Health

Healthy Kids, Walking for a Good Cause, and a New Summer Sport: Fit Fun

Upcoming health-and-fitness events to keep you moving

Friday, April 15
Jack’s Boathouse is opening for the spring season today, which includes standup paddle-board lessons and rentals. Described as “surfing while kayaking” and “a great way to feel like you’re walking on water,” it’s a good way to get some exercise and cool off in the Potomac. Rentals are $20 for 90 minutes and $10 for each additional 45 minutes. Visit the Web site or call 202-337-9642 for more information.

Saturday, April 16
Join the fight against multiple sclerosis at Walk MS. Be part of a team or walk by yourself while raising funds from family and friends; proceeds benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Check-in begins at 8:30, and the staggered starts begin at 10:30 at the Embassy of Canada. There’ll be activities and food provided at John Marshall Park across from the embassy. Register and get more details at the MS Web site or on the day of the event; no registration fee.

The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington is declaring today Healthy Kids Day and is encouraging parents to incorporate physical activity and healthy habits into children’s daily routines. To get started, local Y chapters are hosting a variety of activities such as Zumba classes, face painting, nutrition classes, parents-versus-kids kickball, and more. Activities and schedules vary by location; visit the Web site for details.

The Seventh Annual Run for Rigby takes place today at Georgetown University today. The event is named for Daniel H. Rigby, a Georgetown senior who lost his life in an off-campus house fire. Proceeds from the run benefit the Friends of Rigby Foundation, which educates and provides tools for fire safety and issues scholarship money to Georgetown. The 5K race and 3K walk begin at  2 PM and go through the Georgetown campus and neighborhood, followed by a barbecue lunch. Register ($10) here.

Saturday, April 16, and Sunday, April 17

Celebrate the planet at the Environmental Protection Agency’s Earth Day celebration on the Mall. Learn how much air your lungs can actually hold (and why clean air is better) and educate yourself about the healthiest ways to renovate your home. There’s also plenty of other fun stuff, such as making musical instruments out of trash and seeing how a forensic investigation works. Saturday 10 to 5, Sunday 10 to 3. All events are free; visit the EPA’s Web site for a complete schedule.

Through Sunday, April 17
Everyone deserves a little rest and relaxation, but why not treat yourself at a fraction of the cost? Sunday marks the last day of DC Spa Week, when many local salons and day spas are offering treatments such as mani-pedis, facials, and massages for $50. Register for free at Spaweek.com to view the deals, but contact the spas directly to book your treatment—just be sure to mention the deal. Participating spas include Red Door, Hela Spa & Salon, and more.

Tuesday, April 19
The photography exhibition “A Thousand Words” captures the images and stories of 100 Washingtonians whose lives have been touched by breast cancer. The one-day show is a joint effort of Pink Jams and Shoot for Change, and all proceeds benefit the Capital Breast Care Center. The evening includes live music by local singer Marc Bower and desserts from Sprinkles Cupcakes, Bayou Bakery, and more. Atlas Performing Arts Center; 6:30 to 9:30. A $25 donation is required; give online at Event Brite.

Two hundred miles, 12 friends, two cars, and a lot of fun: Those are the ingredients of the Ragnar Relay Washington, DC, taking place September 23 and 24. Pacers is hosting a couple of information sessions this week for those interested in participating. The relay will stretch from Cumberland, Maryland, to National Harbor. The early-registration deadline is May 20. Tonight’s info session is at Pacers Pentagon City from 7 to 8, and tomorrow’s is at Pacers Logan Circle from 7 to 8. Free.

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