People who are concerned about staying in shape as well as the fight to reduce the number of heart and stroke related problems are being encouraged to come out to Super Sweat 2008 on Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Canada Games Centre's Flexihall.

The event is going to be more than just a fitness class and will focus an equal amount of attention, over the course of the two hours, towards education as it will on maintaining good health. It is a part of the annual Fit for Heart campaign, which runs from Jan. 1 to Feb. 14.

"It is just a great program when we think that heart and stroke is the number one cause of female death in Canada," said Lisa-Marie Vowk, the activity co-ordinator for the Canada Games Centre.

"It is pretty staggering when you look at the facts of why should we be doing this, well one of the top reasons is it's one of the leading causes for death of women in Canada. It is higher than anything else."

Super Sweat 2008 will be an all ages event and the cost to participate is $10, with the exception of individuals who are involved in this year's 100k Your Way program, which is also a part of the Fit for Heart campaign.

Participants in the 100k Your Way program have already paid the $10 donation fee and have until Feb. 14 to reach the goal of achieving 100-km worth of activity using their preferred method of exercise. An extra 25-km will be added onto the total amount for all members who take part in Super Sweat 2008 and additional donations will be accepted. All proceeds go towards the BC and Yukon region Heart and Stroke Foundation.

In total 11 instructors will be on hand for the event, which will feature seven different methods of exercise, including Funk Fitness, Cardio Kickboxing, Step Aerobics, Cardio Core Intervals, Nia, Feldenkrais and Yoga. Individuals with their own Yoga mats are encouraged to bring them.

The two hour fitness gala will be done in intervals from high to low tempo workouts. It is important that individuals interested in attending make it on time and participate in the warm up, which will reduce the chances of injury. Prizes will be given out for correct answers of the fit facts questions and Whitehorse Beverages will be on hand giving out refreshments to those who participate.

Super Sweat 2008 is being put on by Whitehorse Parks and Recreation, in partnership with the Better Bodies Crosstraining Centre. This will be the first time the event has been hosted in nearly a decade as well as the first time it has been held at the Canada Games Centre. Better Bodies was the host of the event in past years.

Vowk said her goal is that at least 50 people come out to participate on Saturday.

"Fifty people gives us $500 and every little dollar comes in handy when it is the Heart and Stroke Foundation," she said. "This may be the biggest event we have ever hosted in not only the Yukon, but also Northern B.C. when it comes to Heart and Stroke Foundation; if we can get this many individuals participating consecutively at a two-hour period."

She said there are lots of benefits to taking part in this type of activity.

"The main benefit, obviously you are going to get a little more fitter and you are going to learn about why you want to be more fit," Vowk said. "It's going to be a fun event. We want to really put the word out there and just make sure everybody shows up and has a good time and leave feeling like they have done something for themselves and those around them."

Vowk said she hopes Super Sweat becomes an annual tradition.

"I called it Super Sweat 2008 because I can't wait for 2009," she said. "I think it will be even bigger and the more we can put into it every year I think it will just keep growing. We have the facility here where we can fit hundreds of people if it gets down to it."