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Community Corner

Spring Into Fitness Throughout the Two Boroughs

Rumson and Fair Haven parks offer exercise opportunities for all exercise levels.

The snow has melted, the sun has come out, and it’s time to move! As the weather finally begins to warm up, spring is the perfect season to start or continue an outdoor fitness routine. So, lace up your sneaks and take advantage of the plethora of activities in Rumson and Fair Haven parks.

Meadow Ridge Park on Ridge Road is Rumson’s largest park spanning 23 acres. In addition to a mile-long trail, the park features exercise equipment such as elliptical cross trainers, leg press, chest press, lat pull, pull up station and uneven bars. No accessories are needed as body weight provides resistance during routines.

“To combine cardio and resistance training, park visitors can walk or jog the trail, then exercise on the machines,” said John Hird, Rumson Recreation Director. “There is a board that provides a sample workout and explains how to use the machines.”

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Riverside Park, located at the end of Riverside Drive and Wardell Avenue, is one of Rumson’s busiest parks. Two fields and a playground keep kids entertained, and the park’s walkway along the river is great for exercising.

“Riverside Park offers a trail for walking and jogging,” said Hird. “There are also benches that overlook the water for taking a break.”

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For tennis and basketball enthusiasts, Victory Park and Rogers Park and have courts for use. Victory Park’s courts are lit until 10pm and overlook the Navesink River. No tennis partner? No problem. Piping Rock Memorial Park features a hitting wall for solo exercise.

Children can also utilize Rumson’s parks for fitness. From kindergarten to high school, there are recreational activities for everyone. Baseball, softball, soccer, basketball, football and crew programs are available. Visit rumsonnj.gov for more information.

Prefer to work out with your little one? Mommy-Moves offers an array of fitness courses, including a Stroller Class at Meadow Ridge Park. The 60-minute class includes cardiovascular, strength, flexibility and core training.

“The class is more than just a walk in the park,” Lori Sawyer, certified athletic trainer and founder of Mommy-Moves. “We provide exercise bands and use the elements of the park to focus on our strength work.” 

Moms of all fitness levels are welcome at Mommy-Moves classes, which offer a chance to exercise and socialize. Benefits extend beyond the physical, as regular fitness has been shown to decrease port-partum depression. The classes can also have a positive mental affect on children.

 “When kids are brought up knowing fitness is fun, they are more open to being fit,” said Sawyer.

Mommy-Moves spring classes begin in mid-March, and registration is currently open online at mommy-moves.com. Classes offered include stroller, pilates stroller, boot camp, yoga and more. 

Still in a winter exercise slump? Don’t be discouraged! Fair Haven Parks and Recreation is gearing up for their second annual Couch Potato to 5K Class. Participants start with a very short distance and work their way up as the class progresses. Each week includes a handout, brief discussion and homework assignment to keep everyone on track.

“Some of last year’s participants, self-proclaimed non-runners, are still running several times a week now,” said Charlie Hoffmann, Fair Haven Parks and Recreation Director.

The Couch Potato to 5K Class is a 12-week program that begins March 21 and meets at McCarter Park . The class is open to Fair Haven adults only. For more information, visit fairhavennj.org.

With all of the options Rumson and Fair Haven have to offer, there is no excuse to get out and start moving this spring!

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