Resolve To Get Healthy: Great Events Kickoff The New Year In ATX

AUSTIN, TX -- If you're like millions of Americans, you probably entered the New Year with your own set of new year's resolutions. Among the popular resolutions, getting healthy ranks first among the lists of self-improvement. Whether you're looking to try a fun and new activity like Hip Hop dance, or you're interested in focusing on your mental and spiritual wellness with something like yoga, there's never a shortage of things to try in Austin this new year.

Check out some of the low-cost or free events happening in Austin this week. We're sure you'll find the right fit to get you on track for a great 2018.

Tuesday, Jan. 2

• SpeedShop Mafia: All are invited to attend this Meetup group dedicated to distance running and open to runners of any level that seek to work on their track speed, mechanics, and strength. This event recurs each Tuesday with the next Meetup taking place Tuesday, Jan. 2 at 5:30 PM. Great for meeting other runners and participating in informal workouts, you'll want to pop into this weekly event. Training not provided, but the group periodically joins other training groups which provide an opportunity to trial with them. Guests of the SpeedShop Mafia Meetup will enjoy complimentary beer at the event. For additional information, click HERE. Stephen F. Austin High School, 1715 Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78703
• Beginner Belly Dance: This beginners Arabic bellydance class will give students the chance to learn the basics of Arabic-style bellydance in a safe and fun environment and will be held Tuesday, Jan. 2 beginning at 5:45 PM. Class will teach 6 basic hip movements of bellydance, arm movements, upper body movements, hand movements, foot placement, traveling across the dance floor, layering movements and props. Guests will also learn about Arabic music and the different styles of dance associated to different regions in the Arab world. Gym clothes and bare feet are acceptable. You can wear leather bottomed dance shoes for more comfort while dancing. Hip scarves are encouraged to feel movements better, but are not required. Feel free to wear other bellydance attire. For additional information, click HERE. Dance International, 2417 Buell Avenue, Suite A, Austin, TX 78757
• Tuesday Night Trainer Ride: Each Tuesday night, The Bicycle Sport Shop hosts its weekly Night Trainer Ride on Tuesday, Jan. 2 at 6:15 PM. Attendees will need to be there at 6:15 PM to set up; wheels down (or in) at 6:30 PM; 1 hour ride; 7:30 PM finish. The Research shop is offering up 3 of their CycleOps trainers to rent for the event for $10 each. Participants interested in renting a trainer will need to RSVP via email to simone_w@bicyclesportshop.com. Please include your bike specs so she can assure we have the correct attachments. This is first come, first served. If you need to rent, email her now! If it rains, we will cancel the event. Following the ride, there will be a post-workout beverage provided. For additional information, click HERE. Bicycle Sport Shop, 10947 Research Boulevard, Austin, TX 78759
• Yoga in the City - Free Yoga: Each week, Life in the City will host a free yoga class and offer a rotating list of teachers and styles. Join them this Tuesday, Jan. 2 at 7:30 PM for a great yoga session. For more information about the style and instructor for the week, click HERE. Life in the City, 205 East Monroe Street, Austin, TX 78704
• Adult Hip Hop: Dance International will host its Adult Hip Hop class this Tuesday, Jan. 2 at 8 PM. Instructor Jared Hale will guide students through a new Hip Hop routine each week and include elements such as: popping, isolations, waving, tutting, footwork/house dance, and musicality. $15/class. See dancein.org for discounts. Dance International, 2417 Buell Avenue, Ste. A, Austin, TX 78757

Wednesday, Jan. 3

• Barre at GirlPower Fitness: GirlPower Fitness will host its Barre class this Wednesday, Jan. 3 at 9 AM. This is not your average barre class! Barre Strength combines classical ballet with Pilates and strength movements. This total body class provides a head-to-toe workout that mixes grace and strength, and also gets your heart pumping with cardio bursts. Classes limited to 5 people. Cost: $15/one class, $120/ten-class pass or $130 for monthly unlimited. Lots of other classes available! GirlPower Fitness, 11421 Naples Cove, Austin, TX 78739
• The Choice of Happiness: Join MalaMakers this Wednesday, Jan. 3 at 1 PM to discuss happiness methods and learn community yoga tips. Guests should bring a yoga mat, journal and pen, and beverage of their choice. Wear loose fitting clothing comfortable for stretching and sitting in. For additional information, click HERE. Rock Island, Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX 78704
• Plan Your Perfect 2018 Triathlon Season: Bicycle World will host the kick-off to its bi-weekly Wednesday Workshops on Wednesday, Jan. 3 at 5:30 PM. The first workshop will include moderator Carrie Sapp Barrett from I Could Never Do That asking a few of Austin's Top Coaches on how they would advise their Athletes on How to plan out the Perfect Race schedule for 2018, Balance Family Life and Training, and more. Bring a notebook and pen to take down as much information available to help you with your training. Beef Loving Texans will provide tacos for the event, and Cycle Chauffeur will be providing beer and water. For additional information, click HERE. Bicycle World, 300 South Lamar, Austin, TX 78704
• East Side Beer Runners Weekly Run: Hops and Grain will host its weekly East Side Beer (ESB) Runners run this Wednesday, Jan. 3 at 6:30 PM. Attendees will meet at the patio at 6:30 PM and participate in a run (3-5 miles) and will return and enjoy a complimentary beer. For additional information, click HERE. Hops and Grain, 507 Calles Street #101, Austin, TX 78702

Thursday, Jan. 4

• Yoga in the Park: Guests are invited to participate in the outdoor all-level flow class on Thursday, Jan. 4 at 5:15 PM. This class will meet in the park and will be a great opportunity to nourish the mind, body, and spirit. Attendees are asked to arrive 5-10 minutes early to get settled, and parking is available throughout the park and surrounding neighborhood. Wear comfortable clothing, bring water, and a yoga mat. Class is donation-based and gratefully accepted in cash or via venom (SaraBennett4). For additional information, click HERE. Class will only be canceled if it is raining and/or below 45F. Ramsey Park, 4301 Rosedale Ave, Austin, TX 78756
• Austin Marathon Happy Hour: nuun hydration and CLIF Bar will host an Austin Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K Happy Hour at The Wheel on Thursday, Jan. 4 at 5:30 PM. Attendees will enjoy a fun shakeout run throughout parts of the new Austin marathon route while sampling the amazing products found on the race course. This is a great opportunity to relax with friends and family and enjoy great drinks, swag, and goodies from your favorite endurance brands and some awesome raffle prizes. The first fifty through the door will receive a drink ticket and a nuun pint glass. For additional information, click HERE. The Wheel, 1902 East Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, Austin, TX 78702
• Thursday Social Run with Texas Running Company: Texas Running Company will host its Thursday Social Run this Thursday, Jan. 4 at 6:30 PM. All paces welcome, attendees are encouraged to come out and enjoy a great opportunity to meet other runners and enjoy a relaxing workout with friends. Wear reflective gear. Red's Porch-Quarry, 4200 B Braker Lane, Austin, TX 78759

Photo by NordWood Themes on Unsplash