program is held at Echo Park, Harold Walker Park in Lakeview and Smith Street Park in Uniondale. Registration for Echo Park will be held Friday, Jan. 28 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Harold Walker Park registration will be held Thursday, Jan. 27 from 7-8 p.m. and Smith Street Park registration will be held Wednesday, Jan. 26 from 7-8 p.m.

Walk and Talk for Fun and Fitness is another wonderful program to keep in shape. Wear walking apparel of your choice for 12 weekly sessions at Baldwin Park, Newbridge Road Park in Bellmore or Seamans Neck Park in Seaford. Registration will take place the first day of class (Baldwin Park-Wednesday, Feb. 2, 10-11 a.m. at the ball field flagpole; Seamans Neck Park-Friday, Feb. 4, 10-11 a.m. at the tennis courts; and Newbridge Road Park-Thursday, Feb. 3, 10-11 a.m. at the administration building).

Aqua-Exercise is a water resistive exercise program for men and women 18 years of age and over conducted in waist-high water. The sessions are designed to tone muscles and increase cardiovascular circulation. This class is held at Echo Park and participants must hold an Echo Park pool pass for the season or year, or will be required to pay the daily admission rate. Registration for the day classes will be held Thursday, Jan. 27 from 8-9 p.m. and registration for the evening class will be held Wednesday, Jan. 26 from 8-9 p.m.

To obtain further information about registration and program locations, times and costs for any of these fitness programs, contact the Town of Hempstead Department of Parks and Recreation at 292-9000. Again, best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year and the best of luck in achieving all your goals for the coming year.