REACH FOR THE SKY. RogCity’s Pack The Park is a full workout including squats,
jumping jacks and all the other exercises you remember from gym class,
but this time in a much better atmosphere.

You may recognize Jeff Rogers from his infamous workout video On the Road featuring Justin Vernon, Sean Carey and other members of Bon Iver, but this summer he’s taking a break from the big screen to help Eau Claire fuse fitness and fun in a workout series he calls Pack the Park.

At the South Middle School soccer fields on Monday nights at 6:30, passersby wave as a group of 20 people engage in a series of squats, jumping jacks and various other exercises led by Rogers, punctuated by the occasional high five between participants. Fitness levels at the event range from new-to-the-neighborhood to gym rat, with workouts modified to fit individual needs. Pack the Park is a roughly hour-long cardio-based circuit class that utilizes body weight exercises in a group setting. The high energy environment and outdoor setting allow participants to individually tailor workouts to fit preferences, while remaining in the company of friends. Five dollars buys your admission whether you registered online or show up shortly beforehand.

Within five minutes of Pack the Park you’ll know everyone’s name and will probably exchange a fist-bump or two with Rogers himself before the workout is over.

Pack the Park is already expanding as well. Rogers recently announced an event in St. Louis Park, Minn. – just outside of the Twin Cities – and has his eyes set on La Crosse as well.

After the buzz that On the Road generated, Rogers was looking for a way to give back to the community of the Chippewa Valley and ultimately decided to offer an affordable way for people to test the waters before becoming truly serious about fitness and working out. His main focus as a trainer is to “promote and sustain a lifelong partnership between you and your body,” with a focus on improvement, regardless of a client’s starting point. An Eau Claire native who has chosen to operate primarily out of his hometown, Rogers is willing to travel and is looking to host similar Pack the Park events in both La Crosse and the Twin Cities in the near future. 

Within five minutes of Pack the Park you’ll know everyone’s name and will probably exchange a fist-bump or two with Rogers himself before the workout is over. Finding new ways to promote fitness is what Rogers is all about, so if you’re on the fence about becoming more active, Pack the Park is the perfect setting for you. There’s nothing to lose but the excuses and possibly some extra weight.