Health and Fitness

 

While some write off exercise as a modest accoutrement to their daily lifestyle, a framework of regular exercise, according to numerous souces, can greatly improve one's lifestyle and even help people live longer.

According to the American Heart Association, exercise is estimated, on average, to save a person $2,500 a year, while the May Clinic lists seven benefits to including a regular exercise program into one's lifestyle. According to the Mayo Clinic, exercise controls weight, combats health conditions and diseases, improves mood, boosts energy, promotes better sleep, "puts the spark into your sex life" and adds enjoyment and social interaction to one's everyday life.

Barre, as an energetic and diverse Vermont center of activity, is the place to be for infusing exercise into one's lifestyle. The township is home to a number and variety of exercise studios. Activities range from dance, martial arts, yoga, fitness centers, and even ice skating, most within a walk down North Main Street.

Rooted Yoga offers yoga classes for begnners to longstanding practioners to interconnect mind, body and spirit. Next door is Breath & Bone Reiki & Massage, a women's centered practice that offers holistic healing.

Vilari's Martial Arts Center, located on Elm Street, has classes ranging from beginner to advanced Karate for children to adults.

First in Fitness offers year round swimming and tennis in addition to their state of theart gymnasium. For a workout visit Body Tech Health and Fitness Club on Elm Street where there is a full gymnasium available complete with free weights, nautilus, and cardiovascular equipment.

Many area facilities also include classes fore kids. Joni's School of Dance, Shooting Star Dance Studio, Sunrise Gymnastics, have classes specifically designed for children that will not only provide exercise but also teach a skill.

Finally the B.O.R. Ice Arena is open to the general public for skating at specific times and the Barre Figure Skating Club offers programs for young and old.