There’s a reason why Bikram yoga was never your thing (save for the whole sweating out the toxins part). Trying to stick a Downward Dog on a slippery yoga mat is just tough. Of course it’s felt like 105 outside for days, so even your morning runs have been a little icky. Thankfully, there is weather-relief in sight so you can resume your regularly scheduled outdoor activities. We found some al fresco workout options that were worth the wait.
R.A.W. (Real Application Workouts) is just that. Forget ab rollers, lat pull down machines and free weights, think instead of punching bags, tires, kettle bells and ropes. Owners and former adventure racers Jodi and Dean partnered up three years ago to turn their love of outdoor workouts into a family friendly fitness company (kids are welcome in the gym at any time) which hosts classes indoors and out. Regularly scheduled classes like RAW30 (a 30 minute total body workout) and the more intense 1 hour version can include anything from rope climbs to pull ups and take place in their facility in Northvale. But weekends RAW hosts special outdoor workouts, which meet on location, and include hikes, biking or boot camp style drills using outdoor elements (like rocks and steps) to challenge the body and build muscle. Recent locales have included Palisades Interstate Park and the New Jersey Botanical Gardens, which were not only majestic, but gave us a unique, very tough workout. (RAW, 408A Paulding Avenue, Northvale, 201.233.1626, FIRST CLASS IS FREE!)
It’s common knowledge that support groups make it a cinch to stay motivated. Now make that “group” a gaggle of moms working towards a common goal, and consider it done. Moms In Motion meets rain or shine on Saturday mornings at the Duck Pond in Ridgewood and gets novices, as well as more advanced runners ready for local 5Ks, 10Ks, or half marathon races. A typical session includes a dynamic warm-up, strength training and a running workout that can be adapted to all fitness levels. ($65 membership fee + a $50 training fee before August 15th, $75 after August 15th, next 11 week session kicks off on August 25th, BERGEN MAMA SUBSCRIBERS GET THE FIRST CLASS FREE! contact team leader Dana Anello White at momsinmotionbergen@gmail.com to sign up)
When you first meet instructor Julie Neuman, Instructor for the Boot Camp at The Indian Trail Club, you’re not sure if you should fear her or hug her. Half chisel-bodied drill sergeant, half cheerleader-girl-next-door, Julie is fun to wake up with. By using the natural beauty of the club, including the beach, dock, tennis courts and lawns, her bootcamp workout is anything but routine. Rainy days include a visit to the spin studio and classes are usually small, allowing participants to get maximum results. (Meets Monday through Thursday at 5:30am and Saturday at 7:30am., must be a member of ITC to participate, BERGEN MAMA SUBSCRIBERS GET FIRST CLASS FREE! $200 per month, Indian Trail Club, Franklin Lakes)
Find your nirvana in the shaded, grassy Veterans’ Park in Ridgewood with Amy Jung for her Morning Yoga in the Park class. The former Yogaworks NYC instructor teaches her Vinyasa Flow class (open to all levels) at a moderate pace and limits the class size to 10 people so she can focus on your form. Classes are held on Saturday mornings at 9:30 through most of the summer (Veterans’ Park, Ridgewood, 131N Maple Avenue in Ridgewood, Sign up via email or phone: amyjyoga@gmail.com or 917-863-8576, BERGEN MAMA SUBSCRIBERS GET FIRST CLASS FREE!, normally $10 per class)
