Gyms have their positive points: they are convenient, house lots of equipment, and often have childcare available to parents who need to tote their tots to the gym (this includes yours truly). Gyms also can offer a range of fitness classes and most have personal trainers on staff. If you’re not a huge fan of going to the gym however, and would like to try something different, check out these fun alternatives…
Stroller Fit® SF targets the “mommy muscles” – those muscles used during labor and delivery, and post-partum, and basically every day thereafter. Moms have a chance to get their bodies fit and healthy and babies have fun in the process, so it is a win-win.
For a complete list of classes near you, visit Strollerfit and click on “find classes.” Bonus: First class is always free!
Stroller Strides® - Amp up your energy levels, lose weight, increase strength and stamina, and have great time making new friends in the process. The interval-based workouts are 60 to 75-mins long and designed to put you through the paces so that you can reclaim your pre-baby bod. It is recommended that babies be at least 6 weeks old before participating.
To find a class near you, visit Stroller Strides or email info@strollerstrides.com
(866) FIT-4MOM
Adventure Boot Camp – If you are ready for a solid commitment (5 days/week for four weeks), you enjoy working up a sweat outside in a variety of settings, and you want to get fit fast, check out Adventure Boot Camp for Women. In addition to adventurous workouts, you’ll also receive nutritional counseling and decent doses of motivation. To find a class near you, visit Adventure Boot Camp and click on “Find an Adventure Boot Camp near you.”
Zumba® – A blend of Latin rhythms and caloric-blasting intervals, along with resistance training, gives exercise a shot of fun. Zumba® is one of the most popular dance exercise formats today, and for a good reason — it is a high-energy fitness party with no rules (so if you mess up, no one will know!) Zumba® classes are abundant in most major cities across the U.S, so it is likely there is one right around the corner from where you live. To find one, visit Zumba
Nia - Short for “neuromuscular integrative action,” Nia integrates western dance, such as jazz and modern, with eastern practices such as T’ai Chi, Tae Kwon Do and Aikido into a non-impact, whole-body movement class that is ideal for all ages and fitness abilities. Find a class through Nia Now
Improve your ab awareness with BalleCore® – a blend of Yoga, Pilates and Ballet designed to engage your core and improve posture. You need not be a dancer, past or present, to reap the benefits of this fusion class. Improved body awareness, balance, and long, lean muscles can be yours. Check out BalleCore to find out more!
It is that time of year again. Have you noticed…the sun comes out, the weather warms up, and runners of all sizes, shapes, forms, and abilities swarm to the nearest jogging path.  I happen to live in an active community that has lots of running paths, running partners, and running teams. Alas, I still receive lots of questions about area resources. In fact, just last week I received three: 1) can you tell me more about Moms in Motion? 2) can you point me toward a team to train with for a marathon? 3) what area training teams are geared toward women? I’ve answered many of these questions before, but figure it can’t hurt to lay it all out again.
While Columbus has plenty of running clubs, teams, and groups – there are few “women-only” training teams. I have coached seven Moms in Motion teams in Dublin in the past, and interest was very sporadic. That said, there has been a recent surge in ladies seeking information about local training teams, so alas, here we go…
The Dublin Speedy Sneakers group.
This group is for walkers, runners, and joggers, and meets twice weekly at Glacier Ridge Metro Park in Plain City. There is a $55 registration fee, and with that you get customized training plans based on your fitness level and goals. You are paired with teammates of similar ability. The membership is discounted to $30 members ages 16 and under, or 65 and older.
Speed Sneakers official website.
There is an Upper Arlington Moms in Motion team now…Laurie Parlin is the coach. The annual MIM membership fee is $65 and includes a team t-shirt, as well as access to the MIM training website, community of members, monthly newsletter, and online training tools/advice. Please contact Laurie for current team info and training fees. Visit the MIM website for her contact information or to join this team.
Another option is the Columbus Running Company – they host biannual training teams for those interested in going the distance (think half or full marathon!). The fee for new registrants is $65 ($40 for alumni), and with that you get lots of good stuff: a personalized training program, free gear (sometimes a shirt, sometimes a hat – they like to surprise you), clinics held by local coaches on topics ranging from nutrition, to mental preparation and shoe/apparel selection. You also get 10% off everything in the CRC stores during the program! Check it out – Columbus Running Company!
The Fleet Feet store in Lewis Center has a 5k co-ed training program for beginners. The fee for the 10-week program is $60 and includes: a New Balance running shirt and New Balance Sequence jacket (given as a reward at the end of the program, so stick with it to get the goods), supervised workouts by a qualified “No Boundaries” coach, weekly emails encouraging you to keep up the good work, and of course, the fun that comes with training with like-minded people, plus you get to make some new friends.
If you are a more casual runner, a club might better suit your needs. The Columbus Roadrunners Club meet in various locations for group runs, but common locations include Antrim Park and Alum Creek. Novices are welcome, so don’t be shy! Annual dues are $20 for individual membership. You’ll also become eligible for discounts at local running stores when you join.
Visit Run the Planet to look up team information, find running routes, read expert advice on running and training, and search for local events to race in, or check my list of running resources!
If you happen to be lucky enough to live in a city with plenty of dog-friendly green space and bike/running paths, then you probably know how convenient, (and fun) it is to be able to combine your workout with your pet’s. After all, dogs need exercise too!
Before you hook the leash on Fido and head out the door, here are some tips to make both of your workouts safe and effective.
1. Make sure the park you are planning to jog in with your pet allows dogs. Though it seems criminal, some don’t.
2. Obtain a permit for you dog that proves you have a dog license and that your dog has had a rabies vaccination, communicable disease exam, and other vaccinations within the past year. Your dog must also be wearing a tag.
3. If your dog is less than obedient, consider taking him to obedience training before running with him in the park. Runners and cyclists who don’t have pets will thank you (nothing is worse than being chased by a dog who has pulled free from his leash, trust me.)
4. Hydration, hydration, hydration. A good rule of thumb to follow: If you are hot, your pet is hot; if you are sweating, your pet is panting; if you are thirsty…give your dog a drink of water too. Offer your dog drinks of water before, during, and after her workout.
5. During the colder months, most dogs enjoy the temperatures, even if you have on four layers of dry-wick, a hat, gloves, and two pairs of socks. However, you know your pet best. If she has little fur, is small, and tends to avoid the cold, be sure to put a sweater on her and pay attention to how she is reacting to the exercise. If she gets cold, call it a day and try again when the weather warms up. Dogs can get frostbite, just like humans.
6. Just like humans, dogs need to gradually increase their exercise, especially if they’ve been cooped up all winter or are typically inactive. Begin with short walks and runs, gradually increasing the time spent exercising. Begin with 10 to 15-minute increments, and work up your dog’s stamina gradually from there.
7. Bring your baggies. Most public parks require owners to clean up after their pets. Enough said.
8. Riding on a bike while allowing your dog to run alongside you is dangerous, yet I’ve witnessed this activity countless times. It is quite easy for a dog’s leash to become entangled around the bike, which could result in a nasty fall for you. Best to leave the cycling for your solo endeavors, and take Fido for a walk or jog instead.
9. The smaller the dog, the less suitable for strenuous exercise they are. For these short-legged breads, short walks do the trick. If your pet is, ahem, older, take into consideration that he may not have the stamina he once used to.
10. When the summer months become hot and humid, it may be wise to switch the activity to swimming (yes, there are pools that allow dogs to swim with you). Just as humans suffer from respiratory problems during these problematic months, so too do dogs. Also, the pavement can become very hot under the mid-day sun, putting your pet at risk of burning his feet. Try running in the grass, which will be cooler to the touch. The smaller the dog, the less suitable for strenuous exercise they are. For these short-legged breads, short walks do the trick. If your pet is, ahem, older, take into consideration that he may not have the stamina he once used to.
When the summer months become hot and humid, it may be wise to switch the activity to swimming (yes, there are pools that allow dogs to swim with you). Just as humans suffer from respiratory problems during these problematic months, so too do dogs. Also, the pavement can become very hot in the summer months, putting your pet at risk of burning his feet. Try running in the grass, which will be cooler to the touch.
Runners World has more great advice for dog lovers!
