The start of the new year brings with it those pesky New Year’s resolutions that seem impossible to actually keep. And, of course, one of the most popular resolutions is to lose weight and get in shape. Things are all well and good for about a month until you get tired and bored of the gym, your treadmill, or Shaun T. yelling at you from your television screen.
Luckily, Pottawattamie County is rich with unique workout opportunities. Avoid falling victim to workout fatigue by trying out some of these fun and interesting fitness ideas! Hey, maybe you’ll even keep your resolution this year.
Snowshoe Hikes at Hitchcock Nature Center
Winter may not seem like prime hiking season but it is with snowshoes! Hitchcock Nature Center is hosting snowshoe hikes in January and February. Beat those winter blues by getting outside amongst nature. You’ll burn out those fitness goals quick if you’re stuck inside all winter!
Rowing in Council Bluffs
According to First Row Fitness in Council Bluffs, rowing engages 85% of a person’s muscles in each stroke making it a fantastic way to work out—no more accidentally missing “leg day.” Rowing is also a great way to work out as a group and since all the rowing is done by machine, and not actually in the water, it’s something you can practice all year long in First Row’s studio!
Roller Skating in Underwood
From October to April, UMBA Hall opens its doors to the public for Friday night skate nights. Not only is it great exercise, but skating also brings back all of those fond childhood memories of carefree times spent at the roller rink.
Wine & Yoga in Carter Lake
On the first Friday of every month, The Feel Good Factory in Carter Lake hosts Wine & Yoga – Wine & UN-wind. The classes are made for beginners so it’s a great way to learn more about yoga while enjoying a nice glass of wine as you close out your busy week.
Futsal in Council Bluffs
You may have never heard of futsal, but it’s a fast-growing sport in the Council Bluffs area. Futsal, which is similar to indoor soccer, is great for helping develop young soccer players. Not to mention, it’s a wonderful way to keep active during the winter. Find out more about our local league, Great Plains Futsal, by reading our blog post exploring the sport.
Goat Yoga in Honey Creek
Last year, Doe’s and Diva’s Dairy and Honey Creek Creamery both held goat yoga classes in the spring. The events were, unsurprisingly, a huge hit. Both the dairy and the creamery plan to host goat yoga classes again this year as baby goats arrive in the spring. Classes will fill up quick so be on the lookout for more details closer to April.
Paddle Boating in Neola
When the weather warms up in a few months, head down to Arrowhead Park and rent a paddleboard for a great leg exercise while enjoying the lake and surrounding trees. Rentals range from $3 to $30 depending on how long you’d like to spend out on the water. Canoes are also available for rent.
Taco Ride in Council Bluffs and Mineola
Okay, this one is slightly cheating since it revolves around eating tacos, but you have to bike 10 miles to enjoy those tacos—and then 10 miles back! The Taco Ride takes place every Thursday night through spring to fall, starting at Iowa West Foundation Trailhead Park and ending at Tobey Jack’s Mineola Steakhouse. Hey, tacos or not, that’s still quite a workout.
Canoeing or Kayaking in Hancock
Rubber Duck Outfitters in Hancock offers multiple ways to float down the West Nishnabotna River, but tanking or tubing is not going to help you build muscle. Canoeing and kayaking, on the other hand, they’re your ticket to enjoying a relaxing day on the river while still feeling like you got your workout in.
