A week to walk, run, and go spinning in Collingswood

Fancy a morning run?

How about yoga, or pilates, or tai chi? Up for aromatherapy? How about a cooking demonstration? Massage? Or all of the above, and more.

Just take a walk through Collingswood next week.

The borough that brought South Jersey yarn-bombing and pop-up parks plans to hold its first-ever Wellness Week.

From Monday through April 2, there will be a whole calendar of events and activities aimed at fostering well-being - physical as well as mental and emotional.

"A lot of people move to Collingswood because it's walkable, and the active nature of town appeals to them. Plus, we have so many wellness-related businesses," Mayor James Maley said. "This brings together dozens of classes and seminars with people looking to live healthier lives."

And best of all, the classes and events are being offered for free or at minimal cost by more than 20 businesses and organizations.

"We hope that people really come out," said Cass Duffey, borough director of community development. "There's something for everyone, from one to 100."

That's not an exaggeration. On Monday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Collingswood Police Department, there will be free child car seat checks to make sure they are installed properly. For the other end of the age spectrum, there will be a geriatrician to talk about healthy aging.

The week's highlights include a group activity every evening at 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Community Center on Collings Avenue.

In addition, at 7 a.m. Tuesday, there will be a walk with the mayor around Knight Park, starting at the Harrison Avenue entrance on Browning Avenue.

From 2 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Cooper University Hospital staff will be at the Community Center to offer stroke assessments, screening for certain cancers, and a fitness class.

And, to cap it all off, on Saturday there will be Community Day at Knight Park, with activities for all ages.

Animal lovers? The husband and wife team at the Principled Pet on Powell Lane has free seminars scheduled for Tuesday and Saturday on how to read pet food labels and be a truly discerning pet food buyer.

"We teach people how to determine for themselves what is a healthy food," co-owner Mark Rogers said.

Wednesday through Friday at 12:30 p.m. at Chamomile Cottage on Haddon Avenue, proprietor Donna Pixton-Hacker will be offering free aromatherapy seminars.

And at 11 a.m. Monday through Friday, folks can raise a sweat and burn some calories at a spinning class for just $5 at Upcycle, which opened on Haddon Avenue last year.

Owner Kim Oberg is glad for the opportunity.

"I think it's something fun," she said. "I'm really passionate about getting everyone a little bit healthier."

For more information, visit the borough's Facebook event page or collingswood.com/wellnessweek for the calendar and event details.

rgiordano@phillynews.com

856-779-3893

@ritagiordano