As a recent popular blog post on NJ Urban Thinker evidences, the merits of the Cranford area are far from a well kept secret. This region has so much to offer residents and visitors that it can almost be overwhelming if you don't know where to start. In an effort to highlight just some of the wonderful area businesses and resources, I've created some guides to unlocking the Cranford - Westfield region and enjoying it to the fullest. I hope they are useful to you in discovering new local treasures or planning a fun weekend outing!
It's that time of year when fitness is on everyone's mind. Whether or not you're a fan of resolutions, January is a good time to start developing some healthy habits. The non-stop eating extravaganza of the holidays is over, and it's really too cold to do much else. There are actually so many healthy resources in the Cranford - Westfield area, that it's too much for one guide. I've got a guide to overall health and wellness and a guide for runners specifically coming your way soon, so keep an eye out for those. If you're looking to kickstart your 2017 fitness plans by trying something new or taking your workouts to the next level, consider the area businesses below. Enjoy!
All promotions included below were indicated per the business website at the time this blog was published. Be sure to check with the business owners for the most up to date promotion information.
Full Service Gyms & Personal Training
First, let's start with the all-inclusive options. If you're looking to join a new gym in 2017, this area has you covered. Here are just some of the local gyms:
1. Strength and Fitness Club - Cranford
I may be partial because this is my gym, and I love it there, but this family owned and operated gym provides a friendly and supportive environment to get in shape. Strength and Fitness offers childcare and all classes are included in membership fees. Be sure to check out Circuit Mania with Ricardo or Spinsanity with Meredith!
2. Blue Peak Fitness - Cranford
Blue Peak Fitness is a full service gym with childcare, personal training, group fitness and other amenities like tanning and a smoothie bar.
3. Westfield Area Y - Westfield
There's not much the YMCA doesn't have. They offer classes that serve every member of the community's unique needs, and they offer childcare!
4. Jeni-Fit - Westfield
A truly full service gym! In addition to personal training, they offer classes in cycling, pilates, yoga, boot camp, and crossfit as well as a stroller class for new moms.
5. GHOS - Westfield
GHOS, short for Go Hard or Starve, offers personal or group training plus nutrition counseling. A quick look at their testimonials page shows a lot of love!
6. Gold Medal Fitness - Garwood
Conveniently located, Gold Medal offers childcare and personal training as well as a variety of classes.
7. Active Life Fitness - Garwood
Active Life provides personal training specifically geared towards men and women aged 40 and up.
8. Retro Fitness - Clark
Membership at Retro Fitness includes access to their Cardio Movie Theater. Check out their free trial!
9. Game Changer Gym - Springfield
Game Changer is a gym with small group fitness classes that offers results with 3 weekly sessions.
10. Crunch Gym - Garwood
Crunch is a large gym with lots of parking and they are under $10 a month!
Cross Training
If you've done the gym thing or maybe already have a gym you love but are looking to add some cross training to your routine, check out these great options:
1. Orange Theory Fitness - Garwood
This is the new workout that everyone is talking about! Orange Theory utilizes a heart rate monitor to track intensity (your goal is to stay in the "Orange Zone") and alternates between cardiovascular and strength training promising a sustained calorie burn that lasts even after the class ends. Check out a free trial class!
2. Crossfit KOA - Cranford
Crossfit is a much loved program both for its high intensity workouts and the sense of community among its members. Crossfit KOA can accommodate all fitness levels and offers a free trial class!
3. Cycle Studio Group - Clark
In addition to cycle classes, Cycle Studio Group also offers TRX, barre, yoga, and bootcamp. Your first class is free!
Martial Arts & Kickboxing
For a different type of cross training that offers benefits for self defense and stress relief, consider Martial Arts or Kickboxing, and be sure to check out the following local options:
1. Cesar-Kai Academy - Cranford
Cesar- Kai offers Martial Arts and self defense classes for children and adults, and their testimonials are inspiring.
2. CKO Kickboxing - Fanwood
Nothing feels better after a stressful day that working your aggression out on the bag. CKO offers a free trial class!
3. Hands of Life Martial Arts - Garwood
Hands of Life provides a beginner friendly space for martial arts, kickboxing, and self defense.
4. Satori Academy - Cranford
Satori borrows their name from the Japanese term for enlightenment and encourages students to be "in the moment, at your best." You don't have much to lose with a two week free trial!
Yoga, Bar(re) & Pilates
If you prefer a lower impact workout with an emphasis on mindfulness but still want to feel the burn, don't worry, there's plenty of options at your fingertips:
1. Alleum Yoga - Cranford
Start or strengthen your practice in the most peaceful setting imaginable. Take advantage of their New Student Special of 3 classes for $30! They also offer prenatal classes.
2. Hot Yoga Revolution - Cranford
You are guaranteed to work up a sweat practicing yoga in their heated rooms. Perfect for those cold winter days. Hot Yoga Revolution offers bootcamps as well as classes for beginners. You first month of unlimited classes is $50!
3. House Yoga - Kenilworth
House Yoga is a charming yoga studio offering unlimited classes for your first month for $49. Bring a friend new to the studio, and he or she can take the class with you for free!
4. Satsang Yoga - Westfield
In addition to offering a variety of yoga classes, this studio also offers free community meditation classes!
5. POE Yoga - Westfield
POE utilizes cutting-edge infrared technology to heat the room to 95 degrees for either hot yoga or hot Fire Barre. Your first class is free!
6. Bar Method - Westfield
For long, lean muscle, it doesn't get better than Bar. Bar Method offers a 30 day unlimited pass for new members for $100.
7. Pure Barre - Westfield
Inspired by ballet and named for the barre ballerinas use for support during exercises, Barre is one of the most popular low impact, total body workouts around!
8. Club Pilates - Westfield
The Pilates Method is designed to foster strength, flexibility, balance, and mental awareness. There's no better way to start the year than with more balance. Club Pilates offers intro as well as unlimited classes.
Dance
Finally, if you've tried all the workouts above but haven't yet taken a dance class or maybe haven't taken one since you were a kid, you're missing out! These workouts are fun and challenging for both the mind and body. Be sure to include them in your fitness plan for the year!
Dance
1. Sharon Fit Belly Dance - Cranford
Sharon has classes in belly dance, line dance, and hooping as well as offering dance parties. This studio has it all!
2. Arthur Murray Dance Center - Cranford
Arthur Murray has a history dating back to 1912, and the instructors are international award winning dancers. Free personal lesson for new members!
3. Le Pari Dance Center - Fanwood
Le Pari offers a $25 introductory evaluation for new students. Members enjoy group classes, socials and singles events.
4. Fred Astaire Dance Studio - Westfield
Enjoy a free session for new students! They also offer wedding consultations if you're planning on making that first dance one to remember.
Phew! I told you there were a ton of options available in the Cranford - Westfield area for everyone looking to get in or maybe back in shape this year! Plus, if you're nervous to attend a new class alone, don't worry there are dozens of Meetup groups dedicated to finding your fitness buddies. It's a really wonderful way to meet new friends while doing something great for your health.
Did I miss anything? I'm sure I did, so please feel free to comment with your own personal favorite area gym or fitness studio. I hope you're feeling inspired to check these places out. I know I am!