From East Side Park to Asbury Park, in a series of confidence-building, non-intimidating steps…as Red Bank Recreation invites “less-than-active adults” to a new Couch to 5K program of introductory running classes.

How do you get from couch potato to 5K? According to Red Bank Parks & Recreation director Charlie Hoffman, it’s not as epic a journey as it may seem…not if you sign up for a new series of introductory running classes that begin this coming Monday, March 27.

Offered for a second consecutive year, and designed “for those of us who have not been exercising very much in recent history and need a little motivation,” the Couch to 5K program is described as “very fun, positive and non-intimidating” — an activity that allows aspiring distance runners to work up to their goals in an atmosphere of encouragement, community and camaraderie.

“We will start off with a slow, short distance and gradually build up to complete a local 5K race,” explains the Rec director. “The pace will proceed at a level that is comfortable and safe, geared to less-than-active adults.”

All classes are on Monday and Wednesday evenings beginning at 7 p.m., and will convene at East Side Park, 272 Mechanic Street at Harrison Avenue. The cost for the entire program is $30 per person, with advance registration required. Sign up in person at the Rec office inside Borough Hall, or call (732)530-2782 for additional information.