Let's Move! Or at Least Try To ...

I was inspired this week by Collingswood's jumping jack challenge that took place outside of The Pop Shop. In an attempt to help the country break a Guinness Book of World Record title for most jumping jacks done in a 24-hour period, children and Collingswood officials, well...they jumped.

This was all in an effort to get people moving and shaking inspired by First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! campaign. I love moving. Moving, shaking, it's all great. But I have to admit, I was surprised when I read the movement of choice was jumping jacks. I thought jumping jacks were an obsolete exercise along with stick ball and that thing that shakes your tummy.

Either way, I haven't done a jumping jack since 6th grade and even then I felt foolish, so how can I participate in this Movement Movement? Curves bit the dust fairly quickly and has since been an Italian restaurant, steak house and from the horns that now sit there, seems to be a BBQ place. At least I hope it's a BBQ place and not an expansion of the creepy Taxidermy place. I decided I needed to take a look at some of my options:

I have to admit I was skeptical when little opened. As one who values her personal space I was worried about the small size of the building. It looked about the size of my parent's garage where I could barely fit a bike and a croquet set. I get nervous when I walk by Vitality Fitness in the winter and all I can see is the condensation on the windows. Is everyone ok in there? How bad does it smell?

I popped in there this week to take an actual look at the place and soon realized everyone is ok in there. Smells fine too! The space is tight but wow, they fit a lot of equipment. What did make me nervous was the lack of buffer zone in the entrance. You step into Vitality and BAM you're met with a treadmill. There's no turning back. Where's my long walkway to the locker room where I get to take my time staring and judging everyone for staring and judging me? Vitality has an excellent staff, awesome historical building and they even offer a trial month for only $25 but maybe a gym isn't for me. Onto the next...

has certainly made its mark in Collingswood and has even expanded. I've taken a few classes there in the past with the help of an excellent Groupon. I'm fairly familiar with Yogawood's classes and know I'll return once again. Let's keep walking...

Ah new territory. Kenkojuku Karate! The big glass windows out front allow you to watch the classes. I love pulling up a seat and taking mental pictures of who's in class so I know who to never mess with on Sundays in line at The Pop Shop. I was always intrigued by karate. There was a boy in my elementary school who did a karate routine in the Zane-North Talent Show every year. I was continually impressed by his ability to put on a wonderful act that didn't involve squeaky violins or a dance routine to 'Friend Like Me' where your older sister insisted you shake your belly like a prepubescent genie despite your hesitation! I digress. However, I've decided until I can kick my legs higher than 90 degrees, I'll continue to enjoy karate from the window...

Continuing my search I found The Pilates Soul Studio. Just saying the name made my body feel instantly at ease. I walked inside and whatever calm I had over me quickly faded. There were machines! And ropes! And mirrors! I was instantly greeted by the very nice instructor who managed to talk with me while still shouting instructions to her students. Very impressive. I learned about TRX Suspension Training and soon understood the necessity of all the machines and ropes and was less frightened. However, after watching the intense workout her students were performing, I soon decided my core was about as strengthened as I could get it.

Unfortunately I'm the most picky person when it comes to elevating my heart rate. How would I ever impress Michelle Obama? And then it hit me. I spent the afternoon trying to figure out the best place for me to sweat, meanwhile I've been walking around town sweating for nearly an hour! Collingswood has a bunch to offer when it comes to exercise and staying healthy - gyms, classes, karate – but the best thing Collingswood has to offer is an inviting avenue for me to walk upon – mirrors not included.