Wilmington Health Nuts
Have fun, stay fit
It’s that time of year when people swarm to the gym, sign a contract and vow to get healthier. But, there is a better way, says Wilmington chiropractor Dr. Rhett King.
“I tell my patients that before they join a gym, they need to try out a lot of different activities, find something that they really enjoy,” he said.
Two years ago, he started a group to do just that. Wilmington Health Nuts is a free group open to the public that meets once a month at various venues and businesses around town to try everything from yoga to stand-up paddle boarding to cycling to weight training. Recent activities included a dog walk at Wrightsville Beach. And, the group’s first event of the New Year is Jazzercise. Currently, there are about 376 members.
Many of the activities are hosted by area businesses which donate their time and service as a means of introducing themselves to potential new clients for free. But for a few events, such as paintball, there is a fee.
King says members range in age from 25 to 60 years old. There are singles and couples, long-time residents and people new to the area. With each event, several new people join the group. King anticipates hitting 1,000 members within a year or two, at which time he’d like to formalize the group as a nonprofit organization with multiple activities and organizers.
He plans in the near future to do more road trips like the one they recently took to Fayetteville to go zip-lining.
“Somebody suggested sky diving,” he said laughing. “I don’t think I’ll join them on that one.”
To join the group, visit wilmingtonhealthnuts.com.
