Given Up on Your New Year's Resolution? Reignite with these Local Spots!
by Leila Tai Brown
Given the tumultuous year that was 2020, it should come as no surprise that more than a few people celebrated its close with resolutions for the New Year. Perhaps it was to get fit, or eat better and cleaner. Whatever the resolution was, there’s a good chance that by now, a good portion of folks might have fallen off the proverbial wagon. If that’s you, then you’re in luck! March is certainly not too late in the year to give those resolutions for 2021 another go around. Here are a few Montclair spots that can help you get active and eat cleaner just in time for Spring!
CoreFire
Looking for a total body and mind workout? CoreFire might be the place for you! This gym may be small scale, but it packs a total body punch. The intimate class sizes are built to allow for personal training level attention for each participant from the CoreFire coaches. CoreFire aims to improve your most natural abilities, balance, and your overall core strength through Pilates based motions. The best part is that everything needed is already in the studio. Just bring water and determination! Whether you’re the most experienced fitness junkie or someone just starting out, CoreFire has a place for you. Not ready to come out of the home for a small group class? CoreFire offers online classes to be taken from the comfort of home as well.
Fleet Feet Montclair
Whether you’re looking to run a marathon or just take walks around Brookdale Park, Fleet Feet has you covered. The athletic store has been a Montclair staple on the corner of Midland and Bloomfield and has served the Montclair community for decades. Fleet Feet is not only your local one stop shop for running shoes, activewear and gear, but it can provide the companionship and camaraderie to help keep you motivated. Fleet Feet routinely hosts running sessions in preparation for 5 and 10k races respectively. Still need a little more activation? Catch one of their virtual yoga and fitness sessions especially aimed at runners.
AE Fitness
The private gym nestled in the heart of Watchung Plaza provides the perfect setting to restart a new year promise to get moving. Whether it’s strength training or a quick run on the treadmill that’s in order, AE Fitness is there to help. Looking to learn something new? AE Fitness has ten personal trainers on staff to help perfect even the most disciplined athlete’s form. To ensure the safest workout experience, AE Fitness requires members to enter the gym on an appointment only basis along with outdoor workouts and regular sanitization.
Green Chop’s
Doing better in 2021 isn’t just about getting fit, but eating better too. Green Chop’s may be a small storefront in just steps from the Watchung train station, but it’s flavor profile surely packs a punch. Green Chop’s not only allows customers to create custom salads with the freshest ingredients, but they offer homemade soups(try the chicken noodle!), fresh squeezed juices, and organic coffee & tea. On the go and don’t have time for a hearty salad? Try one of Green Chop’s fresh and tasty smoothies.
Playa Bowls
Looking to fulfill that 2021 promise to eat more fruits and grain? Look no further than Playa Bowls. Since this down the shore favorite has made its way into Montclair, it has attracted Montclair residents of all ages in pursuit of super fresh super foods. The shockingly filling fruit bowls are made with fresh ingredients right in front of your eyes in a chill surf shop themed setting. With seven bowl bases(including acai, pitaya, and even oatmeal), there’s something for everyone. Playa touts their signature blends with festive names like Electric Mermaid and The Pink Flamingo, but if you just can’t decide, get your bowl tailor made to your taste buds. The best part is that the plant based bowl will give you energy for your day with each guilt free bite! Not hungry enough for a bowl? Try one of their many signature smoothies!
