When it comes to fitness, sometimes even the most-loved routines can feel dull.
After learning to swim at 28 with a coach and a pool noodle surrounded by Fort Leonard Wood Army divers and other swimmers, I learned that challenging myself to acquire new skills in fitness can be life changing. What started as unnatural and difficult eventually became a stress-relieving routine, with opportunities for new connections and expanded horizons. It’s never too late to try something new.
As summer winds down and cooler months come into view, moving is more important than ever. Invite a friend or two to mix up your fitness routine this fall at some of these indoor Fayetteville fitness hotspots and ignite a fresh love for fitness.
Acquire agility and stay nimble with fencing
The All-American Fencing Academy in downtown Fayetteville features Fourth Friday Walk-In Classes where you can test out your fencing abilities with a one-time class.
“Although the former primary intent of the club was to build and maintain a strong Army Fencing Team, the club’s strength lies in its civilian and Army family students,” the website states. “We welcome the whole community. Our fencers come from all over the Sandhills region and Fort Liberty, N.C. The All-American Fencing Academy is the only location teaching and training fencers within a 2-hour radius.”
Light up the room with new moves
Sometimes feeling confident in your own skin on the dance floor is simply a matter of adding moves to your repertoire. Roland Dance Studio and Fayetteville Latin Dance offer the opportunity to brush up on styles from country line dancing, to swing, to salsa, and beyond.
Roland Dance Studio offers a beginner group lesson at 8 p.m. every Friday followed by open dancing with a full-service bar from 9-10:30 p.m., along with other classes and lessons during the week.
Fayetteville Latin Dance offers classes for absolute beginners to advanced levels, with classes on kizomba, salsa, bachata, Afro movement, and more. Each class is designed for walk-ins to drop in at any time. The team also offers individual lessons and private group lessons. Surprise birthday plans for your music-loving friend? Check!
Experience the immersive calm of swimming
Though each individual might compete or swim alone, swimming is a community sport. The Fort Liberty Masters Swim Club creates a space for swimmers of all skill levels to develop their swimming skills in a community-oriented environment.
“Masters is a diverse group of competitive, triathlete, and fitness swimmers,” says the Fort Liberty Morale Welfare & Recreation (MWR) aquatics site. “Every practice has an instructor on deck. We welcome swimmers of all ability levels!” Learn more at MWR Aquatics or call 910-908-6187.
Whether you swim for speed, endurance, fun, or health, swimming is an activity you can do from age 9 to 99.
Reach new heights with rock climbing
When the fall and winter days grow shorter, an after-work climb might become the end-of-day, stress-relieving ritual you need. Whether climbing at The Climbing Place or Triangle Rock Club Fayetteville, you will find a full-body workout to strengthen both your mind and muscles. The Climbing Place offers a free class to educate beginner climbers on safe practices, as well as paid technique and lead climbing classes by appointment. On Wednesdays, The Climbing Place features discounted rates on gear rentals and climbing time for military personnel.
In addition to fitness and yoga classes, Triangle Rock Club Fayetteville offers discounts for first-time climbers, as well as classes on lead climbing, bouldering, rope climbing, and more.
Not sure who can climb with you? Post a notice with your contact and climbing schedule on the gym bulletin boards and find your very own climbing crew.
Create your plan to fall in love with fitness
It’s common for seasonal changes and holidays to lead to cold-weather blues. But Fayetteville indoor sports and recreation opportunities like these create plenty of opportunities to get out of your head, make some memories, and stay fit all season long.
Read CityView Magazine’s “Fall in Fayetteville” September 2024 e-edition here.
