As New Year’s resolutions begin to wane, it’s easy to feel like committing to personal fitness is a lost cause — and it’s even more difficult for those who can’t access common exercise options. Whether it’s accessibility, mobility or age, these Rochester-based organizations are help ensure all community members find a place that fits their needs.
ONE STOP, NO SHOP
Is the price of a gym membership stopping you from getting one? City of Rochester residents qualify for free access to all 11 R-Centers. For those outside the city, memberships cost up to $40 annually. Take a swim lesson, Zumba class or play an open pickup basketball game at no cost. There are both youth and adult offerings, and afterschool student transportation to R-Centers can be provided through the City School District.
RECOVERY COMES AT A PRICE, BUT NOT HERE
Interested in starting a fitness journey, but don’t know how to hold yourself accountable? For those willing to put in the work to stay sober, ROCovery Fitness is open to you. Try a workout alone or with an assigned staff member as a workout partner. There’s an open gym, a running club and a 12 step meeting, but ROCovery Fitness seeks to be a multi-purpose third space for its community.
Members can take on their fears of singing in public with Friday afternoon karaoke, stretch their cognitive muscles on a Thursday with the Chess Club, or play Dungeons & Dragons with newfound friends. The program also hosts special community events each month, which could be anything from bracelet making to a health clinic. In addressing community wants and needs, Rocovery aims to help all succeed.
YOGA FOR ALL, TRU-LY
The South Wedge studio, which was crowned the “Best Of” its kind last month, shines with its pay-what-you-can classes. Come in on a Thursday at noon for a pick-me-up Creative Play Vinyasa session, or slide in on a Saturday at 12:30 for a beginner’s course.
Despite its Pinterest board-level commitment to the earthy yoga aesthetic, Tru Yoga is more than the mandala on its glass window. The studio offers sessions for communities who may struggle to feel comfortable in their space. This includes Yogis in Recovery, which dedicates half their time to an open recovery meeting and the self-explanatory Yoga for Dudes.
For the LGBTQ+ and/or BIPOC community, there are two yoga sessions (Queer, Trans & Allies and BIPOC & Allies) that run weekly — both of which have the option for virtual attendance.
Tru’s commitment to accessible yoga doesn’t stop there — with everything from collaborating with ROC Mutual Aid to host a heated blanket-making skill share to holding weekly yoga sessions with ASL interpreters. All that’s left is offering an hour-long session of lying down for the inflexible…
GETTING OVER THE BUMP
The Reformery, a fitness boutique on University Avenue, might at first seem daunting to anyone not immersed in the world of Pilates. Classes are beginner-accessible, with none more welcoming than the pre- and post-natal reformer courses, which occur twice a week to accommodate working parents.
The classes, which are centered around strength-building, plan to “[prepare] you for pregnancy, labor, and postpartum recovery,” and are open to people in all stages of pregnancy. Drop in on a reformer class for $39 or do a combo package (one reformer, one heated mat class) for $50 and a high-intensity, low-impact burn.
FOR TEAM PLAYERS
The Rochester Sled Hawks are holding try-it clinics for sled hockey, and there are still spots open on the team for new recruits. The Rochester Accessible Adventures (RAA) program, which runs inclusive sports for youth and adults, includes both people with and without disabilities on their team — and players’ various needs are accommodated throughout the program. Need a boost? There are pushers around to help players navigate the ice, meaning all your energy can be spent on the best part (hitting the puck). The clinic lasts for an hour, but stay after to watch the team practice. Register through RAA’s Google Form to attend.
Rather stay on land? The Rochester Rookies, a wheelchair and ambulatory sports program for youth and “the young at heart,” have the start of their basketball season in February. The team practices at Nazareth University on Saturday mornings, and it’s as easy as contacting the facilitators to get involved.
Alyssa Koh is an intern for CITY. She can be reached at alyssa@rochester-citynews.com.
This article appears in Dec 1-31, 2024.
