When it gets so cold that you don’t even want to think about setting foot outside the door, it’s easy to get into the habit of watching hours of YouTube videos while stuffing your face with every kind of cookie imaginable. The colder months of the year bring a big change to our daily lives and especially to our fitness routines. The good news is there are a lot of unique ways to stay in shape this winter in CoMo, and they all offer just a little something out of the ordinary.
**CrossFit COMO**
_What it is:_ By now almost everyone has heard of one the biggest new crazes in the fitness world, CrossFit. CrossFit is a strength and conditioning program that doesn’t just specialize in one type of training. Instead, the workout tries to be more general and physically prepare participants for anything.
_Where and when:_ CrossFit COMO offers many classes from as early as 5 a.m. to as late as 8 p.m. It is located at 3605 S. Providence Road, Suite 7, and offers a free trial class to anyone curious enough to try CrossFit out.
_Why try:_ Many people are intimidated by the idea of CrossFit since it is very physically demanding. The truth is that in this type of workout, you aren’t competing with anyone else but yourself. So even if you’ve never worked out a day in your life, as long as you are at least trying to do the workout, you are doing CrossFit right.
**The Bouldering Garden:**
_What it is:_ The Bouldering Garden houses an indoor rock climbing facility that has two large caves, a 45-degree wall, two pillars, several slab walls and many other climbing surfaces. Basically, if you want something to climb, they have plenty of options. Rock climbing is a great core workout since it tests your balance constantly.
_Where and when:_ The indoor gym is open to the public 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Monday – Friday, and noon – 4 p.m. Sundays. It is located at 5400 Saint Charles Road Suite C. The gym even offers a student discount.
_Why try:_ Rock climbing is not something everyone just wants to do once finished with classes for the day, but a trip to this gym is exhilarating and a nice break from the normal running and lifting that can be found at the Rec. The Bouldering Garden has a range of walls, some for beginners and others for the Aron Ralston type. The knowledgeable staff is there to help instruct and make the adventure as fun as possible.
**Studio B:**
_What it is:_ Studio B is a dance studio that offers class for people of all age groups and opportunities to learn an assortment of dance styles. The gym also offers private lessons for a more personal experience (or if you are just too embarrassed by your two left feet to be with a group of strangers).
_Where and when:_ The gym has classes at all times of the day, and is located at 2909 Falling Leaf Lane, Suite H.
_Why try:_ Although some people probably think that dancing is only meant for a certain type of person, dancing is actually an amazing workout and can be extremely enjoyable. The studio offers beginning classes in any style, so you can learn how to bust a move hip-hop style or become a real life ballerina while breaking out of your comfort zone.
**Sumits Hot Yoga:**
_What it is:_ Hot Yoga is a series of yoga poses that are performed in a room that is between 100-105 degrees. The workout rids the body of toxins, and since the body is warm, it becomes more flexible. If practiced regularly, people experience an increase in energy, strength, balance, flexibility and mental focus.
_Where and when:_ Sumits Hot Yoga has 80-minute classes three to six times per day, depending on the schedule.
_Why try:_ The great thing about hot yoga is that even if you normally aren’t very flexible, the heat of the room gives you some help. Also, this type of workout can help lead to a state of relaxation, and with all the stress that students have in their lives, it can be a great option to clear your head before that big exam.