Outdoor fitness classes on Long Island
With the spring warm-up fully under way, it's time to start getting outdoors and getting fit. There are a variety of outdoor fitness classes - ranging from yoga and t'ai chi ch'uan to group walks and bike rides - that already have begun or will soon across the Island. Here's a sampling:
YOGA
When | Where: 11:15 a.m. Thursdays and Saturdays, Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury, 516-333-0048, oldwestburygardens.org
Cost: $15 a session (includes house and grounds admission)
Bring a yoga mat, yoga strap and towel to try Kripalu-style moves and poses outdoors in a shaded area on the south terrace lawn behind the mansion. In case of rain, classes led by instructor Lorili Henry move inside the adjacent Orchard Hill house.
When | Where: 8 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays; 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays (June 20 through Labor Day), Long Beach at New York Ave., 516-431-3890
Cost: $25 residents, $50 nonresidents
The oh-so-popular "Beach Yoga" classes resume June 20 with four classes per week through Labor Day. Must be at least 16 years old and register in advance.
T'AI CHI
When | Where: 9-11 a.m. Saturdays through June 27, Shorefront Park, Rider Avenue and Smith Street, Patchogue, 631-475-5730, watertigertaichi.com
Cost: Free
For the ninth year, "T'ai Chi in the Park" will help attendees reduce stress and improve balance, says "laoshi" (teacher) Laurince McElroy, owner of Water Tiger School of T'ai Chi Ch'uan. "It's a very casual event. People come when they can, and they leave when they have to." Participants should wear loose-fitting clothes and lightweight shoes. A translator will be at the June 13, 20 and 27 classes, which will be led in English and Spanish. The June 27 class moves to Father Tortora Park at Central Avenue and East Third Street.
BIKING
When | Where: 10 a.m.-noon Thursday, Stillwell Preserve, end of driveway near ballfields, Syosset. Other sessions scheduled most Tuesdays and Thursdays, 631-835-7599, adventuresbydesign.net
Cost: $40 ($100 for three sessions)
Women can get a great workout while learning how to ride a bike on- and off-road during a special Women's Bike and Fitness Camp created by Huntington-based Adventures by Design, which offers outdoor activities for kids, adults and families. Some sessions also include power hiking on challenging sections of local trails, yoga and other types of cross-training. (Sessions usually are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.) Participants should bring a hybrid or mountain bike (road bikes for road rides), plus a helmet, cycling gloves, eye protection and sturdy sneakers or boots. Registration required.
WALK THE DOGS
When | Where: 10 a.m. first and last Saturdays of the month (weather permitting), Bideawee, 118 Old Country Rd., Westhampton, 631-288-0591, bideawee.org
Cost: Free
Humans and canines can enjoy a fresh-air walk during "Fitness With Fido" group walks in Westhampton. Participants should meet at the center with their leashed dogs and plenty of water. Volunteers with adoptable dogs will lead the walk around the agency's grounds. And who knows? A walker might find another furry friend to adopt.
Find a complete listing of Long Island dog parks
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