Best Ways To Stay Fit During The Winter
Who says you have to stay indoors and hibernate during the winter? Whether you're itching to get out and keep active or you need some motivation when the temps drop, we have a great list of places you can head to. Keep moving and get fit!
Bikram Yoga Baltimore
Bagby Building
1010 Fleet Street (Suite 300)
Baltimore, Md. 21202
(410) 528-9642
Open daily, class-time varies
Admission: Intro deal - full week: $20
www.bikramyogabaltimore.com
Some of Baltimore's coldest days are usually in January so there is no better time to get into a Bikram Yoga studio and experience the hottest exercise around. The instructor will run you through 26 different yoga positions in a room that is heated to 105 degrees with about 30 percent humidity, so plan to sweat. The exercise is rigorous but those who practice see results pretty fast. Don't let the heat scare you away. Beginners are welcome and encouraged to take their time getting acclimated. Also, don't forget to bring water!
Arenal Fitness-Crossfit
2638 Quarry Lake Drive
Baltimore, Md. 21209
(410) 653- 7878
Prices vary. Call for details
Arenal Fitness is a 24/7 access, 4,800 square-foot functional training gym that offers a variety of CrossFit group classes, personal training options and Kettlebell classes for starters. Arenal's members represent all ages and demographics. Trainers will get you focused on exercises that will help you function better in everyday life. Rather than spending countless hours performing arm curls and leg extensions, they'll show you movements you can apply to your daily routine. The members and trainers are known for offering lots of support and motivation!
EarthTreks Climbing Center
1930 Greenspring Drive
Lutherville, Md. 21093
(410) 560-5665
Open daily. Call for hours
Day Pass: $18 plus gear rental
Other packages available
Once you start, rock climbing may become your new passion. Lucky for us, we can rock climb every month of year no matter the weather. Earthtreks in Timonium has 16,000 square feet of climbing walls, with more than 150 climbs on different terrains. They offer all levels of ability from beginner to expert, state-of-the-art equipment, reasonably priced rentals, instruction, great package deals, outdoor excursion programs and a great community of climbers. Earthtreks Climbing Centers have three locations in Maryland, so make sure you check out their website and see which one is closest to you.
Whitetail Resort
13805 Blairs Valley Road
Mercersburg, Pa. 17326
(717) 328-9400
Open daily 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Prices vary for times and days but start at $49 for a four-hour pass
www.skiwhitetail.com
Not far from Baltimore anyone from a seasoned ski lover to a beginner can find great slopes and well-groomed snow at Whitetail Resort. With a vertical drop of 935 feet, 23 trails, nine speed lifts that can get 15,000 skiers up the mountains per hour, a half pipe, two terrain parks and night skiing, Whitetail offers just about everything. If you would rather hang back in the lodge, onlookers can relax and dine in two restaurants, a bakery and naturally a Starbucks is on hand for those who need their 'buck's fix. Check out areas for snow tubing, too. It's fun for the entire family.
Mount Pleasant Ice Arena
601 Hillen Road
Baltimore, Md. 21239
(443) 984-4075
Hours vary, check website for details
Admission: Public Sessions $4, Skate Rental $2
www.mtpleasanticearena.com
Want to exercise without feeling like you're actually exercising? Hit Mount Pleasant Ice Arena, the rink where Olympic athletes Kimmy Meissner and gold medalist Dorothy Hamill have donned their blades. They offer classes, plus have public skate times at bargain prices. Why not give your legs and heart a workout with this classic winter activity that's fun (and exercise!) for all?
Christian Kendzierski spends most of his time as a media specialist at Mount St. Mary's University in Maryland. He also works as a freelance writer and lives in Baltimore. See what's going in Christian's world by following him on Twitter @ck1media.
