It's a good time to exercise outdoors
Participants in Jodi Lederer's boot camp exercise at the playground in Long Beach. (Sept. 24, 2011) Credit: Dmitry Gomberg
Summer's gone, but now's a good time to exercise outdoors. And there are classes designed to give you a taste of something different -- from hula-hooping to music to spinning in the crisp fall air.
BEACH BOOTCAMP
WHEN | WHERE 8 and 9 a.m. Saturdays through Oct. 22, 790 Shore Rd. and corner of Pacific Boulevard, Long Beach
INFO 516-225-9420, becomeastrongeru.com
COST $15 per session
INTENSITY Moderate (beginners welcome)
Personal trainer Jodi Lederer leads students through exercise drills with the beach as a backdrop, often incorporating the boardwalk or playground into the routine. Expect to throw a medicine ball, play a few exercise-related games in the sand -- and yes, drop for some push-ups.
SPIN -- AROUND A BONFIRE
WHEN | WHERE 6:30 p.m. Oct. 13 and 20 at Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Rd., Centerport
INFO 631-742-9441, imagecycling.com
COST $35
INTENSITY Mild to moderate
This one-hour spinning class goes outdoors for a pair of evening sessions that will be lit by a bonfire overlooking Northport Harbor. Owner/instructor John Hinrichsen says the workout is both physical and mental. "We're not just about pushing the body," he says. "Building the fire is a metaphor about building your life. What is the spark that ignites your passion?"
WALKING -- WITH THE DOGS
WHEN | WHERE 9:30 a.m. Saturdays through mid-November, various locations, organized by Cruisin' Canines Club (join the group at Meetup.com).
INFO 516-221-7877, starpupsolutions.com
COST Free (park admission fee may apply)
INTENSITY Mild
Joining a walking group is a great way to get fit -- and socialize. The Crusin' Canines invite their pooches to stretch their legs, too. The group, organized at Meetup.com, gets together weekly at dog-friendly parks, beachfronts and other areas for a leisurely hourlong leashed walk.
"We don't walk at a fast pace, and we take water breaks so slower dogs can catch up," says Suzanne Johnson, club founder and certified dog trainer.
OUTDOOR YOGA
WHEN | WHERE 11 a.m. Oct. 15, 29 and Nov. 5, Westwood Park, Foster Avenue and Home Street, Malverne
INFO 516-841-3923, fiveelementswellness.com
COST $10 suggested donation
INTENSITY Moderate (beginners welcome)
This Vinyasa class focuses on linking breath and movement -- the setting is leafy Westwood Park. The routine includes stretching, strengthening moves and exercises that emphasize balance, says instructor Mary Clare Chiofalo. You'll also be lying on the ground (bring your own yoga mat).
POI
WHEN | WHERE 6 p.m. Oct. 18, continues Tuesdays through Dec. 20 (classes move indoors, depending on the weather), WellNEST Studio, 51 Division St., Sag Harbor
INFO 631-899-4270, poiarts.com
COST $25 per class
INTENSITY Mild to moderate
It's an unusual way to get a workout, swinging weighted objects around while dancing to music, but "poi is a great form of exercise," says instructor Susan Blacklocke. Students build upper body strength, burn calories and work on balance and coordination.
ALSO TRY On Wednesdays beginning Oct. 19, The WellNEST Studio also host one-hour hula-hooping classes geared toward students of all ages. "It is just fun to get into the groove of the movement and the music," says instructor Samantha Ruddock. The workout helps slim the waist, tone the arms and lift the rear end ($25, 631-899-4270, thefireysensations.com)
