Get in shape this winter: Exercise ideas around Boston

Boston Ski & Sports Club (BSSC) is Boston’s largest social sports organization, providing thousands of sports leagues, social events, ski trips, and adventure travel for socially active professionals throughout Greater Boston. You read that right, “socially active” — get out there and meet some people! I know from experience that all leagues/events are very well run.

”We find that once someone meets another skier, kickball player, or pub-crawler, the connection is almost instantaneous. We give people the opportunity to meet others that share their common interest/passion.” – Nancy McGeoghegan, Sales & Marketing Director

How you can check it out: Early registration discounts on vacations, ski weekends, social events, and recreational sports teams.

Having participated in one Tough Mudder event, I have a sense of both the rigor and run of the obstacle course races. Spartan Group X training has taken those elements from race day and created a group fitness program with the goal of ripping 75 million people off the couch and challenging them to change their health and fitness levels. Each phase of the program increases the challenge and is timed to culminate in a fun and challenging group experience of conquering an obstacle course race as a team. Pretty cool, right?

“What makes the SGX program unique is we are training with a goal of overcoming obstacles, not just in the races but within ourselves and our life.” – Rick Borgatti, owner of Mountain Strength CrossFit

How you can check it out: Open House in January (more info on website). Meet all the trainers and experience the program. Designed for all levels.

You know when you watch the Olympics and you’re like, “Holy crap, how did they DO that?!”. Well, it turns out that you can learn those nifty tricks, too. Cambridge Community Gymnastics (CCG) is a non-profit AAU program created to support the Cambridge Rindge & Latin School (CRLS) Varsity Gymnastics Team, as well as to provide a safe and affordable opportunity for people of all ages and abilities in the Greater Boston Area to participate in gymnastics. They also have an NAIGC Rec Team, as well as a Special Olympics program, bringing the challenge and thrill of gymnastics competition to everyone. No more excuses.

“We want to break the stigma that gymnastics is only for little girls and show that everyone can learn and benefit from gymnastics, regardless of age, gender, experience, or ability. We see gymnastics as a powerful tool that can be used to help everyone engage in fun physical activity at any age.” – Abbie Green, Director

How you can check it out: Adult gymnastics classes and open gym time at MIT’s duPont Gymnasium in Cambridge are open to anyone ages 11-111 who wants to do gymnastics. They specialize in adult beginner gymnastics. Free trial class for any newbie (only have to pay the insurance and registration fees). Pre-register online.

You know how when your grandparents dance and it looks really classy and elegant? Well, they learned to dance when they were young. Do you know how to dance? If not, you might consider it, lest you end up old and incapable of elegance. It’s a great way to meet other singles, impress the opposite sex, and get in shape. Arthur Murray Dance Centers are highly respected, well-run, community-centric, and have some of the best instructors in the business. You can learn almost any type of dance, from salsa to tango to rumba (not the automatic vacuum, smart ass) to the Waltz, and many others.

“Ballroom dancing can help increase self-confidence, enabling people to feel more at ease in social situations. Being a part of our studios provides an impact on lives that extends beyond the ballroom. Our studios are communities in themselves where students build lifelong bonds with each other and with us as instructors.”
– Mark Lightner, owner of Boston-area Centers

How to check it out: They offer a complimentary private lesson and dance evaluation to anyone wishing to try dance lessons. Potential students can call any of the studios to get the offer or sign up online.

Boxers are some of the toughest, most highly conditioned athletes in the world, but that doesn’t make them mean. Housed in a warehouse in South Boston, Peter Welch’s gym has earned a reputation of being hands-on, no-nonsense, old school, community center where world class fighters train alongside college students, moms, dads, and kids – all achieving extreme improvements in strength, speed, stamina, balance, agility, and (for many) weight loss. And you might be picturing an intimidating place, but Peter Welch’s gym is known for it’s friendly, welcoming, and highly-skilled staff. The 50-minute workouts are tough but rewarding.

“I grew up as an only child in the projects where, as my mother said, I could either ‘learn to fight or learn to run.’ I learned to fight. We believe in dedication and hard work while focusing on hands-on, proven, and time-honored boxer training techniques that get the job done. There are no shortcuts. We’re open to everyone, but I never really trust anyone who hasn’t been punched in the face.” – Peter Welch, founder

How to get started: First class is free. After that, your 10-class pass is $100.

Almost every single person I spoke with as I was putting this list together mentioned the November Project. I’d heard about it before, and I liked the concept, but I knew I needed to experience it for myself. So I went to a Wednesday morning workout the other day. Here’s the deal: It’s one of the coolest workouts I’ve ever experienced in my life. Period. It’s completely free, developed, organized, and run by a couple of former Northeastern rowers (read: tall, in stellar condition, and LOUD), named Bojan and Brogan and it’s unforgettable.

How to check it out: As Bojan and Brogan say, “Just show up. Just show up. Just fucking show up.” Start with the Wednesday morning (6:30 a.m.) meet-up at Harvard Stadium. You’ll think it’s too cold. You’ll think it’s too dark. You’ll think that no one else will show up. But, you’ll be one of 150-300 others. You won’t regret it. Totally inspiring, exciting, a kickass workout, a great way to meet others, and get tons of hugs (if you’re into that, which you will be … trust me).

Parkour is crazy. You’ve probably seen one of the thousands of videos online. If not, you should check it out; you’ll see videos of people scaling buildings, leaping from third story roofs, climbing, flying, and just generally acting and looking like ninjas (without the swords and knives and stars and killing, etc.). But there’s a lot to this activity (Parkour purists don’t like to call it a sport) and a strong/unique philosophy that, in the end, makes it all about the individual’s experience, ability, and movement. And in reality, it’s totally accessible to everyone. At an entry level, you’ll start by learning how to move your body in more efficient ways and using the natural/urban environment as both a playground and fitness facility. Blake Evitt is one of the most highly regarded Parkour practitioners and teachers in the country and he lives here in Boston. And you can take a class with him for just $8. I mean, c’mon.

“It’s a lot just like being a kid again. Most adults think of exercise as a chore and forget that movement used to be fun; used to be play. With Parkour is just about moving the body and having fun. Through doing it, your body gets stronger, you start to see the world a little differently, and begin to enjoy movement for the sake of movement again.” – Blake Evitt, director, Parkour Generations Americas

How to check it out: Weekly Classes: Fridays, Cummings School Somerville, $12 for drop-ins; Sundays, changes locations, $8 for drop-ins, all are welcome. Great for newbies. Multi-class passes are available at a discounted rate.

Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park is a giant warehouse full of trampolines, all connected to form one massive rebounding surface for dodgeball, basketball, “Skyrobics” classes, and more. I’ve been there. This place is pure genius.

“I was completely surprised at what a workout it actually was, I didn’t think you could mix fun and working out. I will definitely be back with all my friends.” – Jessica Limbra, member, 22

How to check it out:
Dodgeball Derby: Jan. 9, 6-8 p.m., 17+ (repeats every Thursday night). Yes, that’s dodgeball on trampolines. Bring your A-game and play Ultimate Dodgeball for two hours for $15. Form your own team of eight players or join one when you arrive. All games are winner stays on format.
SkyJam: Every Saturday from 10 p.m.-midnight, 18+. The fee of $16 gets you 90 minutes of jump time, two slices of pizza, and a drink.
SkyRobics: Burn up to 1,000 calories an hour. Classes offered weekly in the morning and evening. First class is $6. Each additional class is $12. Monthly pass for $60 for unlimited classes and a 10-class punch card for $100 which never expires.

A hybrid rock climbing and innovation center that “blurs the lines between work and play,” BKBS has a ton of great things going on, from some of the best indoor climbing walls in the country to top fitness class programming to a collaborative workspace, sauna, fireplace, and specialty courses and classes. All members receive a free 30-minute fitness assessment with our certified personal trainers. The capable and knowledgeable team offers top-notch training and workout plans for non-climbers and climbers alike. I’ve been here quite a few times and I recommend it wholeheartedly.

“BKBS turns a functional and recreational space into an opportunity for collaboration and innovation. By emphasizing physicality and community, we stimulate diverse forms of creativity, begin engaging conversations, and inspire others. BKBS is an amazing playground that draws such a unique crowd. I’ve already met talented artisans, athletes, and people in a few short months.” – Jenna Norton, Fitness Program director

How to check it out:
Day Pass: $18 student, $22 adult access to the entire facility
“Learn to Boulder” course: $45
“Learn the Ropes” course: $79
In January, they’ll be offering more workshops from “Mobility for Climbers” to Parkour to Whole Food nutrition courses and several mindfulness and yoga clinics.