It’s hard to escape the talk of New Year’s resolutions related to health, fitness, and weight loss. The truth is that any year, any time, is a great time to commit to health and wellness goals. We have compiled a list of resources to get you started on your journey to overall wellness through mind and body activities.
Chambanamoms thanks Yoga RoKs for presenting this post.
Ronit Kahn is a Yoga Teacher who focuses on alignment, body awareness, and strengthening your body while increasing flexibility. She especially loves teaching Yoga fundamentals and beginner classes. She says, “I think taking care of your mind and body is important and that one-on-one sessions, specifically tailored to your needs, are beneficial no matter where you are in your Yoga journey. I’d love to help you find your comfortable pace and Yoga style!” She also teaches small group classes, if you have some family or friends who would like to join you. Visit Facebook and Instagram for more info.
Thankfully, here in Champaign-Urbana, as well as surrounding communities such as Savoy, Monticello, Rantoul and Mahomet, we are lucky to have plenty of fitness options for every need. And many of them have special offers for the New Year, from free fitness weeks to free passes and more.
(Editor’s Note: As COVID-19 precautions continue to be in place, we encourage you to personally visit and ask questions as you consider joining an activity that fits your desires. Chambanamoms.com has compiled this list as a resource; it is not intended to serve as an endorsement of each organization, its related fitness programming or efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19.)
Free opportunities in Champaign-Urbana and beyond
Urbana Park District – Free Fitness Week, Jan. 3-7
Where: Phillips Recreation Center, Urbana Indoor Aquatic Center or Brookens Gym, depending on class
What: Try out any fitness classes at the Phillips Recreation Center, the Urbana Indoor Aquatic Center, the Lake House in Crystal Lake Park or Brookens Gym absolutely FREE for this week. Tai Chi and Aikido classes are not included.
Douglass Park Fitness Trail (Outdoors)
Where: Douglass Park, Champaign
What: Champaign Park District’s Douglass Park boasts a .6-mile fitness trail with several pieces of outdoor exercise equipment. Try out the ab crunch/leg lift, assisted row/push-up, balance steps, cardio stepper, chest/back press, mobility station, plyometrics, pull-up/dip, squat press, stretching station and Tai Chi wheels — all for free. More info in our Chambana Parks to Know profile.
Where: Champaign and Mahomet
What: Group fitness classes, hydrotherapy massage, personal/team training (for an additional cost) and use of both the Champaign and Mahomet locations with your membership; try it out with a free 7 day pass here as an introduction.
Orange Theory Fitness
Where: South Neil St., Champaign
What: You really just have to try Orange Theory to experience what it is like for yourself. Try your first class for free. Reserve online ahead of time.
Mahomet-Seymour Fieldhouse
Where: Mahomet
What: The Fieldhouse, which includes an indoor track, is currently open for walkers and joggers on various mornings each month; no evening hours at this time. The Fieldhouse is open only to residents of the Mahomet-Seymour school district. Students in junior high and younger must be accompanied and supervised by their parent or by another adult. Click here to check updated schedules.
Membership/Registration required
New Year deals and promotions will be added here as we find out about them
Stephens Family YMCA
Where: Southwest Champaign
What: An incredible round-up of group fitness programming on both land and water that meets a variety of schedules. Become a Y member and not only can you enjoy the fitness programming but you can utilize the childcare services and a long list of other member “perks” and discounts as part of the Y’s overall programming and vision.
Curves
Where: Champaign/Savoy and Monticello locations
What: A gym exclusively for women with a variety of classes and training available.
Planet Fitness
Where: Urbana and Champaign
What: Budget-friendly gym where you can utilizing equipment on your schedule. Click for a free day pass for use anytime.
Crunch Fitness
Where: Champaign location (former Toys ‘R Us location)
What: Variety of classes and equipment in a convenient North Neil location. Click for a free day pass for use anytime.
Anytime Fitness
Where: Champaign
What: Team and individual training. Click for a 7-day trial pass for use anytime.
Refinery Gym
Where: Champaign
What: Equipment and group fitness classes.
Nutrition and More
Profile by Sanford
Where: Champaign location (near Meijer)
What: Meet with a certified Profile coach for free to discuss nutritional programming and weight loss goals.
KMC Active
Where: Kirby Medical Center, Monticello
What: Described as “wellness programming,” there are a variety of services that can be tailored to your needs, including group wellness. Talk to your primary care provider to see if you can utilize services at no cost. Try out the one-mile “wellness trail” on your visit.
Fitness opportunities not currently available
Champaign Public Library
The Champaign Public Library typically offers free classes, such as chair yoga and tai chi, but are not running classes at this time.
U of I Armory and Track
At this time the Armory is closed until further notice. More info HERE.
