Weekend Workouts for January 31, February 1, 2

Looks like a chance of rain everyday this weekend, but warmer than the single digit temperatures we have been having this week! Do not let the rain be your excuse to not do something fun and active this weekend before you enjoy the Superbowl!

Our calendar has classes to get in your fit all weekend - yoga, spin, Zumba! Or do you have a gym membership and have not been in awhile? Why not check it out again?

Maybe schedule a free class for the weekend or get a group of friends together to have your own private class.  Try rock climbing, rope course at Mega Caverns, ice skating, roller skating - lots of options!

Or even try a YouTube fitness video, if you are not feeling adventurous in going outdoors this weekend. Just get moving!

Hope you have a great weekend!

FYI-
 The Derby Half Marathon price increase is Feb. 1.
 Girls on the Run is looking for coaches
Ever tried a polar bear plunge? March 1 is Louisville date for Special Olympics.

"Motivation is what gets you started.

Habit is what keeps you going." Jim Ryan

Adam's Fitness Journey with Pure Fitness Training

Adam's progress over the past year.

 In November of 2012, a friend talked me into getting a Groupon for Pure Fitness Training which is a bootcamp style gym.  It is a high intensity circuit training that really works for any level of fitness experience because you can go at your own pace.  What I mean by that is if you are an advanced level person you can always make exercises harder and push yourself harder, or if you are a beginner you can do modified exercises and take more rests as needed.  After I did the Groupon, I was very impressed with the type of training.  So when they had a "Body Transformation" contest in February of 2013 I was in and have not looked back since (except to be amazed by my progress).

 There are many things Pure does that are great.  One of the things that I really like, is that the trainers don't just say go/stop.  They walk around, look at your form, and do on the spot corrections to make sure you are learning proper form. They do this so you do not hurt yourself. They also provide modified exercises for your fitness level or if you have an injury. The majority of trainers at Pure have a degree as well as the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist certification.  This, I believe, makes them stand out among other local fitness places that I have looked into online.  At most local bootcamp style gyms, the trainers are only certified in "Group Training". I feel a person that has been through school studying how the body works and body mechanics probably has a better understanding on form and preventing injury.

 One of the things that really has allowed me to continue to strive to keep working hard is they have an ultrasound machine to measure body fat percentage.  I can keep track of my progress and set incremental goals.  For example, I started out at 23% body fat  (about 250 lbs) and now, I am around 12-15% body fat at about 200 lbs.  Without being able to track that, I would be relying on a scale which does not show you how much muscle you put on versus fat you have lost.  Mike Jett (the owner) also keeps a daily food blog for anyone to follow and track their food in which he will make recommendations to modify your diet (because I didn't lose all that weight just by working out, I also changed my diet). 

Adam is working on his friends to start working out and make healthier food choices just like his friend convinced him to buy the Groupon in 2012 for Pure Fitness Training. Sometimes you need just a little extra push from a friend to get you going or maybe you are the friend giving that extra encouragement.

Thanks, Adam, for sharing your success story with Pure Fitness Training! Check out Pure Fitness Training's website to see what it is all about and schedule an orientation to see if it is the right fit for you. Maybe you will even see Adam there working out.

FiTMe Studio and ZUMBA!

Continuing my quest in showcasing the variety of fitness classes in Louisville, I recently tried my very first Zumba class with Jennifer O'Brien at FiTMe Studio.  From the Zumba website,  "Zumba^® exercise classes are "fitness-parties" that blend upbeat world rhythms with easy-to-follow choreography, for a total-body workout that feels like a celebration."  That is definitely what I experienced at FITME Studio.

FiTMe Studio was easy to find - right off of Westport on Bayberry place. It is next to Jennifer's other business, Jennifer's Academy of Dance. I was greeted by the very friendly and energetic Jennifer when I arrived, still feeling a bit nervous.  The other students said I did not have anything to worry about to just have fun.  Her studio had everything it needed for her class to be successful - drinking fountain, bathrooms, towels, and the room temperature starting out brisk. Before we were done with the warm-up songs, however,  the fans in the room were turned on because it warms up that quick! Jennifer also mentioned at the beginning to take drinks as needed,  modify the moves as needed (which she showed throughout the class), and to have fun with hootin' and hollerin'.

Jennifer's Zumba is more fitness based, but with plenty of dancing. Being a non-dancer with my 2 left feet, I felt like I had a chance in the class. We did BURPEES! I love burpees, but she did show a modification for burpees so everyone still got a good workout either way. I enjoyed how there was a dance routine for each song. I can see how if you become a regular, you can be comfortable with the choreograph and push yourself a little harder. Jennifer did a great job leading the dance workout to know the next step coming.  I was able to watch a few of the regulars too, to stay with the group with the moves. Jennifer was also very enthusiast throughout the whole workout encouraging us to keep pushing ourselves. Before, I knew it, the lights were turned off for the cool-down songs.

 Jennifer adds a new song with the dance routine every few weeks to keep things interesting and to challenge her students. Her other instructors are more dance based versus fitness based. For instance, there would be more salsa moves which gives Zumba just a little bit different feel. So when you are trying out Zumba try a few different instructors to see what fits you best.

Zumba is for every fitness level, all ages and sizes. I definitely feel like I got a great workout and was sore from it. On the FitMe website, it describes itself as fun and laidback atmosphere. I definitely got this feel when I was there for the first time. It was almost like a Cheers feeling where everyone knew your name.

FitMe Studio also offers R.I.P.P.E.D., W.I.C.K.E.D, and Insanity classes.
The classes are very affordable with drop-in class for only $8 , buy a 5 class pass for $30, or a monthly pass for $45 - even discounts for students and military. There is also a Black Light Zumba class that is offered once a month for only $3! I would definitely be up for trying this class out with some friends. Follow FitMe Studio on Facebook to stay up to date on classes and reminded about the Black Light Zumba.

I highly recommend checking out FitMe Studio to try out the Zumba classes. I am checking out the Insanity class and will report back to you soon. As my journey to exploring all things fitness in the Louisville area continues.

Check out my reviews on B. You's B.silque class and Clayton Sallee's static trapeze class too.

Girls on the Run and Fleet Feet Sports

 

There are lots of words to describe runners: fast, slow, crazy, dedicated. They can also join together for a cause. Last fall local runners tracked their mileage for Louisville Fleet Feet Sports store to win a grant from Saucony (a running and fitness company) for Girls on the Run Louisville chapter. The donation, $2,500 was recently given to Girls on the Run. The runners and store was in the top 4 out of over 100 other Fleet Feet Sports stores.

 

The challenge was in September of last year. With 1 in 3 children overweight in America, Saucony and Fleet Feet Stores across the nation teamed up for Saucony Run4Good to create awareness and grants for community youth running programs. The challenge has been going for 7 years, but this was the first year an app was available to count the mileage. The challenge occurs every year during National Childhood Obesity Month - September.

 

With the app, runners can track their mileage year around.  From Running USA's article, "When a monthly predetermined mileage goal is reached by the app community, Saucony will double its donation to selected youth running programs featured monthly, inspiring individual runners to both unite over their passion for running and combat the childhood obesity epidemic. Please visit http://scny.co/RUN4GOODvideo for a video on the Saucony Run4Good app." You do not have to enter a race or even donate any money - just log some miles!

 

 Fleet Feet Sports Louisville is located at 2239 Taylorsville Road. Besides being a store, Fleet Feet hosts a weekly running group and free injury screenings periodically as posted on their Facebook page. They also send out a newsletter to stay up-to-date on their events and sales. January 31 to February 2, they are having a Winter Apparel Blowout with up to 60% off.

 

Girls on the Run is a nationwide program for girls in grades third through fifth at participating schools that teaches them about healthy living while training for a 5K race. This is a 12 week program offered during both the fall and spring semesters. They are currently looking for 10 coaches for their spring program to be started on February 17th. Louisville has over 20 sites for their Spring 2014 season! If you are unable to coach, consider becoming a Derby Solemate. Fundraise a minimum of $150 (cost of one girl for the program) for your Derby mini/marathon race.

 

Great job local runners! Let's repeat this in September! Grab your running shoes and start logging some miles!

 

 

Fit for the Weekend - January 24, 25, 26

What a crazy week of weather? Fortunately, fitness is found both indoors and outdoors - so no EXCUSES, right?

Here are some ways to get your fit in this weekend:

Saturday
Burrito Riders - https://www.facebook.com/BurritoRiders
Grab your bikes and pass at breakfast burritos to the homeless. Check the website and facebook page for meeting location and times.Or if you just wanna make burritos check them out!

Siltstone Trail Guided Hike - 6.0m starts at 9am - FREE  - Jefferson Memorial Forest

Free Yoga  with Lululemon Athletics- Double check FB for any scheduling changes - Saw it is starting at 8:45am this week and next instead of the usually 9am.

Sunday
Fat Bike Urban Assault - 11:30am - Meeting at U of L Boathouse - Perfect for beginners

Yoga with Art - $5 - 21C Museum - It recommended arriving early to get a spot. Bring mat, water, towel.


FYI-
The Derby Half Marathon price increase is Feb. 1.
Still time to sign up for Fight for Air Climb 
Girls on the Run is looking for coaches
Check out the post on free classes to find something new to try
Check out private group fitness post to get your friends out for a fun class.

"Remember that quitting has never led to successful completion of anything so stay COMMITED! Keep PUSHING! KEEP GOING!"

First Fitness Class is Free!

Ever wonder if you will like a fitness class or not? Why not check out some of these local fitness places for free? They are offering you a class for FREE!
**always double check offer is still going on**

Trilliquin Center - First yoga class is free

Titan  Momz - 1 week free 

Body Evolution Fitness University -7 day free trial - Hendricks Dr. next to Meijer and boot camps at local parks 

Indoor Rowing Class - free intro to rowing class - "We have the only certified UCanRow2/Concept 2 Instructor in the State of Kentucky and Indiana"

PRO Martial Arts Stoneybrook - two free lessons from preschoolers up to adults - signup online.

Derby City Mixed Martial Arts- Dixie Highway location

Xplosive Rhythms Dance and Fitness -Shelbyville Road in St. Matthews

Motion Studio Online - New Albany, IN  

Four Barrel CrossFit - New Albany, IN - First 2 weeks for free - every month for the On-Ramp program to see what CrossFit is all about. 

Home Fit Fitness  - 2 free sessions - St. Matthews Station

Everyday Athletes -  2 weeks free - no commitment

GoodFit Fitness - Try for Free and meet them at their Shelbyville Rd location

Bravo Dance Studio - Free first lesson - Limited time offer

BAREfit Personal Training - First free class - mentioned on FB post on July 14, 2014

CrossFit Covalence - First 2 drop-in classes free

Orangetheory Louisville -  3 free fitness classes

Expired

B. You -Springhurst and St. Matthews locations (January only)

Fitness Crawl - Week of Jan. 20-25 has a wide selection of classes for FREE. Just need to sign up.

Crossfit the Ville - "Join us along with CrossFit The Ville at their new location - 721 E Main Street - for a complimentary workout each Monday in January! Our very own Educator and CrossFit badass Lindy Barber will be leading a 45 minute session each week which can be scaled to your individual fitness level."

For other affordable classes check out $5 or Less Fitness Classes.

Know of others? comment below or e-mail them to me - fitinlou@gmail.com

B.Silque Lifted at B.You Review

January is a great month to try new things, especially if you are trying to find a new fitness regime.  To help you with this task, and to continue my quest to explore all that the Louisville area has to offer for fitness classes for you, I ventured into my first B.Silque Lifted class at B.You, Springhurst location. 

First, I signed up through their website for the class. This process was easy, straightforward, and guarantees you a spot. They recommend showing up at least 15 minutes prior to class. I second that - especially for the silques class. Since it was my first time, I had to fill out a little paperwork and then I headed to the silques room.  The silques height needed to be adjusted to be between your belly button and hip which took a little bit of time, but plenty of instructors were in the room helping. It was also recommended to be hydrated on their website prior to class. A great tip to stay hydrated before, during, and after. I found out socks are required for the class when I showed up. Fortunately I had socks, unfortunately they were not non-slip socks. It was not a big issue, but would recommend the non-slip socks if you have them. Also, there is a no jewelry rule during the class - including rings. No big deal, the instructor just had us lay our rings on the front of our mat.

My class was full! All 21 silques had someone excited about taking the class. The music started and so our warm-up began. After the warm-up, we moved into legs, arms, and core exercises. It was a full body work-out using the silques. The instructor, Rashna, was very encouraging about just giving your all during the workout. Each time you come back, you will see improvement from last class, she suggested. During the class, there were a few extra helpers floating around to help make sure everyone was doing the exercises right. Emmi did a great job helping me, especially since I did not have a great view of the instructor. These instructors were also very encouraging throughout such an unique workout. Finally the cool-down came -  the lights went off with some stretches ending in a very cozy cocoon position. They even handed out cool, lavender scented washcloths while we cleaned our mats.

Overall, this class gave me a great full body work-out. The instructor gave modifications to either make the exercise harder or easier. The hour was over before I knew it which always is a sign of a good fitness class.

For the month of January, B.You is offering your first class for FREE! A perfect time to try their classes: b.silque and b. barre. They have a few other specials going on too, which you can find on their facebook page.

Another great thing about B. You is they offer B.Silque B. Mommy and daughter class which would be some great mom-daughter fun. Or if you prefer a girls night out, they offer a B.girlfriend class to have your own private class with friends, co-workers, family etc.

Weekend Fitness Fun - January 17, 18, 19

Another weekend is almost upon us. What is on your agenda for the weekend? Trying out some training groups for the Triple Crown and Derby Half Marathon on Saturday? I've got my first race of 2014 on Sunday. Hoping my cold will not keep me from having fun trying a new race.

Here are a few other options to check out to get your fit in this weekend:

Saturday -
Pop-up Kickboxing Class - FREE - with Get Fit 24/7
Complimentary Yoga with  Lululemon Athletics
Winter Wonders Hike at EP Tom Sawyer
Run/walk in Meg's Miles - Enjoy each day and do what you love.

 Sunday -
Spin Class - FREE- VO2 Multisport -Bring trainer and bike

Check out the calendar tab above for more options and to plan your week for a few more workouts.
Don't forget next week is FITNESS CRAWL! Check out and reserve your spot in a variety of free fitness classes!

As Dora says on Finding Nemo - "Just Keep Moving, Just Keep Moving!" Maybe you'll inspire someone this weekend to get moving too!

No Time to Work Out!

 "No Time" is probably the most used  excuse not to exercise. Gina DeMillo Wagner has 25 great tips in her article from Experience Life, March 2011 on how to eliminate this excuse. Below are 3 of these tips and how to be active (and have fun) with others locally.

• "Be a hot date" - whether it is your first date or for a date for wife/husband. 

Wagner writes, "Dinner and a movie is so cliché, says Shannon Hammer, motivational speaker and author of The Positive Portions Food & Fitness Journal (Fairview Press, 2010). What if, instead, you took your date/partner/love-interest to a cycling class or a ballroom dance lesson, went on a hike or a picnic, or kicked a soccer ball around the park? Bonus: Research shows that shared activity builds attraction."

• "Do brisk business" - whether with co-workers, clients, potential employee

Wagner explains, "Chances are, many of your coworkers are in the same boat as you: They want to exercise, but have trouble finding the time. So, what if you move the weekly progress update or brainstorm session to the sidewalk, or stand during meetings? Can your group hike to the coffee shop rather than order in? Can you woo a new client over a tennis match instead of dinner? The fresh air and endorphins will spark more creative ideas, Hammer says."

•  "Socialize on the move" - whether with one friend or a group of friends

Wagner suggests, "Next time a friend suggests meeting for lunch, dinner or drinks, counter with an active invitation. How about joining you for a yoga class or a quick walk around the lake? Instead of spending time on the phone or emailing back and forth, suggest that you catch up on the latest news over a leisurely bike ride, or bond by trying an athletic pursuit, like indoor climbing, that neither of you has ever tried."
 
There is a term for all of this - sweat-working. Wikipedia defines it as "business networking while taking physical exercise and so working up a sweat." Yes, there is not much time to talk, but a bond is formed.
This can be applied to all our relationships - from friends to our sweethearts. I think sweatworking is a fantastic idea! Bonus - you get facetime with each other instead of online, through the phone time! One of my best friends lives in St. Louis. We only see each other 1-2x per year, but we make those times memorable. The last two times we have gotten together, she ran her first 5k - The Color Run (while it was my first race in St. Louis), and then we took a trapeze class together - definitely great memories spent together.

^{So, grab your boyfriend, wife, friend, mom's group, co-workers, new customer and start some sweat-bonding.
Here are some ideas you can do locally - not even close to an exhaustive list! Be creative and find something fun.}

•  meet a friend at the YMCA (or the gym you belong)  instead of coffee - bonus - childcare.
• set up a Girl's Night Out with a private group lesson from a trapeze, Bollywood, belly dance, personal trainer, pilates, yoga or zumba instructor.
• meet a friend at a fitness studio to try a new class such zumba, indoor rowing, or b.silque lifting class - meet for the Black Light Zumba at FitMe Studio for $3! 
• Motion Studio hosts groups and parties
• Pilates Village - Semi-private (2-3 people)
• B.You - offers B.Girlfriends class - choose what class to take just with your friends
• Xplosive Rhythms and Dance - Private and Semi-private options
• Mega Quest
• Rocksport 
• Wheels Fun Rentals - also has group activities - such as scavenger hunts
• Tennis at a local park
• Walk, run, or bike with a friend - Louisville zoo  is a great place to walk - lots of hills!
• Roller Skating  
• Open gym for soccer, basketball, volleyball
• Skyzone
• Ballroom Dancing
• Hiking at Jefferson Memorial Forest, Parklands, Waterfront, Cherokee, or another local park
• Laser Tag
• Ice Skating: Iceland,  Alpine Ice Arena
  
  
  

 

Getting Fit With Nutrition

Nutrition is one of my weakest link when it comes to getting fit. What you put into your body is just as important as how you exercise. The two go hand and hand.  I have slowly learned the hardway of staying hydrated and fueled during my races as I have met a few paramedics at the end of races because of my poor fueling during the race. Making healthy nutritional choices is important everyday - just not for race day. I am fortunate, though, I found a running buddy that is all into nutrition. She keeps me up-to-date on healthy eating and I help her with her running - which is new for her.

Like I mentioned above, I have lots to learn still about nutrition, but fortunately, there is lots of information out there for everyone to read and trained nutritionist who are eager to help.  Here are a few of my favorite cookbooks,websites, and nutrition books to get you started:

• Cooking more at home. A new favorite cookbook - America's Test Kitchen Family Healthy Cookbook gives ideas on how to make healthy meals and a good one for beginning cooks - not necessary fast meals though.
• Freezer Cooking - Make double batches of freezable food such as taco meat or lasagnas. Freeze the other half to eat at another time - then you are not cooking all the time. I like Don't Panic Dinner's in the Freezer Cookbook.
• Check out the 100 Days of Real Food for suggestions on slowly changing the way you eat into more whole foods instead of processed foods.
• I am slowly working my way through Nancy Clarks' Sports Nutrition Guidebook. Amazon describes this book "will help you make the right food choices in grocery stores, restaurants, drive-throughs, and your own kitchen."

Also check out this FREE nutrition class offered at Ujima Neighborhood Place Conference Room beginning this Thursday, Jan. 16.

Weekend Workouts January 10, 2014

It is that time again to enjoy the weekend with family and friends, but don't forget to get your fit in! Have you been able to try any new workouts this year?

• Check out the calendar for $5 yoga classes this weekend. Huffington Post published an article last year on the How Yoga Changes Your Body, Starting the First Day you Begin. Never too late to try something new. There are several you tube videos too if you can't make it to a class.

• Need some gear for your fitness adventures? Check out grand opening of Quest Outdoor Trails End Outlet Shop on Friday - Jan. 10, 2014. They describe it as "the place to get old stuff, new stuff, and gently used stuff!"

• Burrito Riders - https://www.facebook.com/BurritoRiders
  Grab your bikes and pass at breakfast burritos to the homeless. Check the website and facebook page for meeting location and times.Or if you just wanna make burritos check them out!

• Check out the Resolution Solution Fair at Rainbow Blossom on Saturday."Focus on healthy living in 2014! Learn about eating healthy at the Resolutions Solutions Fair at Rainbow Blossom Natural Markets and exercise with the LEO Weekly's Fitness Crawl. Signup for over 25 FREE classes at www.fitnesscrawl.com!"

• The Frostbite 5K is also Saturday if you are for a nice run or walk in Cherokee Park. 

Whatever you decide to this weekend, just remember you lap everyone still sitting on the couch! By getting out and doing something you most likely will inspire someone else to get active.

 "If you wait for perfect condition you'll never get anything done."

Race For a Cause - Jan-Feb 2014

Here is a list of localish running/fitness events raising money for a cause - 

 Fight Air Climb - Feb. 1- "Be a part of the inaugural Louisville Fight For Air Climb!  National City Tower in downtown Louisville will host this amazing event.  Register today. Once you are signed up, use the Registered Participant Login link to gain access to special training and fundraising guides available only to registered climbers." Benefits American Lung Association

Mile2Mile - 6M or 12M - Feb. 1

The second annual Mile2Mile will take place on February 1 and is a fun run/walk to support Wrap Up Louisville. Bring your new or gently used blankets, and run or walk from our Paddock Blue Mile or our Highlands store. The full route is 12 miles, or you can join us at the half way point to do 6 miles!

Polar Bear Plunge - Feb. 8 - Lexington - "The Polar Plunge is always one of the year's most unique fundraising events for the Special Olympics. Brrrrrrrrrrave Polar Bears raise a minimum of $75 ($50 for junior Plungers 6- to 18-years-old) and then take a chilly dip in a body of water. Polar Bears who raise more money can win great Polar Plunge prizes, and one Polar Bear will win a travel certificate courtesy of AAA Travel." (Louisville is coming March 1)

Irish Upon A Star St. Patrick's Day Race - Week of Feb. 10 - Anywhere - 4 Distances Virtual Race - IRun4 - "We are excited to announce that the registration for Irish Upon A Star St. Patrick's Day Race is now open! There are 4 distances to choose from and the option to buy a t-shirt. Registration ENDS Feb. 10th, 2014! The medals for IR4 Virtual Races are two piece medals- one for you and one for your buddy!!
If you aren't matched yet we encourage you to still sign up. Once you do get matched you will already have a medal to send to him/her! How does it work? You register for the distance, run the distance over the course of the week or all at once, receive race bling!"

IHR “Share-A-Shirt” Run
"The IHR “Share-A-Shirt” Run will be Feb. 15 about 9am at Iroquois Park. This is a very informal run with the Iroquois Hill Runners– no times or places are recorded. Many people use it as a winter training run. Cold-weather clothing and other items will be collected and given to The Lord’s Kitchen. Someone will be at the park from 9 until people stop showing up with donations."

Cupid Undie Run- Feb. 15 - Louisville - "Cupid's Undie Run is making its debut in Louisville, KY!
This Valentine's Day weekend, come put the hilarity in charity with hundreds of half-naked runners taking to the streets in celebration of their fundraising for the Children's Tumor Foundation.
Be a part of something great. Last year Cupid's raised over $1.3 Million to end NF and we're relying on YOU to join and make this year's fundraising (and party) the biggest and best yet."


 Fight Air Climb - Feb. 16 - Climb the Carew Tower in Cincinnati, OH.  Register today. Once you are signed up, use the Registered Participant Login link to gain access to special training and fundraising guides available only to registered climbers. Benefits American Lung Association

Don't forget to check out Fitspired for additional ideas on adding inspiration for your workout .


Know of other events? I would love to add them so let me know! Thanks! 

Louisville Area Running Groups

Think running is a solo sport? It definitely does not have to be! There are several local groups that offer group runs, training, support - to help beat that little voice in your head, and advice throughout the week. If you are just starting out, new to the area, trying for your first or 25th marathon, there is a running group for you! Meeting up with running groups gives you support and accountability to meet your goals for this coming year. Needless to say - meet some pretty cool people along the way too that share your common interest.

Moms Run this Town- Free running group for Moms. The Louisville chapter just recently started so it is an online group for now. With groups nationwide, you can always tap into them when racing or training on vacation.

Iroquois Runner -"The Iroquois Hill Runners is a club dedicated to promoting running as a sport and an enjoyable pastime. Club membership is $15.00 per year. Membership entitles you to run in club sponsored races for $2.00 and to receive the club newsletter The Lookout by mail."

Fleet Feet - Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays - group runs; Tuesdays - 5m fun runs open to everyone; Multiple training programs from training for a 5K to a full marathon

BlueMile - $40 for lifetime - meets in the Highlands - 8am Saturday runs

Sweaty Sheep - Christian based running group with devotions - Wednesday and Sundays - Facebook
  

Ken Combs Running Store - Need some speedwork? Tuesday Track Nights in St. Matthews area

Pacers and Racers - New Albany - "The Pacers & Racers Running and Walking Group exists to support, develop, and enhance running and walking for participants of all ages and abilities by providing them with the resources necessary to meet their goals."


Run the Ville - Running Forum

Run with the Locals - "Based in and around Louisville, KY, Running With the Locals is about the races, the places, and the people. The vlog began as a monthly race spotlight episode, but has become a place to share videos and photos of the great running events Louisville has to offer. "

Triathlon Groups
Southern Indiana Triathlon Team

Louisville Landsharks


Local Meet-ups
Derby City Run Club - "The Derby City Run Club is a FREE social run club in Downtown Louisville and welcomes you, your best friend, your friendly co-worker, your dog (yes, we are Fido-friendly!), and whoever else you want to bring to the Sports & Social Club on Wednesdays AT 6:30 PM to run, walk, skip a 5k around the waterfront park and back. After the run, take advantage of drink specials and grab a bite to eat. Whether you are a seasoned 5k-er, a stranger to your sneakers, or just looking to meet new people, come by to enjoy weekly hangouts and local races in our beautiful city. Our mission is to promote fitness, friends, and community in the Louisville area. Derby City Run Club adds the fun back to running!"

Louisville Hash Hound Harriers - Meets about every 2 weeks. "The Hash House Harriers (abbreviated to HHH, H3, or referred to simply as Hashing) is an international group of non-competitive running, social and drinking clubs. An event organized by a club is known as a Hash or Hash Run, with participants calling themselves Hashers."

Trail Runners of Louisville -  Thursday evenings - "Our goal is to introduce more runners to the joys, challenges and enhanced fitness benefits of trail running, and provide an alternative to the sameness of the road."


Don't forget to check out the training groups through Triple Crown and Derby Half//Full Marathon.

Know of others? Let me know so I can add them on!

***Great article on louisville.com with the running groups divided by days***

Who Do You Run 4?

 Looking for more motivation to get your workouts in? Check out the non-profit group I Run 4!
 I signed up a few weeks back and still have a few more weeks before I get a match. Can't Wait!

   The group pairs you up with someone that cannot run. From their website, I Run 4 describes the connection of the match, "The mental and emotional encouragement for both runner and honorary runner is proving to be a whole new level of motivation and awareness.  Runners are able to find a whole new sense of purpose in their running while sharing who they are running for and bringing awareness to diseases and disabilities of all types. We hope you will join us to run for someone special that you may not know yet…. but you will instantly form a bond." I have enjoyed reading the posts on their facebook page of both the honorary runner and the runner.  You dedicate your workouts to your buddy and keep them posted on that while they keep you posted on how they are doing.

   New this year is the virtual race series.  You will get two medals - one for you and one for your buddy. The first race registration deadline is Feb. 10, 2014 for the Irish Upon A Star. It does not matter if you have a buddy yet, as when you get your match you will be able to send them the medal. How cool is that?

Hope you check it out and sign up either as a runner or if you know someone for an honorary runner pass it on - keep getting inspired! Who do you Run 4?

Active Weekend Events - January 3

Lots of fun fitness events going on this weekend:

Friday -
Open House with Wellness 360 (5-7pm) includes a 10 minute sample yoga class and complimentary chair massage.

Saturday-
Winter Walks at the Parklands (9-11am) - Free for members, $5 for non-members. Explores Coppiced Woods Trail in Beckley Creek ParkPark in Hike #2 of this series. Register online.

New Year Urban Retreat Experience ~ Yoga & Inspirational Goal Setting - Infinite Bliss - 2-4:30pm- "An afternoon to release tension & stress, gain clarity & perspective and also reconnect to what inspires you and what you are passionate about. Workshop is suitable for all to relax and refocus no matter what previous level of experience and ability in yoga."

Sunday-
Move to Move Shine- A Day Long Urban Retreat - Choose up to 5 classes throughout the day.

Free Spin Class - 8-10am - V02 Multisport - Bring your bike and trainer

Open Kayak Pool Session - Frankfort YMCA hosted by Canoe Kentucky, the Canoe Kentucky Pro Fishing Team, and Frankfort YMCA.
This is a great opportunity for beginners and seasoned kayakers. Learn about padding, strokes, perfecting the roll, standing up in a fishing kayak, mid-water re-entries and more. Everything is in an environment that is beginner friendly. Boats, paddles and Personal Flotation Devices are provided.Pre Registration is recommended. Register at either Frankfort YMCA location or online at: http://tinyurl.com/l8o6h26
Cost is $5.00 for members and $10.00 for non-members.

Looking to give back.....
Special Olympics Kentucky is looking for volunteers for the Winter State Games at Perfect North Slopes starting Jan. 26.


Check out the calendar for more ideas. None of this fit your schedule? Just head out for a walk or a jog on your own time!


Have a great weekend getting your fit in!

Rock Climbing Review at Rocksport

In my attempt to help you find what you like to get your fit in here is another out-of-the-box fitness option for the Louisville area - ROCK CLIMBING!

Recently, I was able to go with a group of family and friends to check out one of Louisville's rock climbing gyms, Rocksport. It is located off of Plantside Drive in Jeffersontown. Since we were new to the sport and we booked as a group, we had our own instructor to show us how to belay and get in and out of the harness. It took about 10 minutes going through the instructions before we could start climbing. If it your first time climbing (and not in a group) you must take a $35 introductory class which includes tying a figure 8 follow through knot and how to belay a climber. The cost includes shoes, harness rental, admission, and lesson.

We started on the easy wall which had lots of easy handholds so it was great for my 6 year old and a good first one for the adults. We tried a few of the other walls with fewer holds and smaller grips. The walls had routes to take for different challenges as well.

The gym also has a bouldering wall where you can just free climb. The gym has over 10,000 square feet of climbing so you will find a wall that is challenging for you so you can feel it the next day.
 
Rocksport is open everyday of the week. It offers a program for youth on Saturday mornings and camps in the summer.

If you are interested in learning more about rock climbing, check the gym out or read about it here.
Rock Climbing Clubs on meet-up would be another great source:
Louisville Pure Rock Climb
Louisville Rock Climbing

After working out indoors, you can take the workout outdoors. Red River Gorge is consistently ranked  in the top 10 for climbing - and it is practically in your backyard! There are several outfitters that would be more than happy to take you out for a climb - Rock Climbing Adventures



We enjoyed our time at Rocksport and look forward to returning again soon. This gym would make a great family day or date night if looking for something a little bit different to do in the dead of winter.