Making movement fun ;-)
Who else’s New Year’s resolution includes being more active?
Good news: You don’t have to become a runner or start doing deadlifts to be more active in 2022.
Exercise can be intimidating, especially if you’re just starting out or you’re jumping back in after a long break. Your brain can conjure up so many reasons why you shouldn’t exercise—it’s hard, you’re stressed out from work, you’ll get sweaty, you’ll get tired too quickly, people will laugh at you if you do it wrong, you don’t have time, the gym is only for bodybuilders and extreme athletes, it’s boring, the gym is expensive, you don’t have the right shoes or clothing…the list goes on and on.
Sure, some of these reasons are totally valid—exercise is challenging, which is why it helps you get stronger. But, on the flip side, you can learn how to make working out fun, so long as you find the activity that’s right for you.
The key is finding movement you enjoy, and our town is full of unique fitness studios and fun classes that encourage exercise without feeling like you’re just doing a regular workout. On a budget? There are lots of free online classes and videos, too!
If this sounds like something for you, here are just a few places around town, and links to free online classes, where you can get your heat on and have fun doing it:
We have no shortage of yoga studios in town that offer beginner and more, between Three Birds Yoga Studio and Honor Yoga…. you get the picture. There’s a class for everyone (in person or virtually).
Looking for yoga online? Try these beginner yoga classes out:
Benefits of Yoga:
Yoga helps with stress relief. ...
Yoga improves flexibility
Yoga improves mental health. ...
Yoga may reduce inflammation. ...
Yoga will likely increase your strength. ...
Yoga may reduce anxiety. ...
Yoga may improve quality of life. ...
Yoga may boost immunity….
Read full benefits HERE.
Rock climbing is fun, and if you’ve never tried it before, it’s definitely a workout. The Gravity Vault has different membership options and the climbing gyms are now offering Ladies Rock Club sessions. They have locations in Whippany and Flemington…. they ROCK!!!!
Two words - suspension training. Not too long ago the TRX Suspension Training group exercise classes started becoming popular. Many YMCA’s offer these classes, and it’s definitely not your regular strength training class.
TRX is a type of sports equipment for a work-out where your own body weight is used. The training tool consists of two bands that are connected to each other and fixed at a certain height. The TRX X-mount provides an ideal combination of support and deliberate instability in order to develop such physical qualities as strength, endurance, balance, coordination, flexibility, power and stabilization, excluding putting an axial load on the spine.
Here’s a great article on why Suspension Training is so popular for seniors and rehabilitation after injury. Classes with TRX are effective no matter what your age, gender and training experience. The complexity of any of the exercises can be easily changed so training is suitable for both professional athletes and beginners.
Ever heard of aerial yoga?
Inner Spirit Studio in Whippany not only offers yoga and pilates, but if you want to try something totally different, check out the studio’s aerial yoga or dance trapeze classes. Honor Yoga studios also offer aerial yoga for adults, kids, plus both adults with kids together!
Tired of your boring workout routine? Another great workout (and potential form of therapy) is kickboxing.
Get ready to burn fat, reduce stress and tone up by punching and kicking real heavy bags. Fitness Kickboxing is the number one fat-burning, cardio exercise, with up to 1,200 calories burned during a one hour class.
Your first trail session at Amped is free…. They are proud to work with people all across East Hanover and Florham Park. All experience levels are welcome. CKO Kickboxing is another great option, located in Flemington.
If you like the idea of working up a sweat while dancing, try a class at your nearby Jazzercise or Zumba location. Many of these instructors teach remotely, or have online classes, too!
Here’s a good beginner Zumba video to try at home to see if you like the concept….
Let’s not forget a great form of cardio that’s also (usually) free - hiking. Be sure to check out our hiking guide for some NJ hikes.
These hikes are fairly close to Whippany, and these are fairly close to Flemington.
On those sunny winter days, wear layers and enjoy being outside and getting some natural vitamin D. Grab a friend or a family member, and enjoy the goodness of nature!
A Take-Home Message
Exercising can sometimes feel like an exclusive club, accessible only to people who are already super fit. But no matter where you are on your fitness journey, you too can experience joy while moving your body, getting your heart rate up and working toward your health and wellness goals.
Working out can be whatever you want it to be—it doesn’t have to be restricted to the weight room or a boring treadmill. In fact, you can work out anywhere, at any time. (Yes, the park, your office stairwell and your kitchen all count.)
If, after spending some time and reflecting on what kind of exercise sounds like fun to you, and are still lost and don’t know where to start; make an appointment with our office, and we can help you make a plan.
THE most important thing in life, is how you feel about YOURSELF!!!!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *