Alabama Sweats, Dances and Cheers With Kerry Rhodes, Karina Smirnoff and “Now Let’s Get Fit”!

LOS ANGELES, CA (July 25, 2013) – NFL star Kerry Rhodes (www.TheKerryRhodesFoundation.com) knows how to warm up a crowd. The Bessemer, AL native returned home July 13 and July 15 to lead his community in a weekend of fitness and health-related activities designed to combat the growing problem of obesity amongst Alabama residents. In a partnership with Now Let’s Get Fit, Kerry hopes his efforts will continue to grow and envisions this event as the first of many.

“It’s always good to come home,” Kerry said, “but when you see how much people suffer from obesity, you understand why it’s such a debilitating disease. It’s worth engaging with the community just to see people smiling and enjoying themselves, but we’re really here to help people change their lives in a fun, meaningful and impactful way.”

Joining Kerry were Karina Smirnoff from ABC’s Dancing With The Stars and former Miss California Tami Farrell, who helped lead dance and exercise classes at Bessemer’s Legacy YMCA. Saturday, July 13, kicked off with a proclamation from Mayor Gulley, who thanked The Kerry Rhodes Foundation and Now Let’s Get Fit for their work in the community. After a rousing and high-energy family class, participants were treated to a hearty and healthy meal from Bob Sykes Bar-B-Q.

On Monday, July 15, guests first lined up for autographs from Kerry Rhodes and Karina Smirnoff, before joining an aerobics and dance class taught by the two athletes. Karina’s precise and high-octane routines left participants sweating, but feeling happy, and an enthusiastic crowd eventually filed out into the warm Alabama night a few hours later.

“Obesity is a growing problem,” said Kerry. “More than one-third of American adults are obese, and Alabama ranks in the top five most obese states in the country. I can’t wait to get the word out and do this again,” Kerry added.

Bob Sykes Bar-B-Q and Chrysler’s Town & Country Van were celebrated sponsors of the event.

For more information, or to interview Kerry Rhodes, contact Los Angeles publicist Eileen Koch of Eileen Koch & Company INC, a full service PR, Marketing and Branding firm at 310.441.1000 or Eileen@eileenkoch.com. Visit www.eileenkoch.com and follow Eileen via Twitter at @eileenkoch.