National Physical Fitness Month

May is National Physical Fitness Month, an entire month dedicated to fitness and creating a healthier lifestyle. Regular physical activity can help reduce and protect you from heart disease, high blood pressure, stress and more. It can also control weight, improve mood, promote better sleep and boost energy.

Over the last decade, the available options for getting a good workout have multiplied, from Jazzercise to yoga, CrossFit and more. So whatever your go-to physical fitness activity is, there are plenty of options for you here in Minneapolis.

YogaFit Studios

Boasting five Minnesota locations, YogaFit Studios is a place for everyone. “Our mission is to make yoga and fitness classes more accessible to everyone,” said Ashok Dhariwal, multiunit owner. He and his wife love their business because they get the opportunity to build a great team of teachers who genuinely care about their students. The stories they hear and the progress they see after people take a yoga or fitness class is pure bliss.

“The benefits our students—and we personally—see from taking a yoga or fitness class are increased strength and flexibility of both the body and the mind,” added Dhariwal. The mental element to YogaFit is significant, and Dhariwal believes they can help people become more grounded during every class, rebooting for themselves and their loved ones.

YWCA Minneapolis

Fully inclusive, valued and healthy are just a few of the words to describe the YWCA. “This is a place where racial justice, gender equality and human dignity are promoted and sustained through bold and effective women’s leadership,” said Assistant General Manager Richard Lopez. “There are four pillars in which the YWCA carries its mission: health and wellness, early childhood education, girls and youth programing, and our racial justice and public policy work.”

The YWCA has three fitness facilities in Hennepin County, reaching more than 30,000 individuals each year. Lopez swears by physical activity—if he is ever in a bad mood, his therapy of choice is a long run outdoors. “It allows me to process the thoughts in my head and can turn my attitude around,” he said.

So join me throughout May to participate in National Physical Fitness Month. Try something new, create good habits and get fit. To check out all of the AAA Minneapolis fitness partners, visit Minneapolis.Discounts.AAA.com.