Weekly Wellness

San Antonio's Tobin Center pumps up free year-round exercise classes

Mobile Om leads two of the four classes at the Tobin Center.

Staying active doesn't have to be a new year's resolution, but San Antonians can take advantage of the trend with the Tobin Center. It's kicking off 2025 with some free classes at Will Naylor Riverwalk Plaza. Best of all, when that January motivation fades, the classes continue at no cost.

Wellness at the Tobin will combine different types of exercise with a goal to extend their benefits to "mind, body, and community" according to a press release, for a holistic and approachable strategy to staying healthy. The program is supported by H-E-B and University Health, and parking will also be available from 9:30 am to 11:30 am in the surface lot at 142 Auditorium Circle.

Instructors are warmed up and ready to go, with the first class starting January 4.

The classes will always happen on Saturday mornings, from 10-11 am. They're scheduled in a rotating set of four offerings, which reset each month (meaning if you have one favorite class, you'll go monthly; or if you like all the classes, you'll go roughly weekly):

First Saturday: Strength & Sweat Fitness with EnergyX Fitness
EnergyX Fitness is a local gym that focuses on "high-intensity, low-impact group fitness classes." The Tobin Center class will lead exercisers of all levels through workouts with tools like kettlebells and strength bands, plus bodyweight exercises and cardio for a well-rounded burn.
Second Saturday: Stretch & Reset Mobility with Mobile Om
Mobile Om is built for free community classes like this. The Stretch & Reset class will combine gentle stretching and dynamic (moving while stretching) exercises to increase mobility (i.e. ability to move freely). The real-life applications of better mobility include a reduction of everyday pain, improved ability through aging, and better form while performing other exercises or sports.
Third Saturday: Rhythm & Moves Dance Cardio with Esta Noche Dance Company
Esta Noche is a dance school specializing in salsa and bachata. The free class will present choreography that is designed for anyone to follow, even if they have no dance experience. In addition to a good cardio workout and better coordination, the listing emphasizes that the class will be fun.
Fourth Saturday: Mindful Flow Yoga with Mobile Om
Mobile Om is back with a yoga class that doesn't appear to commit to any particular style, but will utilize "purposeful poses, mindful breathing, and relaxation techniques." The goal is to feel "balanced and centered" at the end of the class.

All four classes are designed to suit all levels, with modifications offered for beginners. Even in winter, these classes will be outside, so dress accordingly. In inclement weather, they'll be moved inside to a location that ins't determined yet. Guests may also need to bring equipment like yoga mats, which are listed in the event descriptions.

The Tobin Center hosts other community events throughout the year including movie nights on most second Fridays, rotating art exhibitions, artist talks, and of course a wide array of ticketed events.

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Fight This Fly

Wildlife officials warn Texans to look out for parasitic screwworm

U.S. Department of Agriculture/aphis.usda.gov

The the New World Screwworm (NWS) is a parasite that turns into a fly.

It probably won't take much to convince Texans to stay away from the latest invasive species from Mexico, once they hear about the symptoms. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) says to look out for evidence of the New World Screwworm (NWS) affecting animals, especially near the state's southern border.

So far it sounds like the NWS is still relatively far away, having been spotted in a cow at a checkpoint near the border between Mexico and Guatemala. It was eradicated from the United States in 1966, according to TPWD, but it is being tracked northward from South and Central America.

Although it's called a worm, it is really a parasitic larva, and this is where things get disturbing.

Before the "worms" become the NWS fly (Cochliomyia hominivorax), they lay eggs in open wounds or orifices of live tissue. They are called screwworms because they screw into the flesh, worsening injuries and causing a painful condition called NWS myiasis. An infestation can even lead to the death of the animal.

The larvae drop to the ground after feeding, and emerge as flies that can travel long distances, so the movement of livestock — not just contact among them — is a concern.

If you don't own livestock, you're not quite out of the woods. Although the NWS does affect those animals the most, it also affects wildlife like deer and birds, and even pets and humans. Hunters should also keep an eye out, as well as any "outdoor enthusiasts," says the release.

From the release, here are some things to look out for:

Irritated or depressed behavior
Loss of appetite
Head shaking
Smell of decaying flesh
Presence of fly larvae (maggots) in wounds
Isolation from other animals or people

To keep the flies away, especially when traveling to NWS-affected areas like Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and South American countries, TPWD says it's important to clean and cover all wounds. Travelers should also use insect repellant on outdoor clothing.

Anyone who suspects signs in wildlife of NWS should report their findings immediately to a local wildlife biologist. Reports about livestock should be directed to the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) or U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

“Those enjoying Texas’ natural resources have an opportunity to serve as the first line of defense in protecting wildlife, livestock, and human health,” said TPWD wildlife veterinarian Dr. J Hunter Reed in the release. “Their eyes and ears will be critical to quickly responding and managing this threat.”

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