As the weather starts to get colder, it’s harder to motivate yourself to exercise. The excuses start to pile up and phrases such as “I’ll work out tomorrow” or “It’s just one missed workout” are spoken to calm the conscience.

The Commit 2 Fit Health and Fitness Expo hopes to change those thoughts.

In an effort to educate the public on how to live a healthier lifestyle, the Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Health, Columbia Parks and Recreation and the ARC are co-sponsoring the new expo this weekend.

All ages are invited to this interactive event on Oct. 23 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Stephen’s Lake Park Amphitheater. Kids can enjoy face painting, jump rope and hula hoop contests, and even explore the inside of a fire truck. Adults can learn Zumba, Yoga, Body Pump (cardio) and Pilates.

Jina Boone, an event coordinator, expects at least a couple hundred people to attend. If you’re a part of the first 150 to show up, you’ll receive a free T-shirt. Jimmy Johns will be passing out small sandwiches for the community to try.

Twenty-seven vendors have already committed to providing health and fitness information, such as blood pressure tests, cholesterol screenings, skin and breast cancer screenings and body fat testing, Boone says. Information on different nutritional supplements and proper nutrition will also be available.

Kids can climb on a fire truck and learn about fire safety with the Fire Department, as well as look inside an ambulance. TJ, the healthcare tiger, and Schuster, the walking school bus mascot, will be there to greet the kids.

Get back into a healthy lifestyle routine with help from the local community. There’s going to be a little bit of something for everybody, Boone says.