fitness

Laura Funk of Lakeland has been attending classes at Jazzercise Woodbury almost since it opened. “I joined with a friend of mine who wanted to get in shape after having a baby,” she says. “I’m still holding down the back corner [21 years] later.”

Kids learn best by example. If you’re tired of telling your children to go outside to play (without you or them getting up from the couch), you might want to consider these Woodbury-based family fitness activities.

Everyone has their reasons for setting a particular goal. It was Athena Perez’s “why” that kept her pushing to lose weight when she decided against bariatric surgery in favor of diet and exercise.

Ah, summertime—the season of freedom for youngsters, free from the trappings of studies, classes and (most) extracurricular activities. What’s a family to do with all this pent-up energy? “The statistics on childhood obesity are sobering and sad,” says FlyFeet Fitness co-owner Ben Shane. “The earlier you can build fun into a regular exercise regime, the better.” Luckily, the lake area is committed to providing multiple options for kids and families to get active. Here’s just a sampling of what’s out there. We’ve organized these local classes and events by age group.

What makes mXe Movement Studio in Linden Hills stand apart? Pronounced “moxie,” mXe’s founder Heather Corndorf refers to her studio’s group fitness offerings as movement classes where all levels are welcome. From the format of the classes to the top-notch instructors, all aspects of mXe foster an environment where members come back for more than toned muscles and improved cardio capabilities.

Herb Tanton and Ryan Heim desired to open a health club that had a little something for everyone but also took participants back to the basics of health and fitness, which they view as highly important. “We want everyone to understand that once you take that step down the fitness path,” Tanton says, “you become a champion.” Specializing in sports performance training and boot camps where participants get individual workouts in a group setting, the gym also offers 7,000 square feet of open gym, so everyone can find an exercise that works.

Bungee fitness is a high-flying international sensation that has landed in Minnetonka at The Aviary studio. You might not have heard about it yet, because it’s just beginning to trend in the Twin Cities—but if you’re looking for a different way to get your sweat on, check it out.

Owner of Get It Done Fitness Jose Lara shares two quick exercises to improve strength and health. Each exercise is built to be done as many times as possible in one minute.

Set 1

1 Minute Short Squats: Keep feet shoulder-width apart, hips back, sit back and bring the hips backward to work entire lower body.

In the world of exercise and fitness, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) has become, well, a hit. A body of recent scientific research has shown HIIT to be the most effective way to burn fat, improve endurance and build strength. It’s more effective and time-efficient than, say, taking a half-hour to run three miles.

For those looking to incorporate health and fitness in their New Year’s resolutions, River Valley Athletic Club in Stillwater has the perfect challenge.