The area offers plenty of fitness choices for the colder season
By Regina Molaro
As temperatures continue to dip and the days become shorter, it becomes even more difficult to get motivated to work out. Even though swimsuit season is months away, it’s important to remain focused on staying physically active and fit year-round.
And as the holidays approach and calendars fill with gatherings and parties, it’s even more imperative to remain healthy, manage weight gain and eat a well-balanced diet.
Rather than watching television or spending hours scrolling through social media apps, ask a friend or neighbor to become a fitness buddy. Research shows that when people exercise with another person, they’re much more likely to stay on course with routines and goals. Group activities can also lead to new friendships, thus combatting another downside to winter’s darker days: depression.
While some may embrace the cool, crisp weather, others opt to work out indoors this time of year. Regardless of your preferences, here are some fun ideas to get you started.
Take a Hike
There are many great hiking locations in the area that are suitable for people of all ages and skill levels. Hartshorne Woods Park in Middletown and Holmdel Park in Holmdel both offer higher elevations for people who are up for the challenge. The Monmouth County Park System also organizes hikes for various groups – from pre-teens to adults.
The park system offers a Senior Hikers group, which invites community members to join a weekly walk and conversation along the trails of its many parks. These hiking groups cater to various fitness levels – from beginner to advanced. Some of the locations include Huber Woods in Middletown, Holmdel Park and Shark River Park, which spans Neptune, Wall and Tinton Falls.
Middletown resident Jamie Colgan, a personal trainer and the founder of No Xcuses Training, advises anyone who isn’t already active, especially seniors, to undergo a basic health evaluation prior to joining a hiking group or working out. He said it’s best to start slowly with realistic goals.
For an upcoming schedule of hikes for people of all ages, visit monmouthcountyparks.com. Registration for the winter season kicks off Nov. 18.
Silent Walking
This fitness trend has been making headlines in recent months. It is about strolling through the woods – or anywhere, really – while tuning into yourself through mindfulness. That means refraining from talking on the phone or even listening to podcasts or music. Silent walking fuses the health benefits of nature with exercise and meditation. It’s about eliminating distractions and being in the moment. Another perk: It is free and can be practiced anywhere – from the beach to the local park to neighborhood streets.
Indoor Fitness
Those who prefer to work out inside can join any number of gyms in the area or stream free workouts from apps like YouTube. Those may include yoga, Pilates, walking in place or strength training and more. Seniors can participate in Senior Citizens Activities Network (SCAN) activities at the Monmouth Mall. SCAN is a nonprofit founded in 1988 that strives to help seniors stay active, healthy and connected. It offers a variety of fun fitness classes, including three levels of yoga; Strong Body Strong Bones; Strength & Stretch; Dance for Fitness; and Tap Dance. The classes are held in the mall and are also livestreamed via Zoom.
“Our mission is to fight isolation among the senior population and to keep them mentally and physically fit,” said Marybeth Kwapniewski, program director of SCAN. All classes are taught by certified instructors and start at $6.50 per hour. An annual SCAN membership costs $25. A schedule of classes is available at scannj.org.
This article originally appeared in the October 26 – November 1, 2023 print edition of The Two River Times.
