Residents can sign up for indoor fitness classes or head outside for a hike on a trail
The DuPage County Forest Preserve District website offers maps of trails at all of its preserves, including Fullersburg in Oak Brook. Blackwell offers several trails, the longest of which is 4 miles. (art/photo provided)
Christmas suddenly is in the rear view window, and while holiday celebrations might not yet be over, thoughts turn to January and getting back to a regular routine.
Part of that routine for many might involve getting back in shape. Fortunately Hinsdale residents have plenty of options for indoor classes through the parks and recreation department and The Community House.
And when the weather is mild, a walk outdoors in a nearby forest preserve might do as much for mental health as it does for physical health.
Fitness classes
• Adult Ninjas
Beginners and advanced participants will enjoy this class, working to progress through each obstacle while building strength, balance and agility. Classes typically will include three circuits with five to eight obstacles each. Classes are from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 8 to Feb. 12 at Ultimate Ninjas, 684 W. Lake St., Elmhurst. The cost is $169.
• Gentle yoga
This slower-paced class for adults at The Lodge and KLM Park uses yoga poses to maintain health and slow the effects of aging. The poses and breath control promote wellness for mind, body and spirit and help increase energy and improve balance, flexibility, joint stability and an overall sense of well-being. Classes are offered from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays Jan. 8 to Feb. 19 and 9 to 10 a.m. and 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursdays, Jan. 9 to 20. The cost is $75. Visit http://www.villageofhinsdale.org/pr.
• Latin Heat Dance Fitness
Take the hottest dance fitness class around with instructor Guillermo Rivera. Combination moves will strengthen the body through dancing. Innovate exercises will build muscle memory, muscle growth and burn calories. All fitness levels are welcome.
Classes are from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Saturdays at The Community House, 415 W. Eighth St., Hinsdale. The cost is $86. Visit http://www.thecommunityhouse.org.
• Tai Chi Chuan & Chi Gong
This 90-minute class will enhance balance, develop posture and alignments, strengthen muscles and ligament, improve mental equilibrium and transform challenges into strength and wisdom.
Classes are 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Jan. 2 to April 29.
A 10-card punch card costs $125.
• Yoga Flow
This well-rounded Vinyasa-style yoga practice is designed to foster and grow flexibility, balance, strength and mindfulness.
Classes are from 9 to 10 a.m. Thursdays, Feb. 6 to March 13. The cost is $90. Visit http://www.thecommunityhouse.org.
Head outdoors
DuPage Forest Preserves contain more than 175 miles of trails, some paved in crushed limestone or asphalt, others footpaths. Most are open to hikers and joggers and, weather permitting, cross-country seeing and snowshoeing.
Below is information about the trails at half a dozen DuPage forest preserves. For more information and other locations, visit http://www.dupageforest.org.
• Fullersburg Woods in Oak Brook offers 2.3-mile and 1.2-mile limestone/asphalt trails, along with three shorter trails, that offer picturesque views of Salt Creek.
The main entrance to Fullersburg is at 3609 Spring Road.
• Blackwell Forest Preserve offers a variety of trails, the longest of which is a 4-mile limestone and asphalt trail. A 1.3 mile trail is paved in crushed limestone and a .8-mile trail is turf.
The main entrance is on the north side of Butterfield Road, 1/4 mile east of Winfield Road in Warrenville.
• Danada Forest Preserve's 2.8 mile limestone trail is part of the Danada-Herrick Lake Regional Trail, a U.S.-designated National Recreation Trail.
Entrances are on the east and west sides of Naperville Road 1 mile south of Butterfield Road in Wheaton.
• Herrick Lake's portion of the regional trail (see above) is a 2.7-mile limestone/asphalt path. The preserve also has 1.9-mile and 1-mile limestone paths.
The main entrance is on the south side of Butterfield Road about 2 miles west of Naperville Road.
• Waterfall Glenn Forest Preserve's main trail is 9.5 miles and paved in crushed limestone. The second-longest is a 2.5-mile asphalt trail and there's also a 1.1-mile turf trail.
The main entrance is on the north side of Northgate Road 1/4 mile south of Cass Avenue in Lemont.
• Hidden Lake Forest Preserve offers a one-mile trail around Eagle Lake and a .9-mile trail around Round Meadow Lake. Both are paved in limestone.
The entrance is on the east side of Route 53 just south of Butterfield Road in Lisle.
The preserve typically are open daily from one hour after sunrise to one hour after sunset.
