Move Your Body, Improve Your Mood: Free Summer Fitness Options Abound

Taking care of our physical health is a crucial part of living well and supporting our mental health, and movement and exercise are the foundation. With the warm weather finally here, we often feel renewed motivation to get out and move after a long, more sedentary winter season. Whether you’re simply looking to incorporate more movement and exercise into your life, get out and interact with other people in a group class, or want to try a new type of exercise, there are several opportunities to participate in free fitness classes. in our community.

Fitness in the parks

Now in its 12th year, a partnership between the YMCA and Independent Health will offer free “Fitness in the Parks” community exercise classes in 26 local parks. These events are a great opportunity to get out and enjoy the great weather in Western New York during the summer. Classes run from June 1 to August 31. There are 16 different classes to choose from, including yoga, kickboxing bootcamp, zumba, cardio intervals, core & more, PiYo, walking club, beginner qigong, barre, strength training and even the children. yoga. Each host park has its own schedule and selection of course options. No registration is required to attend a class and most classes are open to all ages and abilities. To learn more about participating parks, class schedules and what’s offered where, visit www.independenthealth.com/in-the-community/programs/fitness-in-the-parks

Fitness at Canalside

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield will once again host its Fitness at Canalside series beginning the week after Memorial Day and continuing through Labor Day. Classes are free and no registration is required. This season’s program includes:

Mondays – Kayak and Puppy Yoga excursions on select dates throughout the summer (to be announced)

Tuesdays – Zumba, 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

Wednesdays – Next Level Bootcamp, 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

Thursday – Body of Wealth, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Fridays – Sow Fit, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and HEAL BFLO, 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

Saturdays – Shannon Connors Fitness and Urban Run Series, 9:00-10:00 a.m.

The series will also include a handful of salsa classes on Saturdays, including June 29, July 13, July 20, July 27 and August 10. More information will be available on the Buffalo Waterfront website and social media channels.

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield members who present their ID card can also take advantage of free Blue Bike rentals from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day. Non-members can also rent bikes for $1 for the first hour and $5 for additional hours.

Fitness on the Lawn, Town of Tonawanda

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield will also host a “Fitness on the Lawn” series at the Town of Tonawanda Aquatic and Fitness Center from June 1 to August 31. The courses are free and do not require registration. The course schedule will include:

Mondays – Flow Yoga with Bloom & Bliss, 6 p.m.

Wednesdays – Core & Stretch, 6:00 p.m.

Thursday – Zumba, 6:00 p.m.

Saturdays – Flow Yoga all levels, 9:00 a.m.

Free fitness for kids

In addition to its adult outdoor fitness series, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield also hosts a series of “Free Play Fridays” youth events in partnership with Explore and More, focused on fitness through play. Events begin Friday, June 28 at Canalside and will include explorations of soccer, golf, flag football, baseball, tennis, relay races, obstacle courses and kickball. Classes run from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and are free – no registration required. For more information, visit exploreandmore.org.

Free fitness for seniors

For older adults, exercising regularly is a key part of maintaining their independence and energy levels, improving their balance and improving their overall quality of life. Attending group fitness classes is also a great way to get moving and stay socially connected. Erie County Senior Services’ “Club 99” initiative offers free fitness classes for seniors in several locations across Western New York. They also offer the option to attend classes virtually. The Senior Services website includes a list of participating locations as well as class dates and times. For more information, call (716) 858-8526 or email [email protected].

These free fitness classes are a great way to get out and try something new, experience the beauty of our area during the summer, visit a new park, meet new people, discover a new fitness favorite exercise routine and continue to build a foundation of wellness. .

The products and services listed in the article above are not an endorsement or approval by Project Best Life by Roswell Park or Buffalo Rising. Content on this site is for reference purposes and does not replace advice from a licensed health-care professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.