Anytime is a good time to start a fitness journey, but May, National Physical Fitness & Sports Month, may offer a little extra incentive to get more active.
Besides looking and feeling better, physical activity is essential to maintain health and well-being. Aerobic exercise can help improve heart health and endurance and aid in weight loss.
Getting more active also can reduce the risk of many chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma, and arthritis. Regular exercise also can improve the quality of life for people who have cancer and can lower the risk of dying from breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer.
Movement, such as walking, bicycling, yoga, and dancing, also can help with mental health, easing anxiety, stress, and depression.
Youth sports can help children and teens become active and develop vital leadership, positive attitudes, time management, and relationship-building skills.
If you have a chronic disease—and even if you don’t—it’s a good idea to check with your doctor to learn how often it is best for you to exercise, which exercises are safe, and any precautions you should take.
Here are five free and low-cost fitness and sports activities for you to try:
Ballroom dancing classes – Get more flexible, tighten and tone while learning to ballroom dance as soon as your first lesson with Clarence Hunter (also known as Mr. C.).
The back patio at Bert’s Marketplace, 2727 Russell St., Detroit.
The cost is by donation, usually $5.
Classes run from 4 p.m. on Wednesdays and Sundays, weather permitting.
For more information, call Mr. C. at 313-424-8000.
Planet Fitness – Get fit in the Judgement Free Zone for as little as $10 a month, which offers high-quality fitness with startup fees as low as $1 and no-commitment options.
1395 Eight Mile Road, Detroit.
Hours are from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
For more information, call 313-775-1422.
The Trap Yoga & Massage Studio – Take the next step toward overall health, mental and physical flexibility, and stability with an array of yoga classes.
3179 Franklin St., Detroit.
The cost is $15 monthly for on-demand online classes, starting at $50 per month for unlimited in-studio lessons. Classes begin as early as 6:30 a.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
For more information, thetrapstudio.com or call 313-980-8727.
People For Palmer Park Walking Club – Walking in Palmer Park is a great way to meet new people, explore the peaceful park trails, and breathe fresh air. Walks are scheduled on Mondays from June 6 to August 25. Meet at the splash parking lot before the ride begins at 6 p.m.
The cost for membership starts at $25.
For more information, contact lwright6748@yahoo.com.
Dequindre Cut Greenway – Bicycle, walk, run, rollerblade, or look at the colorful art. Count in your way to enjoy the Dequindre Cut, a recreational path and greenway that runs two miles from the East Riverfront, Eastern Market, and several residential neighborhoods in between. The mostly below-street-level greenway runs parallel to St. Aubin Street, between Mack Avenue and Atwater Street, just north of the riverfront. Entrance ramps to the Cut are on Atwater, Franklin, Lafayette, Wilkins streets, and Mack and Gratiot avenues.
The cost is free.
For more information, visit detroitriverfront.org.
About Post Author
