Fitness Community Thrives at Motivational Monday in the Bronx

A Community United Through Fitness

A Community United Through Fitness

As the vibrant hues of a fall sunset enveloped Macombs Dam Park in the Bronx, a remarkable gathering unfolded. Dozens of individuals congregated around a jungle gym, the sun slowly descending beyond the horizon and casting a warm amber glow over the scene. More than 50 people were present, some engaged in push-ups, others tackling pull-ups, and a few running laps around the track, all under the watchful gaze of Yankee Stadium.

It was September 30, marking the 15th consecutive Motivational Monday event held in the park. Participants had traveled from as far as Long Island and Yonkers, united by a common goal: to work out together. iPhones were propped up on tripods, capturing the dynamic physical activity as a crowd began to gather near the monkey bars. A spirited count-off commenced, energizing the atmosphere.

“One, two, three … come on! You can do better than that!” a young man shouted through a megaphone, passionately encouraging a participant hanging from the pull-up bar. His enthusiastic shouts resonated throughout the park, sending a clear message to everyone present: We are here to uplift and motivate you.

A year ago, Jonathan Perez, the man behind this motivational movement, found himself at Macombs Dam Park seeking solace after a difficult breakup. “I started off running every day,” Mr. Perez, 19, shared while seated on a bench adjacent to the track. “When I was running, all I could think about was how tired I was. My mind was consumed by fatigue, and I wasn’t focused on anything else.”

As Mr. Perez continued to run lap after lap to mend his broken heart, the jungle gym’s allure grew stronger.

“I kept glancing at the bars every day,” he reminisced. “One day, I thought to myself, ‘Let me try a pull-up or something,’ and that marked the beginning of my journey.”

Through his Motivational Monday series, Jonathan Perez has successfully drawn fitness enthusiasts to the Bronx, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie. Christopher Sanchez, another participant, expressed the impact of this initiative, stating, “We clicked as soon as we met each other.”

  • Location: Macombs Dam Park, Bronx
  • Date: September 30
  • Event: 15th consecutive Motivational Monday
  • Activities: Push-ups, pull-ups, running laps
  • Organizer: Jonathan Perez
  • Community Impact: Building connections and motivation among participants

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