Since starting Boot Camp almost five years ago, I’ve learned that in a family-centric town like ours, fall is the real New Year for resolutions, like having a good homework routine and keeping the house cleaner than the sandbox it became in summer; but, especially for exercise and eating healthily.

 

By Lee Sandford

 

Since starting Boot Camp almost five years ago, I’ve learned that in a family-centric town like ours, fall is the real New Year for resolutions, like having a good homework routine and keeping the house cleaner than the sandbox it became in summer; but, especially for exercise and eating healthily. There are a few practical reasons for this: the desire to help our bodies recover from the lazy and indulgent days of summer; the cooler, dry air of fall tempts us to get out and bike and run; young kids have new pre-school hours, opening up extra time for their giddy moms; and, probably the biggest one, a fall wardrobe of skinny jeans is a lot less forgiving than a loose summer dress!

 

If you’re looking for a new routine, our little town offers lots of options for you to try something new and, even better, for a great cause. Here’s a sampling of what’s going on this fall:

 

Fitness By The Beach, Saturday, September 21, 9 am-12 p.m. at Rye Town Park.

 

This year’s fundraiser is bigger and better than ever. In its third year, it was the brainchild of Tina Bilotta to raise money for the NYU Comprehensive Stroke Center in memory of her mother, who passed away suddenly following a stroke. Joel Harper, trainer to Dr. Oz, is returning to teach yoga, and my colleague, Julie McGuire, and I will once again be leading a Boot Camp sampler class. New events include CrossFit, Zumba, and a free children’s workout from Momentum of Port Chester.

 

For those who don’t already know about CrossFit, it’s a fitness and conditioning system that mixes functional movement at high intensity with constant variety. CrossFit Stealth of New Brunswick, N.J., which is leading the workout, explains, “Any exercise program that meets these three criteria can be considered CrossFit, from shoveling dirt, hauling rocks, and cutting down trees to weightlifting, pull ups, and sprinting.” CrossFit is suitable for all levels of fitness.

 

Z8 of Westchester will lead participants in Zumba. They describe Zumba as “hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves to create a one-of-a-kind fitness program that will blow you away.” I’ve only taken part once, but it’s definitely fun, will make you smile, and is sure to blow away any blues!

 

You can take one or three classes for $65 per person. You can pay by cash or check at the event the morning of in advance by credit card by going to www.fitnessbythebeach.eventbrite.com or calling Tina Bilotta at 924-5145.

 

October Sole Fest by SoleRyeders throughout October

 

SoleRyeders has teamed up with many of their fitness-orientated sponsors to offer a wide variety of choices in classes you may have been wanting to try. At Boot Camp, a Sole Fest drop-in class is part of our program every Tuesday and Friday through October. You could be one of the first to become acquainted with Studio 14, Indoor Cycling and Yoga, opening soon in Port Chester, or try Combine Training, also in Port Chester. Other participating organizations are: the Bar Method, Yoga with Janet, Pilates of Rye, Cross Fit (in Port Chester), Go Figure, My Little Yogi, Core Pilates, and Row America Rye. Surely something for everyone in that group! 

 

Sign up through www.soleryeders.org. The suggested donation for each class is $30 and 100 percent of the proceeds will go to SoleRyeders as we strive to provide and support local cancer-related programs, including SoleRyeders’ own program, The Wig Exchange.

 

Bar Method SoleRyeders Fundraiser, October 9

 

In addition to the group fundraising SoleRyeders does, members also hold events to raise money toward their individual targets by taking part in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in October. One such event is being held at The Bar Method in Rye Brook Wednesday, October 9. Organizer Jo Bryan says, “We have a choice of two classes, both taught by the vivacious (and very funny) owner Sara Giller, at 6:30 or 7:45 p.m. A suggested $30 fee covers a one-hour class, plus a glass of pink fizz and nibbles to help you recover afterwards.” Contact Jo at jo@bryanres.com to reserve your spot.

 

Turkey Run, November 30

 

Last year, Rye Recreation’s annual run attracted more than 1,200 participants, keen to make up for some of the Thanksgiving sloth. Very civilized in that it’s two days after Thanksgiving, not the day after, as in many towns; there are 1-, 3.1-, and 5.2-mile distances. If you’ve never run 5 miles before or it’s been a while, don’t fret — you have 11 weeks to prepare. Training programs are easy to come by online, and if you follow them diligently (usually for eight weeks) you’ll run the 5m with ease and injury-free! Try the Runner’s World website or Hal Higdon’s plans.