No excuses, go work out


 

January means New Year's resolutions, which often mean an attempt at a healthier lifestyle. The benefits of regular excercise have been widely documented - better mood, better sleep, lower blood pressure, lower weight, the list goes on. But getting on the treadmill is never easy. Add in the relatively few health clubs in the Northwest Corner and it becomes even more daunting.

But don't despair. With a little bit of digging, many options appear for those looking to sweat.

Traditional health clubs abound in New Milford and Torrington, but distance is an obstacle. For those who want eliptical trainers and weight machines, a closer option is North East Athletic Club on Route 44 in Millerton. The club offers a full circuit of weight machines, free weights, cardio machines and classes such as spinning, belly dancing and judo (the cost for classes ranges from $5 to $15; members pay a discounted rate). For an additional fee, try out a personal trainer or a tanning session.

Membership is $49 a month with an annual committment and $75 a month with no annual commitment. Drop-in and guest passes are $15. Visit northeastathletic.com or call 518-789-6100.

Intimidated by the weight room? Just starting an exercise routine for the first time? Female? Curves might be the answer.

Located on Ashley Falls Road in North Canaan, Curves is a women-only club where members complete a cardio and weight-training circuit in 30 minutes. The studio is brightly lit, with familiar songs playing at a comfortable level. Women move from station to station every 30 seconds, prompted by a recorded voice that announces, "Change stations now.

Carol Anne Routhier has owned the North Canaan Curves since October 2006. She said a friend of hers convinced her to try the workout and once she walked in, she was hooked. She bought a membership and was soon offered a job. Now she runs the whole place.

Lois Edelman, 76, travels from Hillsdale, N.Y., three times a week to work out at Curves. Her daughter and granddaughter are also members.

"It's easy," Edelman said as she pumped the handles of a hydrolic machine - no adjustments needed. "I couldn't do a lot of the heavier stuff."

A monthly membership to Curves costs $44, but those willing to committ to a year will save 20 percent. The company also has a six-week diet plan that is offered periodically at the North Canaan site. Call 860-824-4496 for more information.

There is also a Curves in Amenia at 35 Mechanic St. Call 845-373-9949 for information.

For families, the YMCA of Canaan at Geer Village has a variety of exercise programs for all ages with a fully equipped fitness center offering a variety of exercise and weight machines, free weights and TV sets for distraction; a four-lane, 25-foot heated swimming pool; group exercise for children and adults, on-site babysitting, swim lessons and after-school programs. Adult membership is $40 a month with reduced rates for seniors, couples, families, adolescents and youngsters. For information, call 860-824-2790.

In Sharon, there is a private training studio at One Gay Street. Call 860-364-9350 for information on classes (including spinning, yoga and Pilates) and memberships. Studio classes in Pilates and yoga are also offered in Salisbury and North Canaan by Space, by Andes Hruby's Blue Moon Studio, Terre Lefferts' Arts in Motion and Rachel Hay.

For those who don't want to be tied to one gym, the towns of Sharon and Salisbury offer swimming at The Hotchkiss School in Lakeville from 8 to 9:30 a.m., Monday through Saturday. The cost is $5 per session or $200 for the season (roughly September through June; summer swimming is also available at $5 per session or $75 for the season). The swim is open to residents of all towns in the area.

There are also walking and skating programs. Visit the town Web sites for more information.

Kent Park and Recreation offers tae kwon do, walking, yoga and more. Prices vary, but generally run between $5 and $15 per session. For more information and other classes, visit kentct.org/parkrec.htm.

The Cornwall Park and Recreation Commission offers men's and women's basketball and adult volleyball, as well as karate. For schedules and fees, visit cornwallparkandrecreation.org or call Bethany Thompson at 860-248-3009.

There are also adult hockey programs in many towns.

 

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