Patch Picks: Time to Get Off The Couch

Going on the belief (and with fingers crossed) that the worse of winter is over, and beach time is just five months away, Patch wants to help determine the best place to get going on an exercise routine, and to begin developing a committed approach to getting out from under the snuggly blanket and off the couch.

While Babylon Village boasts more than its fair share of great eateries, it also boasts a wide offering of options for whatever exercise regimen you prefer.  So every few weeks, as spring advances, we’ll offer up a few options right in the village where you can get going on that bathing suit body.

Let Patch know what path you’re taking to getting in shape by posting comments below and share your insight and tips on your exercise strategy. Also share feedback if you’re a member of local fitness establishments and tips on how best to get in shape.

While Pilates has gained big popularity in the past several years, the exercise approach dates back to the late 1880s and essentially works on the premise that the mind controls the body muscles. Be forewarned though, this isn’t an exercise regiment to be taken lightly as it requires intense concentration and focus. So no texting during class.

According to Wikipedia there is classic and there is contemporary approaches. The first involves the original set of exercises and equipment developed by the founder, Joseph Pilates. The more modern approach divides the classic strategy into segments with modifications made to the original exercise regimen.

FAB Pilates, on West Main Street, offers group and private classes for newbies and Pilates gurus. Average class size is about 10. 

If you’re more of a fast motion type, there’s Fitness Incentive, on Deer Park Ave, has been in the village since 1984 and is just a five-minute walk from the train station and offers programs for everyone from the runner to the competitive body builder. Open seven days, it has the cardio, strength classes as well as a weight loss program.

And today’s final option is the Long Island Center for Yoga, which opened in 2003 on East Main Street as Yoga Works. It’s open daily and classes, which average about 22 in size, vary week to week. There is also one-on-one instruction.vYoga, as Wikipedia describes, is a combination of mental, verbal and physical focus.