Class review - Sunset & Sip Barre Yoga

This past Friday, Crossfit Nickel City, Fit2BWell, Barre Centric, Revolution Cycling, and East Meets West Yoga got together to provide an epic fusion of fitness at Canalside. This team from some of the best fitness facilities in the area provided instruction in several different fitness disciplines, primarily Yoga and Barre. 

I arrived a little late (as per usual), and the music was already pumping - DJ Twist was playing in front of the boardwalk area facing the water, and the scene was set with yoga mats, towels, and water bottles along the "barre". Despite some interesting clouds earlier that morning, it was a beautiful 85 degrees and the sky was blue, and the breeze coming off the water held the humidity at bay.

The DJ's adoreable son spinning some beats for us - photo credit

Chris from Nickel City Cross fit opened with some instruction on how to perform planks, squats, and burpees with proper form. This came into play a few minutes later when the challenges begun. Participants broke off into groups to see who could hold a plank, a squat (my group of choice), or could do burpees (heaven help these folks) the longest. The winners of each category would win one month memberships to the sponsoring facilities.

I'm not sure exactly just how long it took, but after what felt like an eternity of dripping sweat and shaking thighs, I was victorious in the squat challenge (I sort of feel like the runner up felt sorry for me, because she did not look fatigued at all).

After that excitement, it was on to the barre. I have never taken a Barre Centric class before, but I have taken ballet, so I was expecting broad, sweeping, dance-like movements, and lots of plies and releves. The latter was certainly there, but I could not have been more wrong about the former. Rather than lots of grand, ballet-like gestures with sweeping arm and leg movements, Barre Centric is entirely about micro-movements and control. Each movement, instructor Rachel Hughes said, was to be about 1in at a time. These small isometric movements are used to attempt to fatigue the muscles, and create tone similar to that of a dancer's body. I know that after the squatting that I had done earlier, this barre workout had my legs seriously shaking, but I am certain that still would have been the case even without the squats.

Bridges at the yoga class

Following barre was Joanne Wu's yoga class - this class was somewhat of a flow class, moving smoothly from one pose to another, but allowed for enough time to sink into the poses, and really feel and breathe through them. There was a little bit of strength incorporated, but this class was great for lengthening the muscles after the intense movements of the barre class.

After these classes, there were happy-hour specials at the Liberty Hound (I had a really refreshing drink with cucumbers and cucumber vodka - I recommend it).

This class was a great taste of a few different forms of fitness class, and I can't wait to try a full Barre Centric class, and to try some of Fit2BWell's other varied classes that are offered throughout WNY.

Superhero poses all around from the instructors (and myself!)

What's going on - week of 7/21-7/27

Each week I will be publishing 2 posts - Mondays will be articles and reviews. Thursdays will be a "What's Going On" feature, in which I highlight upcoming events and ticket deadlines.

The hot hazy summer months are here, but there's plenty of cool ways to stay moving:

Head down to Canalside for a class, and while you're there, say "hi" to SharkGirl!

7/21 - Thursday

9AM - Every Thursday at 9AM is Exercise Like the Animals, giving younger children the chance to exercise like their favorite creatures! Free at Canalside.

10AM - Also every Thursday, you can try out a free Zumba class at Cheektowaga Town Park.

5:30PM -  Free Kickboxing class in Larkin Square

6PM - Jada Blitz will be holding a Sweat It Forward charity Rev class to support SPCA Paws in the Park (30min ride, 30min TRX class).

6PM - Verve dance studio is hosting another BGirl boot camp, for learning the foudations of break dance - $15 drop in rate.

6:15PM - Grab some comfortable shoes and head to Chestnut Ridge for an evening hike!

6:30PM - Or, if running is more  your speed, meet at the Eternal Flame at Chestnut Ridge for a Fleet Feet trail run (start will be at the horse corral parking lot)! Beginner run is about 2-4mi.

6:30PM - Try out Pickleball (similar to a cross between tennis and ping-pong) at The Healthy Zone Rink in East Aurora. $5 to play.

7PM - Head to Tony Walker Co to check out a Healthly Bods meet Healthy Financials class (free, but please sign up so they can anticipate attendance numbers)

7:30PM - Try out a Booty Work (hip hop aerobics) class at Musicality Central (Future Dance studio in Hamburg)

8:30PM - After Booty Work, stick around for a Club Dance Aerobics class, also weekly on Thursdays at Future Dance.

From the Thursday Night Trail Run event page on facebook

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7/22 - Friday

9AM - Try out the UpBeat Beat Down at Tony Walker in Williamsville

10AM - Check out an Aerial Yoga class at Alt Theatre in Buffalo. See their webpage for more details on classes.

11AM - Try out a free cardio dance class at the Clarence Town Park

5:30PM and 6:30PM - Paddles and Pints with Longboards at the beach! This is an endurance paddle taking us out at the pointe and incorporating strength drills at regular intervals on our journey. Enjoy discounted beverages at the beer & wine garden after class with special wristband. This class is water only, and basic paddle experience is required.  Reserve your board here.

6PM - Enjoy some Power Yoga at Canalside

6PM - Sweat it out at a free Cardio Kickboxing class in Bassett Park

6:30PM - Garage Fitness Studio will be holding a cruise night - start at Garage and cruise on down to Castaways (with a few pit-stops along the way).

7PM - Test your balance with free AcroYoga at Canalside!

7PM - Head to Mod Dance Studio in buffalo for a Body Control Dancehall Workshop with Musicality Central. Cash only - $15.

7PM - Enjoy a Barreyasa (Barre and Yoga fusion) class at Canalside with members of Lululemon, Barre Centric, Fit2BWell, Nickle City Cross Fit, Revolution Cycling, East Meets West Yoga, and Longboards at the Beach. There will also be challenges for planks, squats, and burpees - with prizes! Drink specials at the Liberty Hound to follow. No ticket necessary - this is a FREE event!

Image from Musicality Central's facebook for their Body Control Dancehall Workshop

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7/23 - Saturday

8AM - Start your day off right with a free BikeOrBar class at Power Hour at the Pointe with Longboards Paddle Co.

9AM - Following the Power Hour, stretch it out with free yoga with Love In Motion Yoga!

9AM - Alternatively to that, you could paddle it out with a Longboards PaddleFit Water class - incorporates paddle drills along with strength exercises on the board - water only class. Basic paddle experience required. Reserve your board here.

9AM - Across the river at Canalside, there's Kettlebell Swing at Canalside with Garage Fitness Studio. BYOKB ( Bring your own kettlebell) or reserve one at garagefitnessstudio@gmail.com.

9AM - Also happening at Canalside is a Systema class - this is a Russian martial art - creating a calm body, but maintaining awareness of surroundings. Taught by instructors from Primordial Strength. 

10AM - Enjoy a free Power Yoga class at Canalside

^^^ These classes are regular offerings at Canalside on Saturday mornings. HOWEVER, this Saturday is Alt 107.7's Kerfuffle, so these may be cancelled this week! I would suggest contacting the hosts to verify if these classes will be happening. 

9AM - Join Foothills Trail Club for a Clarence Town Park hike. 

9AM - Enjoy some Pickleball at the Healthy Zone Rink in East Aurora - $5 to play. 

9AM - Continuing with more options for your 9 o'clock hour this Saturday, SUP Erie Adventures is hosting  a SUP yoga class at Sunset Bay. $20 for a 1.5hr class, call to reserve your board. 

9:30AM - Check out an Aerial Yoga class at Alt Theatre in Buffalo. See their webpage for more details on classes.

10AM - Try out a beginner PaddleFit class with Longboards at the Outer Harbor. Reserve your board here.

10AM - Not up for paddling? Stick around at the Outer Harbor for a free Pilates class at Wilkeson Pointe. Bring a mat, water bottle, and a positive attitude.

10AM - Try a free Yoga class at Bidwell Park

10AM - Check out Riverworks for a free Boot Camp class!

10:30AM - Free Zumba at ArtPark in Lewiston!

2PM - Donation-based Power Yoga of Buffalo - "Karma" class.

Marcia, one of the paddleboard instructors (from BelieveFit-AchieveFit)

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This weekend, check out some of the options that Explore Buffalo has available to stay active, and see parts of our city in a brand new way! Saturday, for instance, they will have a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright's Fontana Boathouse, and Sunday they will have a Columbus Parkway Walking tour. See their website for ticket information.

Photo from Explore Buffalo's  Facebook page

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7/24 - Sunday

8AM - Join Yoga Parkside for a Sunday morning yoga class to benefit the Frank Lloyd Wright Darwin Martin House restoration. $10 at door, no preregistration required.

9AM - Bring your dog to fitness! Check out the Rover and Me Fitness Class (first week is free) running throughout the summer at Gallagher Pier in Buffalo.  Your dog works on obedience skills while you perform the exercises (both a dog trainer, and a fitness trainer will be on-hand). 

9AM - SUP ERIE Adventures is holding a SUP Yoga class. Call 716-868-2975 to reserve your spot!

9AM - Fit Like a Gladiator will be holding a free BLT (butt, legs, and thighs) class at Canalside!

9AM - Check out Garage Fitness Studio's Sunday Funday at Fit Trails (Pioneer Camp and Retreat Center) - 9AM is the boot camp class ($5), and 10AM is the bike bootcamp ($10, bike included). Reserve your spot here. 

10AM -  Try a Vinyasa Yoga class at Canalside. 

10AM - Try some free yoga in Delaware Park

10AM - Alternatively to yoga, enjoy a Delaware Park Hike with foothills trail club.

10AM - Try your hand at an endurance paddle with Longboards, taking you out of the harbor to explore the Buffalo waterways. You will fine-tune paddle skills while enjoying a beautiful new perspective of Buffalo’s waterfront. Basic paddle experience required. Reserve your board here.

11AM - Bring something that floats and meet in Isle View Park for the annual Floatilla - this is a free event, and anything that floats goes. Meet between 10:30 and 11, leaving a vehicle at Gratwick park which will be the end of the float (trip is about 4-4.5mi, and will take about 3hrs). Lifejackets are required by law.

Image from the 2013 Floatilla - posted to the facebook page by Sal Anello

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7/25 - Monday

9AM - The usual free fitness offerings that are usually offered at Tony Walker Co are cancelled for this week. 

9AM - Every Monday at 9AM is Exercise Like the Animals, giving younger children the chance to exercise like their favorite creatures! Free at Canalside. 

10AM - Enjoy a leisurely hike at Woodlawn Beach. 

4PM, 6PM, and 7PM - PaddleFit Water with Longboards - incorporates paddle drills along with strength exercises on the board - water only class. Basic paddle experience required. Reserve your board here.

5:30PM - Enjoy some free yoga in Larkin square

5:30PM - Monday, ride with the Slow Roll Buffalo starting at Lackawanna Fire Station 3 on South Park.

6PM - Free bootcamp class at the Ralph Wilson Stadium. Classes located on the field. Park in Lot 2, enter at Gate 2, sections 133/134 

6PM - Enjoy some free yoga in Westwood Park in Lancaster!

6PM - Try out free Zumba in Bassett Park in Amherst

6PM - Try out a "surf and turf" class at Longboards at the beach - half on land, half on water, this class will get you moving and sweating! This class will feature fitness by Fit2bWell! Call ahead, or check out their website to book a board.

6PM - Free trial class at Finish Strong Health and Wellness in Depew - Ballet and Jazz fitness (all levels). PRE-REGISTER for our free class online here

6:30 - East Meets West Yoga blankets the park at the Massachusetts Avenue Park

6:30PM - HEAL Yoga is holding a free yoga happy hour at Market Arcade in Buffalo. This week's instructor will be Meghan Callahan. Register at www.healbflo.com 

6:30PM - Enjoy some Pickleball at the Healthy Zone Rink in East Aurora - $5 to play.

6:30PM - Enjoy some Salsa in the Park with Sarah Haykel at Delaware Park Rose Gardens. 

7:15PM - Free trial class at Finish Strong Health and Wellness in Depew - Sass your Dance (intro to burlesque movement for all levels). PRE-REGISTER for our free class online here 

7:30PM - Yoga Night at Coca Cola Field. $20.

Monday night classes at Canalside!

• Pilates by Ottfit (5PM)
• Kangoo Jump (6PM)
• Rev Bootcamp (6PM)
• Barre Centric (7PM)
• Fusion Fitness (7PM)

Image from Salsa for the Soul's facebook page

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7/26 - Tuesday

9AM - Enjoy a free Tai Chi class at Canalside

9AM -  Every Tuesday at 9AM is Exercise Like the Animals, giving younger children the chance to exercise like their favorite creatures! Free at Canalside.

10AM - Hike at Knox Farm State Park in East Aurora.

10AM - Free pilates at Cheektowaga town park!

6PM - The usual free fitness offerings that are usually offered at Tony Walker Co are cancelled for this week. 

6PM - Free bootcamp class at Delaware Park

6PM - Free (either yoga or zumba) class at Chestnut Ridge Park near the casino (classes will alternate weeks!)

6:30PM - Hike in Stiglmeier Park in Cheektowaga.

Tuesday Night classes at Canalside!

• Family Power Yoga (5PM)
• Zumba! (6PM) - this week's color theme is orange!
• Blitz Body (7PM)
• Intro to Hoop Dance (7PM)

Photo of Tai Chi at Canalside - from Taoist Tai Chi Society of Buffalo's facebook page

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7/27 - Wednesday

9AM - The usual free fitness offerings that are usually offered at Tony Walker Co are cancelled for this week. 

9AM - Free bodyweight strength training at Hartley Park in Lakewood

10AM - Free Pilates at ArtPark in Lewiston

12PM - Bring your family for family-friendly yoga at Canalside!

5:30PM - Free yoga at the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus

5:30PM - PaddleFit Water at Longboards - incorporates paddle drills along with strength exercises on the board - water only class. Basic paddle experience required. Reserve your board here.

6PM - Free Zumba in Westwood Park in Lancaster

6PM - Free bootcamp class in Garrison Park in Amherst

6PM - Try out a Hip Hop for starters class at Musicality Central (at Studio 990) - $10/class, and there are more advanced classes available if you are so inclined.

6:30PM - Take a mini-hike around the Erie Basin Marina starting at Hatch Restaurant.

6:30PM - Free yoga at Wilkeson Pointe with Love in Motion Yoga!

6:30PM - Jada Blitz training will be holding a family-friendly training class every 4th Wednesday of the month - bring your kids! $10 for non-members.

Wednesday Night Classes at Canalside!

• Hip Hop dance (5PM)
• Garage Rocks (6PM)
• PiYo (7PM)

 Image from Jada Blitz's Family Affair facebook event

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If you know of an event that you would like to see in here, please let me know! (message our facebook page!)

Get out there and get moving!

Facility Review - Delaware Park and the Olmsted Parks System

Some roller derby friends and I hit the trails at Delaware Park this week for a recreational skate, and it inspired me to learn more about the Olmsted Parks system which factors so heavily into Buffalo's history.

Some history of the Olmsted Parks System - 

Frederick Law Olmsted (1822-1903) was one of the first (and best) landscape architects in the US over a century ago (he worked in the Buffalo Parks from 1868-1896). His first large project was Central Park in New York City, and that drew a lot of attention to the potential that good landscaping had to improve a city.

In 1868, Buffalo had some parcels of land set aside for a city improvement project, and contacted Olmsted for some recommendations. Olmsted returned a fully treatise with his recommendations for the parks system in Buffalo and, as a result, was brought on with his partner Calvert Vaux as the primary designer for the parks system that would  cause Buffalo to be known as the City of Trees.

His vision for the Buffalo parks was to have people removed from the hustle and bustle of city life - to escape from their troubles, and to be transported to the pastoral fields of England and France. His first design was called "The Park", which is now known as Delware Park. This was an expansive project that took parcels of farmland and turned them into a country estate. The large size of the land would ensure that even as the urban areas nearby were developed, people could still remove themselves from the noise and pollution of city living. The plans for this park were submitted in 1970, and the park was mostly completed by 1876. At this time, it did not include many of the "sports" amenities that it includes now, but was more of a combination of wide, sloping lawns (suitable for lawn bowling and croquet), promenades, and waterways.

Boats leisurely paddling on Hoyt Lake - source

Sheep grazing on the lawn in Delaware Park - source

This park was meant to be the main park in Buffalo, and was the first that was designed - however, when it was first designed it was quite a distance from the city itself, and public transportation did not run that far out. To remedy this, Olmsted worked his way into the city with a series of smaller parks that those without the means to get to The Park could still easily access and enjoy.

Olmsted's series of parks stretched, somewhat connected, throughout the city of Buffalo. Although three parks are now gone (Bennett Park - now park of the JFK rec area, Masten Place - demolished to build a high school, and The Terrace - no information found), 7 major parks remain - Cazenovia Park, Day's Park, Delaware Park, Front Park, Humboldt/MLK Jr. Park, Riverside Park, and South Park. Connecting these major parks were a series of Parkways and "Circles" that Olmsted also designed - part of his vision was that the roadways leading up to the parks would be as beautiful and secluded as the parks themselves.

"Thus, at no great distance from any point of the town, a pleasure ground will have been provided for, suitable for a short stroll, for a playground for children and an airing ground for invalids, and a route of access to the large common park of the whole city of such a character that most of the steps on the way to it would be taken in the midst of a scene of sylvan beauty, and with the sounds and sites of the ordinary town business, if not wholly shut out, removed to some distance and placed in obscurity. The way itself would thus be more park-like than town-like."  

- Olmsted's Report on the Buffalo Parks proposal, 1868

By the 1950's and 1960's, however, urban development was taking its toll on the beautiful parks. Many of the original buildings in the parks were being demolished. The city no longer prided itself in the "closed off" parkways leading up to the parks, being more concerned with moving people quickly from point-a to point-b. Humboldt Parkway that linked Delaware and MLK Parks was destroyed to create the 33. The Scajaquada was a travesty that was built right through the center of Olmsted's pride, Delaware Park. These two roadways, while they served to quickly move traffic, bisected Delaware Park between the meadows and Hoyt Lake, and divided the Olmsted Parks system - from these garish scars it has never quite recovered (although there is talk now of redirecting traffic and restoring a single Delaware Park, that would be many years in the future, if it is done at all). 

Construction on the Kensington Expressway in 1963 - source

Finally, in the 1980's and 90's, Buffalo's residents and government came to their senses and realized what had happened to these beautiful green-spaces. By 2004 the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy (a not-for-profit, volunteer organization) had formed with the aim to restore the parks system, and with a multi-year restoration plan ready to be implemented. Hundreds of dedicated volunteers now tend the parks and take care of the turf, dispose of litter, remove graffiti, and plant trees, shrubs, and flowers.

With more than 1 million annual visitors to the parks, they have been updated to include more modern amenities to serve the community. Delaware Park, for instance, now has an 18-hole golf course, 3 baseball diamonds, 6 soccer fields, 17 tennis courts, 4 basketball courts, and 3 playgrounds. In addition to that, many people avail themselves of the 1.76mi trail around the "meadows" area of the park which can be run, walked, skated, or biked.

An "adult playground" fitness training facility

Some of the tennis courts

One of the zoo's bison - visible from the park loop

The rather-deceptive hill on the Scajaquada side of the park - much harder to climb than it looks, especially on skates!

In addition to that, you can also enjoy healthy meal options or a smoothie at the smoothie shack located just past the zoo. They have vegetarian options, fresh fruit smoothies, a children's menu, and complimentary water if you happen to be passing by and are thirsty. There is also a Pokemon Go spot (gym?) right nearby, if you are into that sort of thing

This beautiful park system is definitely something that Buffalo's residents should not be afraid to avail themselves of this summer. Bring your kids and hit the sprinklers, grab your tennis racket and head to the court, throw on your running shoes and hit the trails, grab your best fur buddy and head out for a walk, or join a team and hit the courts or a ball diamond. Just get out there and appreciate the beautiful vision that Olmsted had for our city.

So now that you know the history of the parks, get out there and get moving!

Lazy citations - (APA purists and academic friends, please don't yell at me!)

Olmsted Conservency info from https://www.bfloparks.org

Information from Buffalo NY parks system Wikipedia

PBS's report on the Olmsted Park System

Original Olmsted Buffalo Parks Report Documentation

What's going on - week of 7/14-7/20

Each week I will be publishing 2 posts - Mondays will be articles and reviews. Thursdays will be a "What's Going On" feature, in which I highlight upcoming events and ticket deadlines.

The hot hazy summer months are here, but there's plenty of cool ways to stay moving:

Paddleboarders at the Outer Harbor

7/14 - Thursday

9AM - Every Thursday at 9AM is Exercise Like the Animals, giving younger children the chance to exercise like their favorite creatures! Free at Canalside.

10AM - Also every Thursday, you can try out a free Zumba class at Cheektowaga Town Park.

5:30PM -  Free Kickboxing class in Larkin Square

6:15PM - Grab some comfortable shoes and head to Chestnut Ridge for an evening hike!

6:30PM - Try out Pickleball (similar to a cross between tennis and ping-pong) at The Healthy Zone Rink in East Aurora. $5 to play.

7:30PM - Try out a Booty Work (hip hop aerobics) class at Musicality Central (Future Dance studio in Hamburg)

8:30PM - After Booty Work, stick around for a Club Dance Aerobics class, also weekly on Thursdays at Future Dance.

A hiking trail at Akron Falls Park - from Foothills Trail Club facebook page

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7/15 - Friday

9AM - Try out the UpBeat Beat Down at Tony Walker in Williamsville

10AM - Check out an Aerial Yoga class at Alt Theatre in Buffalo. See their webpage for more details on classes.

11AM - Try out a free cardio dance class at the Clarence Town Park

6PM - Enjoy some Power Yoga at Canalside

6PM - Sweat it out at a free Cardio Kickboxing class in Bassett Park

6:30PM - Garage Fitness Studio will be holding a cruise night - start at Garage and cruise on down to Castaways (with a few pit-stops along the way).

7PM - Test your balance with free AcroYoga at Canalside!

Photo from Acroyoga Buffalo's facebook page

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7/16 - Saturday

Today is the Dirty Girl Mud Run at Area 51 Motocross - don't forget to sign up!

Also happening today is the Labatt Blue Undomesticated Games at the Outer Harbor! Even if you didn't get a team together to do giant inflatable bowling or other games, you should still head down there to cheer people on (and check out the other activities at the Outer Harbor - hint, it's a great place for kayaking and biking!)

8AM - Start your day off right with a free Barre class at Power Hour at the Pointe with Longboards Paddle Co.

9AM - Following the Power Hour, stretch it out with free yoga with Love In Motion Yoga!

9AM - Across the river at Canalside, there's Kettlebell Swing at Canalside with Garage Fitness Studio. BYOKB ( Bring your own kettlebell) or reserve one at garagefitnessstudio@gmail.com.

9AM - Also happening at Canalside is a Systema class - this is a Russian martial art - creating a calm body, but maintaining awareness of surroundings. Taught by instructors from Primordial Strength. 

9AM - Enjoy some Pickleball at the Healthy Zone Rink in East Aurora - $5 to play. 

9:30AM - Check out an Aerial Yoga class at Alt Theatre in Buffalo. See their webpage for more details on classes.

10AM - Enjoy a free Power Yoga class at Canalside

10AM - Try a free Yoga class at Bidwell Park

10AM - Check out Riverworks for a free Boot Camp class!

10:30AM - Free Zumba at ArtPark in Lewiston!

11AM - Bring the kids to Jump Bunch (ages 6-12) at Amherst Main Library! This Olympics themed event does require pre-registration.

12:30PM - Get ready to run and jump at Parkour at the Park in Delaware Park. This is the first ever Buffalo NY parkour jam!

2PM - Donation-based Power Yoga of Buffalo - "Karma" class.

2PM - If you're in the Springville area, head to the Athletic club for a Zumba ZIN Jam with hot new choreography.

Image from Parkour at the Park's facebook page

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This weekend, check out some of the options that Explore Buffalo has available to stay active, and see parts of our city in a brand new way! Saturday, for instance, they will have a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright's Fontana Boathouse, and Sunday they will have a Columbus Parkway Walking tour. See their website for ticket information.

Photo from Explore Buffalo's  Facebook page

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7/17 - Sunday

8AM - Join Yoga Parkside for a Sunday morning yoga class to benefit the Frank Lloyd Wright Darwin Martin House restoration. $10 at door, no preregistration required.

8AM and 9AM - Choose from one of the two Rev+Canalside sunrise rides - Rev will have their stationary bikes outdoors at Canalside for a 45min open air class. $20, good for beginner and advanced level riders.

9AM - Bring your dog to fitness! Check out the Rover and Me Fitness Class (first week is free) running throughout the summer at Gallagher Pier in Buffalo.  Your dog works on obedience skills while you perform the exercises (both a dog trainer, and a fitness trainer will be on-hand). 

9AM - SUP ERIE Adventures is holding a SUP Yoga class. Call 716-868-2975 to reserve your spot!

9AM - Fit Like a Gladiator will be holding a free BLT (butt, legs, and thighs) class at Canalside!

9AM - Try a Pound and Pancakes class at Connors Hot Dog Stand in Angola. Only $5 to try out this "yummy collaboration". POUND Rock workout, followed by all you can eat pancakes!

10AM -  Try a Vinyasa Yoga class at Canalside. 

10AM - Try some free yoga in Delaware Park

11AM - For more fitness and food, try the Barre and Brunch class at Casa-Di-Pizza! $25 includes the class, and brunch (bring a yoga mat).

1:30PM - Bring some sunscreen and hit the trails for a mid-day hike at Akron Falls Park.

3PM - Catch the excitement leading up to Dance Days of Buffalo - learn their moves at the Flash Mob Meet Up at Wasteland Studios, and get ready for the big downtown flash mob, coming soon!

Photo from Revolution Buffalo's facebook page

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7/18 - Monday

9AM - Try some Barre Centric at Tony Walker in Williamsville

9AM - Every Monday at 9AM is Exercise Like the Animals, giving younger children the chance to exercise like their favorite creatures! Free at Canalside. 

5:30PM - Enjoy some free yoga in Larkin square

5:30PM - Monday, ride with the Slow Roll Buffalo starting at Artisan Kitchens and Baths on Amherst St.

6PM - Free bootcamp class at the Ralph Wilson Stadium. Classes located on the field. Park in Lot 2, enter at Gate 2, sections 133/134 

6PM - Enjoy some free yoga in Westwood Park in Lancaster!

6PM - Try out free Zumba in Bassett Park in Amherst

6PM - Try out a "surf and turf" class at Longboards at the beach - half on land, half on water, this class will get you moving and sweating! This class will feature fitness by Fit2bWell! Call ahead, or check out their website to book a board.

6:30 - East Meets West Yoga blankets the park at the Massachusetts Avenue Park

6:30PM - HEAL Yoga is holding a free yoga happy hour at Market Arcade in Buffalo. This week's instructors will be Karen Dennis from evolation yoga. Register at www.healbflo.com 

6:30PM - Enjoy some Pickleball at the Healthy Zone Rink in East Aurora - $5 to play.

6:45PM - For parents, try out a Stroller Bootcamp at the Gentle Parenting Institute. $10 pre-registered, or $12 drop-in. Bring a yoga mat.

6:30PM - Enjoy some Salsa in the Park with Sarah Haykel at Delaware Park Rose Gardens. 

Monday night classes at Canalside!

• Pilates by Ottfit (5PM)
• Kangoo Jump (6PM)
• Rev Bootcamp (6PM)
• Barre Centric (7PM)
• Fusion Fitness (7PM)

A great shot of HEAL BFLO yoga at the Market Arcade - photo from HEAL BFLO's facebook page

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7/19 - Tuesday

9AM - Enjoy a free Tai Chi class at Canalside

9AM -  Every Tuesday at 9AM is Exercise Like the Animals, giving younger children the chance to exercise like their favorite creatures! Free at Canalside.

10AM - Free pilates at Cheektowaga town park!

6PM - TRX at Tony Walker - tacos and tequila to follow ;)

6PM - Free bootcamp class at Delaware Park

6PM - Free (either yoga or zumba) class at Chestnut Ridge Park near the casino (classes will alternate weeks!)

6PM - Enjoy a free Tuesday Night Social Paddle with drinks to follow at Sunset Bay.

Tuesday Night classes at Canalside!

• Family Power Yoga (5PM)
• Zumba! (6PM) - this week's color theme is black and white!
• Blitz Body (7PM)
• Intro to Hoop Dance (7PM)

Photo of Tai Chi at Canalside - from Taoist Tai Chi Society of Buffalo's facebook page

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7/20 - Wednesday

9AM - Kardio Kick at Tony Walker

9AM - Free bodyweight strength training at Hartley Park in Lakewood

10AM - Free Pilates at ArtPark in Lewiston

10AM and 5PM - Check out a Paddlefit Challenge class with Longboards Paddle Co. at Wilkeson Pointe. This class incorporates rounds of paddle drills along with land-based strength exercise. Basic paddle experience required. Reserve your board here.

12PM - Bring your family for family-friendly yoga at Canalside!

5:30PM - Free yoga at the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus

6PM - HEAL Yoga is holding a donation-based class at Ashker's Juice Bar on Elmwood

6PM - Free Zumba in Westwood Park in Lancaster

6PM - Free bootcamp class in Garrison Park in Amherst

6PM - Try out a Hip Hop for starters class at Musicality Central (at Studio 990) - $10/class, and there are more advanced classes available if you are so inclined.

6PM - Rev+KegWorks will be held at the KegWorks Store on Military Road. This will be a kettlebells and cocktails class - pre-registration is required, but this class is FREE!

6PM - Aerial Dance of Buffalo will be holding an Aerial Style Forum, showing some forms of aerial dance, works by the masters, and hopefully inspiring you to develop your own style of movement - this class is for aerialists of all levels, as well as other performance artists. No charge, but donations are greatly appreciated. Thursday at 6:30 will be a second forum on Aerial Safety.

6:30PM - Head out for a mini-hike at Tillman Road Wildlife Park.

6:30PM - Free yoga at Wilkeson Pointe with Love in Motion Yoga!

7:30PM - This will be the second in a series of beginner bellydance classes at Oasis Dance Center. Registration is available online!

Wednesday Night Classes at Canalside!

• Hip Hop dance (5PM)
• Garage Rocks (6PM)
• PiYo (7PM)

An Aerial Yoga class - photo from Buffalo Aerial Dance's facebook page

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If you know of an event that you would like to see in here, please let me know! (message our facebook page!)

Get out there and get moving!

Fitness Class Review - beginner SUP (stand-up paddleboard)

Class name - beginner SUP
Where they are located - Wilkeson Pointe at the Outer Harbor
What it cost - $40
Level of difficulty - Requires balance and some core strength in order to stay on the board

Review -

This is a skill that I never thought I would have. I saw trendy teenagers posting photos on instagram with beautiful tropical scenery, smiling serenely while standing on what looked like a surfboard, paddle in hand, and I was like "nope, nope... not a chance I could do that." I've surfed before while visiting friends at the gulf, and I knew from first hand experience - stand up on that thing while waves actively try to knock you over is hard.

Fortunately, I did give it a chance, grabbed my life jacket and my waterproof floating phone case, and headed out to Longboards Paddle Co.'s location at the Outer Harbor.

Photo of Wilkeson Pointe from The Sun News 

In short, I am so glad that I did.

Marcia Gray-Wilkerson of BelieveFit-AchieveFit, and Nancy Giglio-Maisano were there, and got me outfitted with a paddle of the correct length. Any belongings that shouldn't get wet was stowed in the shop. Marcia then gave a half-hour-ish lesson on what to do once you hit the water. Those preliminaries complete, we headed down to the beach. The class wasn't huge - about 8 people, which was the perfect size for getting everyone launched and into the water quickly.

Down at the beach, they had helping-hands there to assist with getting the boards in the water (while they may be foam, and may not be crazy-heavy, they are still quite awkward). You then walked into the water with the board, and once it was completely floating, you could carefully kneel on the board and paddle out a-ways. Marcia then instructed everyone to try and stand, which you can do by placing your paddle perpendicular to the board, bracing yourself with your hands (picture "table pose" from yoga), and stepping your feet up to the center of the board (where the carry handle is), about shoulder-width apart. You then press yourself up to a standing position and start to paddle.

Shockingly, I did not fall off! (I honestly expected to go in on my first try). The board is extremely stable and not too difficult to balance on.

I'm totally doing it! Photo taken by Marcia during the class

Staying in the harbor does make it easier - you don't get any boat or jetski traffic in there (if you go beyond the rocks, you are considered the smallest watercraft, and have to yield to larger vehicles - who may, or may not see you). However, I would be lying to you if I said there were no waves. Even on a calm day, you will see waves called "wake" from passing speedboats and other watercraft. These keep things interesting while you paddle around - it's definitely best to face these head-on if you don't want your board rocking from side-to-side and trying to throw you off. That said, the waves were manageable and added an aspect of challenge to this leisurely paddle.

When I say "leisurely", don't make the mistake that this is not a workout - it definitely is. As soon as I stood up on the board, I could feel my quad muscles (in particular) firing up from keeping my balance on the moving board. The paddling itself is also a workout, although not in the way that I expected - I anticipated having sore shoulders and arms (since I have no arm strength), but the strength in your paddle comes from your core. This is something that was specified several times by Marcia (the instructor) - that when you paddle with proper technique, you should feel your core and your glutes activating, and that it does not just come from the arms.

The rest of the class paddling along

All told, you will be out there probably about an hour, and you have some free reign to kind of go where you want during that hour (note: I recommend sticking with at least a buddy, and probably staying within eye-sight of the instructor in case anything goes wrong. Also, keep in mind that note from earlier about yielding to larger boats if you leave the harbor). You'll then come ashore, leaving your board on the beach (those helpers from earlier bring them all back to the shop - which was somewhat of a relief after paddling. Again - not super heavy, but definitely awkward to carry, and it's a bit of a walk). And finally, once you've turned in your lifejacket and paddle, it's time for a beer!

Verdict:

I loved the class and would highly recommend it. This class is the prerequisite for doing any of Longboard's other classes, including endurance paddles, early-morning workouts, and yoga on the board (with good reason - I couldn't see myself out there doing mountain climbers or a downward facing dog on the board if I didn't have the basics under my belt!). 

Longboards has classes through out the week, and you can book your board here. Some of there upcoming classes include Paddlefit challenge tomorrow (Wednesday 6/13) at 4:30 and 5:30, and a Surf and Turf class on Monday (6/18) at 6PM (this is a half-on-water, half-on-land fitness class). Keep an eye on the calendar here on the blog (on the right) for more SUP classes!

Thanks for reading! Now get out there and paddle!