If you’ve been looking for that perfect outdoor workout, but you just haven’t managed to find the one that suits you, take a look at all of the fitness offerings at Canalside, sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield. Altogether there are thirteen different ways to get your body in better shape this summer. From zumba to BLT (butts, legs and thighs), there are exercises for all ages and all abilities.
“You shouldn’t have to move mountains or break the bank to stay healthy and active, especially during the summer months in Western New York” said Gretchen Fierle, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications. “BlueCross BlueShield is proud to partner with Canalside to provide individuals and families options when it comes to summer activities that are fun, engaging, and free.”
The best part about the fitness schedule is that everything is free, and all you have to do is show up*. There is no registration process, which means that there is no pressure. Just show up and get active. If you find that you like the routines, come back again, or add another exercise session to the mix.
“Canalside is pleased to be playing a role in the fitness routines of thousands of people,” said Robert Gioia , ECHDC Chairman. “The variety of activities offered in this beautiful outdoor space encourage people to try new things. It’s a great way to enjoy the waterfront, get in a satisfying workout and meet new friends – all at the same time.”
*All classes are weather dependent. In cases of inclement weather, individuals can check Canalside’s facebook page for updates on classes. The classes are all summer long, with end dates varying between classes. Some will go into September and some will end earlier in August. Check the Canalside events calendar at canalsidebuffalo.com. This gets updated weekly.
Fitness at Canalside Presented by BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York Class Offerings:
Fusion Fitness Monday 6 – 7 p.m. Fusion Fitness is a total body workout with a mix of cardio and strength using only body weight. Some examples of Fusion workouts are strength and running, pilates, and strength and cycling combinations. |
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Barre Centric Monday 7 – 8 p.m. Barre Centric helps to sculpt long and lean muscles by combining principles from Ballet, Yoga, and Pilates. The class is broken down into 4 sections– warmup, thighs, seat, and abdominals, using small isometric movements to fatigue the muscles and lengthening stretches to increase flexibility. |
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Taoist Tai Chi Tuesday and Thursday 9-10 a.m. Tai Chi helps to improve circulation, better your balance and posture, increase flexibility and strength while also reducing stress. Tai chi, also called tai chi chuan, is a self-paced gentle physical exercise which involves stretching. Each posture flows into the next without pause. Your body is in constant motion. |
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Kidding Around Family Yoga Tuesday 3 – 3:45 p.m. This yoga class is a way for you to learn easy yoga poses along with the breathing techniques used in yoga. Storytelling will be incorporated to make it more kid and family friendly. Please remember to bring your own Yoga mat. |
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Hoop Dance/ Rhythm Tuesday 7 – 8 p.m. This class helps you to burn up to 400 calories or more an hour through steps, spins, swinging, and twirling of the hoop. Upbeat and motivating music is included. |
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Pilates Mat Class Wednesday 5 – 6 p.m. Teaches you to properly use your core during static and dynamic movement with a strong emphasis on the alignment of your body. Pilates helps to build your muscles without causing you to bulk up like weight training at a gym will. |
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POUND Rockout Workout Wednesday 6 – 7 p.m. Full body cardio jam. This class combines resistance training with a constant simulated drumming motion which uses lightly weighted drumsticks. This will help you to develop and sculpt some of the infrequently used muscles that we tend not to workout in a regular workout or class. |
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Muay Thai Kickboxing Wednesday 6 – 7 p.m. Kickboxing is a high intensity workout that helps to tone and strengthen the body while also teaching moves in self-defense. It is considered to be a combat sport in Thailand and is known as “the art of eight limbs” because it is characterized by the combined use of fists, elbows, knees, shins. |
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Power Yoga Friday 6 – 7 p.m. Saturday 10 – 11 a.m. This form of yoga builds on the foundations for patience with the emphasis on alignment of posture, physical conditioning and breathing. Power yoga does not follow a set series of poses, so classes can vary widely. Cardio is a focus. |
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Zumba at Canalside Tuesday 6 – 7 p.m. Zumba is a Colombian based dance workout that pushes your cardio endurance and is created to be like a hour long dance party. Squats and lunges are incorporated into hip-hop, salsa, samba, merengue and more styles of dances. |
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Exercise Like the Animals Monday through Friday, 11:30 – 12:30 p.m. This class mimics the moves of animals of the world and is geared to be kid friendly. This allows kids to run around while also having the ability to stretch and do some yoga like poses; depending on the animal. |
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B.L.T. Sunday 10 – 11 a.m. “Butt, Legs, Thighs.” This intense fitness class combines cardio and plyometric exercises to workout the lower half of your body using strictly your body weight. Some of the workouts would include squats and lunges. |
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Boot Camp Fitness Class Saturday 6 – 7 p.m. Boot camp can vary class to class but tends to be an intense mix of strength and aerobic training. The class is based off military boot camp workouts and can include things such as pushups, pullups, lunges, crunches, drills and sprints. There will be a lot of interval training involved in this class. Class is taught by US Veteran John C.S. |