Beyond the Treadmill
Exercise—we all know it's important, but it's also something many of us dread. Fortunately, the traditional gym routine of cardio and weight training has given way to a more dynamic and engaging fitness experience.
Gyms offer a variety of activities guaranteed to up your adrenaline. From kickboxing to wall climbing, indoor pickleball, and gentle yoga, there is something for everyone. Many offer beginner instructions to start your fit- ness journey, and they can be fun and personalized to suit your needs.
Here in Palm Beach County, there are countless, unique ways to stay active and get back to the natural enjoyment of movement.
Did you enjoy swinging on a rope during gym class? You can duplicate that experience at Palm Beach Pole and Aerial Fitness. Located in the trendy warehouse district of West Palm Beach, a dimly lit studio with shiny poles that spin soaring from floor to ceiling is your play space. Owner Morgan Fischer began learning the art and sport of pole dancing because she wanted fitness, not the grind of a typical fitness center.
"I started this because I hated the gym," she says. "This is both fun and challenging. It's accessible to anyone – you don't need to be a gym-goer or have dance experience." She says it's good for all ages and body types. While classes are primarily female, she does have a few men who give it a try.
Upper-level classes focus on performing moves toward the top of the pole, but beginner classes start on solid ground, where you learn to circle the pole and use it to support balletic or sensual moves. Drop-in classes are available, and there is a class series where students learn choreography for a specific song. There are even opportunities for "pole parties" to have fun with your friends.
If having to enter a giant room full of muscle-bound gym rats is not your idea of a good time, you can choose to exercise in private and on your own timeline. Fitness
Together, located in Juno Beach, offers private exercise rooms where personal trainers guide their clients.
"We meet clients where they are," says Pamela Leonard, manager, trainer, nutrition coach and former bodybuilder at Fitness Together. "Most of the clients are over 60 and can be dealing with issues of pain or trauma. It's important to do assessments and evaluations first. We talk to them in depth about short-term and long-term goals and biggest concerns, see where imbalances are, and where there is a lack of range of motion."
Clients start with the signature fit and functional evaluations. This assessment creates workouts with the goals of reducing pain and getting them fit for recreational activities such as golf and pickleball. Clients can also get a complete nutritional analysis report in 15 minutes using strands of their hair. The report covers cardio, circulatory, gut health, inflammation, sugar, adrenals, and hormone information. The report concludes with recommendations on groceries, vitamins, and a 90-day guide.
Another big reason people avoid exercise is fear of injury. People who have begun to lose bone or already have osteoporosis may have trepidation about even the most gentle exercise. OsteoStrong in Juno Beach and Boca Raton has a cutting-edge strategy for people to build bone in only 15 minutes a week, with no sweating involved.
"Weekly sessions not only improve bone strength but also improve balance and reduce joint pain," says Berton Brown, owner of the Juno Beach and Boca Raton the client moves on to working on four devices that target the four main areas of the body. The client uses their strength to push on the devices, which do not move as a typical weight machine in a gym would. The session ends with another few minutes on the vibration plates. People with bone density in the osteoporosis range can safely use this process.
"This is completely safe for 90% of people," says Brown. "We have people in their 90s safely loading. They get here afraid of breaking something and leave here feeling empowered." It is membership-based, but some insurance companies, such as United Healthcare and Medicare, now cover all or some of the costs. Eliminating the fear of movement can expand people's physical options again and help us age well and without fear.
If your idea of fitness fun is a sport like golf, Florida's biggest pastime, there are fitness centers that cater to that. Forefront Golf and Fitness in Palm Beach Gardens offers fitness programs and specialty training to up your golf game. One of the tools they use is the Trackman, a simulator that measures a golfer's swing and ball flight and gives feedback to help improve technique.
Even kids can get in on the fun—Kidstrong in Palm Beach Gardens offers a variety of activities for children from 4 to 11. The program is three-pronged, offering activities that are not only physical but also build brain skills and character.
So whether you are a current couch potato or a fitness fan looking for something new, with so many engaging options now available, there's no excuse.
The time is now to get up and get out! ¦
