If it’s not your style to be inside a gym on a summer day, you’ll be glad to know that there are several free outdoor fitness opportunities throughout this area. Here are some weekly options for you in the Reston area of Northern Virginia, including Great Falls, Fairfax, and Tysons. All are free and social ways to earn your…

These days, there are a slew of specialized gyms and fitness studios to choose from. Some are familiar, like yoga and boxing, but some are shrouded in a veil of mystery and myths, like CrossFit. Last month we challenged ourselves at Pure Barre Reston. This month, I (Michelle) stepped out of my comfort zone and walked into…

There has been a lot of buzz lately about barre workouts — ballet/yoga/pilates-inspired classes that focus on isometric strength training with high reps of small movements. These exercises are typically done at a ballet barre or on a mat with props like resistance bands and light weights. Studios have been popping up like mushrooms, touting benefits…

You’ve probably heard that berries are high in antioxidants, but did you know that research has shown that they can help to fight or prevent several illnesses? One vendor at the Reston Farmers Market is so impressed with the health benefits of berries that he has built a career around them. Jerry’s Gourmet Berries is a family-owned farm located…

I recently met with a group of mothers as part of an article about their fitness group. One of the moms left quite an impression on me, because she was working out with a smile on her face while simultaneously corralling her three kids under five. I chatted with her after the workout, and was astonished to learn that despite…

This coming Saturday, champion dogs will be leaping off the docks at Lake Anne and splashing into the water. This event will be part of the grand opening celebration of PetMAC, a new store at Lake Anne Plaza. There will also be dog scent work demos, cooking demonstrations, face painting, music, and giveaways. The fun will…

There are so many excuses not to exercise, especially if you have young children. It’s hard to stay motivated if you exercise solo. Group classes can be expensive, and even more so if you have to pay for child care. And once you do pay for classes, young kids make it tough to stick to a consistent schedule. Reston…

Lake Anne really shines in the warm months. Boat rentals, concerts, farmers markets, festivals, and outdoor dining make it a summertime delight. But so much is going on at Lake Anne Plaza all year round, and you really should come in the winter, too. Here are some reasons why: 1. There’s wild nightlife. Anyone who shrugs off Lake…

It’s January — time to put away the holiday decorations and jump-start your fitness routine for the year. Whether you are introducing exercise into your life for the first time or simply want to lose winter weight, consider working with a trainer. Not only will he or she provide continued motivation, but they can customize the most effective routine…