Businesses that Get You Moving

Nationally, eight out of 10 Americans are overweight. In these dark days of winter, people become more sedentary, adding to the problem. According to the Center for Disease Control, “American society has become obesogenic, characterized by environments that promote increased food intake, non-healthful foods, and physical inactivity.”

The weather is no excuse, as Reisterstown boasts many businesses created to keep people moving, regardless of the weather. These businesses run the gamut from traditional workouts to kickboxing to ice skating, so you can become active and burn that winter weight away, all the while doing something you love. Here are some local businesses designed to get you up off the sofa.

. Victor and Lynne Brick have been on a fitness mission in Baltimore since 1985. Their Chartley location offers: Cardio, Pilates, cycling, boxing, strength-training, a 25-foot lap pool and Jacuzzi as well as personal trainers to instruct you how to take advantage of all the center has to offer. See their website for more specific information on classes and programs.

Membership is required, but there is no joining fee. If you want to test it out, go to the website and get a 14-day free pass to test things out. Beyond the free-pass period, you can sign up for 60 days for $60 to give you an idea if it’s something you’ll stick with before you join long term.

The pool is open to non-members but call to the schedule. The gym features liberal hours, so there’s no excuse of it not fitting into your schedule.

On Saturdays, March 12-April 16, the American Red Cross will sponsor Youth Group Swim Lessons at Brick Bodies in Reisterstown. Strokes taught will include the four competitive strokes (Front Crawl, Back Crawl, Breaststroke, Butterfly) and 2 recreational strokes (Side Stroke & Elementary Backstroke). Six levels of classes will be taught.

FYI: Brick Bodies Fitness Services, 2 Chartley Dr., 410-833-3386

Curves.   The Curves concept is an all-female workout environment.  Various pieces of equipment target specific body parts, and you move from one piece of equipment to the next to form a full-circuit workout. The resistance machines are designed to work two muscles at a time. Ultimately, the idea is that the quick pace and specially-designed program will keep your heart rate up to burn off maximum calories during a 30-minute workout. This Curves has been nestled in the Cherry Valley Shopping Center since 2007.

FYI: Curves, 11612 Reisterstown Rd., 410-526-3965

. Aerobics, strength training and cardio aren’t for everyone. People get older, injured and, gasp, pregnant, so they may choose a form of exercise that works the body in way that promotes overall well being that's less stressful on the body.  

Director Jennifer Heinstadt offers a mix of programs that fit anyone’s stage of life. You can be as strenuous or as active as you want, depending on your needs.

Heinstadt has scoliosis (curvature of the spine), and has suffered various physical injuries with pain so tremendous that she didn’t want to move physically. So, she is particularly mindful of those with pain or special circumstances. Her back-care oriented Yoga classes are meant to get the most out of the body with the least amount of stress. “The body wants to move; that’s what it’s made for,” she explained.

Two of her students have arthritis issues, and were leery about starting a yoga program. Heinstadt teaches Yin Yoga on Thursday evenings, a very gentle style of yoga conducive to those with arthritis. “There’s not a lot of up and down,” she said. “It eases you into allowing your body into becoming more active.”

In addition to Yin, Mindful Freedom Yoga Studio features Anusara Yoga (beginner, intermediate and advanced). Those new to Yoga, the studio offers several beginner options so you can see what is right for you.

Call and leave an email or snail mail address and they’ll mail you a current schedule of courses. For more information, check the website.

FYI: Mindful Freedom Yoga Studio, 317 Main St., 410-900-3381

. Many parents sign their children up for martial arts, but the fact is, martial arts can provide a great way for adults to stay fit as well. American Kenpo Karate covers traditional forms of self defense, boxing kickboxing, jiu jitsu and mixed martial arts. A schedule of classes can be found online.

FYI: American Kenpo Karate Studio, 220 Business Center Dr. 410-833-6090

. A nice day on the ice (indoor) can be a great workout. You can make it as freestyle or organized as you want, public skating to pick up hockey games (starting in March). Rent skates at the rink, if you need them. Hours vary. For more information, see the Sportsplex website.

FYI: Reisterstown Sportsplex, 401 Mitchell Dr., 410-429-4242