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Health & Fitness

Get Fit This Spring with the Suffield Parks and Recreation Dept.

The Suffield Parks and Recreation Department has so many enjoyable spring programs for you and your family!

It's time to think spring! Register today for new Fitness and Community Programs with the Suffield Parks and Recreation Department

Spring Energizing Vinyasa Flow and Mindfulness (NEW Saturday morning program!)
Put some spring in your step with our new energizing Vinyasa yoga flow that will kick start your Saturday morning and inspire you to move through the rest of the weekend with intention and ease. There will be a strong focus on proper alignment and linking movement to one’s breath to ultimately promote flexibility, increase mobility, build strength, balance and relieve stress. This flow will end with a sprinkle of core work and a final relaxation that will leave you ready to take on your day. This practice is a one- hour class and has been designed for all levels from beginners to seasoned Yogis. Please wear comfortable clothes that allow for movement and have a water bottle and a Yoga Mat ready for class.
Instructor: Laura Dromgold- Certified Yoga Instructor
Registration closes on Wednesday, March 15
Dates: March 23, 30, April 6, 13, 20, 27, May 4, May 11 (Back up bad weather day’s will be on Sunday, March 24, April 7, April 14, April 21, April 28, May 5, May 12 A if there are any cancelations due to inclement weather.)
Day: Saturday
Time: 9:00-10:00 a.m.
Location: Suffield Senior Center library room
Ages 14 and up
Fee: $80.00

Total Body Strength and Cardio (Monday and Wednesday Mornings) New!

Are you looking for a terrific way to get in shape this spring and get your workout in early? Join us for this fun and effective cardio, strength and core class. In forty-five minutes, you will feel energized, strengthened and ready to start your day after a calorie burning, heart pumping and muscle-toning workout. You will achieve fantastic results in this motivating two-day a week program and start spring and your morning off right!
Days: Monday and Wednesdays
Dates: March 25, 27, April 1, 3, April 8, 10, April 22, 24, 29, May 1, May 6, 8, (No program on Monday or Wed April 15 or 17)
Time: 6:00-6:45 a.m.
Location- Total Body Fitness/Hits and Kicks-11 High St, Unit 105, Suffield, CT 06078
Ages: 18 and over
Fee: $95.00 per participant
Instructor- Stephanie Dolan- Total Body Fitness/Hits and Kicks
Registration Deadline is Wed. March 20

Total Body Strength and Cardio (Monday Mornings) (New!)
Are you looking for a terrific way to get in shape this spring and get your workout in early? Join us for this fun and effective cardio, strength and core class. In forty-five minutes, you will feel energized, strengthened and ready to start your day after a calorie burning, heart pumping and muscle-toning workout. This is a terrific Monday morning workout to start your week off right!
Day: Monday
Dates: March 25, April 1, 8, 22, 29, May 6 (No program on Monday, April 15)
Time: 6:00-6:45 a.m.
Location- Total Body Fitness/Hits and Kicks-11 High St, Unit 105, Suffield, CT 06078
Ages: 18 and over
Fee: $45.00 per participant
Instructor- Stephanie Dolan- Total Body Fitness/Hits and Kicks
Registration Deadline is Wed. March 20

Total Body Strength and Cardio (Wednesday Mornings) New!
Are you looking for a terrific way to get in shape this spring and get your workout in early? Join us for this fun and effective cardio, strength and core class. In forty-five minutes, you will feel energized, strengthened and ready to start your day after a calorie burning, heart pumping and muscle-toning workout. This is the perfect mid-week morning workout!
Days: Wednesdays
Dates: March 27, April 3, 10, 24, May 1. 8 (No program on Wed. April 17)
Time: 6:00-6:45 a.m.
Location- Total Body Fitness/Hits and Kicks-11 High St, Unit 105, Suffield, CT 06078
Ages: 18 and over
Fee: $55.00 per participant
Instructor-Stephanie Dolan- Total Body Fitness/Hits and Kicks
Registration Deadline is Wed. March 20

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Total Body Strength and Cardio (Friday Mornings) (New!)

Are you looking for a terrific way to get in shape this spring and get your workout in early? Join us for this fun and effective cardio, strength and core class. In forty-five minutes, you will feel energized, strengthened and ready to start your day after a calorie burning, heart pumping and muscle-toning workout. This is a terrific Friday morning workout to end week right!

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Day: Friday

Dates: April 5, 12, 26, May 3, May 10 (No program on Friday, April 19)

Time: 6:00-6:45 a.m.

Location- Total Body Fitness/Hits and Kicks-11 High St, Unit 105, Suffield, CT 06078

Ages: 14 and over

Fee: $40.00

Instructor- Stephanie Dolan- Total Body Fitness/Hits and Kicks

Registration Deadline is Wed. March 27



Total Body Strength (Monday and Wednesday evenings) New!
Are you looking for a terrific way to get in shape this spring? Join us for this fun and effective strength and core evening class. In forty-five minutes, you will feel energized, strengthened and ready to start your day after a calorie burning, heart pumping and muscle-toning workout. You will achieve fantastic results in this motivating two days a week program and start the spring off right!
Days: Monday and Wednesdays
Dates: March 25, 27, April 2, 4, April 8, 10, April 22, 24, 29, May 1, May 6, 8, (No program on Monday or Wed April 15 or 17)
Time: 5:30-6:15 p.m.
Location- Total Body Fitness/Hits and Kicks-11 High St, Unit 105, Suffield, CT 06078
Ages: 18 and over
Fee: $95.00 per participant
Instructor- Stephanie Dolan or Donna Calabrese Total Body Fitness/Hits and Kicks
Registration Deadline is Wed. March 20

Total Body Strength (Monday Evenings) New!

Are you looking for a terrific way to get in shape this spring? Join us for this fun and effective strength and core evening class. In forty-five minutes, you will feel energized, strengthened and ready to end your day after a calorie burning, heart pumping and muscle toning Monday evening workout.
Day: Monday
Dates: March 25, April 1, 8, 22, 29, May 6 (No program on Monday, April 15)
Time: 5:30-6:15 p.m.
Location- Total Body Fitness/Hits and Kicks-11 High St, Unit 105, Suffield, CT 06078
Ages: 18 and over
Fee: $45.00 per participant
Instructor: Donna Calabrese-Hits and Kicks
Registration Deadline is Wed. March 20

Total Body Strength and Cardio (New!) (Wednesday Evenings)

Are you looking for a terrific way to get in shape this spring and get your workout in early? Join us for this fun and effective cardio, strength and core class. In forty-five minutes, you will feel energized, strengthened and ready to end your day after a calorie burning, heart pumping and muscle-toning workout. This is the perfect mid-week evening workout!
Days: Wednesdays
Dates: March 27, April 3, 10, 24, May 1. 8 (No program on Wed. April 17)
Time: 5:30-6:15 p.m.
Location- Total Body Fitness/Hits and Kicks-11 High St, Unit 105, Suffield, CT 06078
Ages: 18 and over
Fee: $55.00 per participant
Instructor-Stephanie Dolan- Total Body Fitness/Hits and Kicks
Registration Deadline is Wed. March 20


Punch Up Your Exercise with Fitness Boxing (New)
Join our new fun Fitness boxing that is a form of HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) Fitness Boxing fuses boxing moves, combinations, and drills at heavy bags with functional exercises to improve your heart health, strength, endurance, balance, and coordination for a full body burn that targets every muscle group. A fun way to challenge your mind and body and help reduce stress and anxiety. This class is a great option for those who have already completed the Intro to Boxing class or have had previous experience with some form of boxing.
Days: Mondays and Wednesdays
Dates: March 25, 27, April 1, 3, 8, 10, 22, 24, 29, May 1, May 6, 8 ( No program April 15 or 17)
Time: 6:30-7:15 p.m.
Location- Hits and Kicks-11 High St, Unit 105, Suffield, CT 06078
Ages: 14 and over
Fee: $110.00
Instructor-Donna Calabrese-1st Degree Blackbelt and owner of Hits and Kicks
Registration Deadline is Thursday, March 21

Get Fit with FitBarre (New!)
FitBarre is a mixture of Pilates, yoga, and strength training. This is a low-impact workout that will help tone and elongate muscles, improve posture and increase flexibility. You will work through low intensity movements with high repetitions, small isometric movements sometimes using light weights, core balls, mini bands and blocks to help build muscular endurance and core strength.
Days: Mondays
Dates- March 25, April 1, 8, 22, 29, May 6 (No program on April 15)
Time- 4:45 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
Location- Total Body Fitness/Hits & Kicks 11 High Street Suite 105
Ages- 14 and over
Fee: $60.00
Instructor- Kimmy Uzar
Registration Deadline-Wednesday, March 20

Cardio Sculpt (New!)
This 45-minute total body class is the perfect balance of strength training and cardio. Using a variety of methods such as dumbbells, resistance bands, and our own body weight, we will target and tone all the major muscle groups while getting the heart rate up through cardio intervals. Modifications are offered so you can customize your workout to be lower or higher impact.
Days: Thursdays
Dates- March 28, April 4, 11, 26, May 2, 9 (No program on April 18)
Time- 6:30-7:15 p.m.
Location- Total Body Fitness/Hits & Kicks 11 High Street Suite 105
Ages- 14 and over
Fee: $60.00
Instructors: Stephanie Dolan or Donna Calabrese Total Body Fitness/Hits and Kicks
Registration Deadline-Wednesday, March 20

Self Defense for Teens and Adults - NEW

Self-defense is a real and necessary skill. Learn simple strategies to minimize risk and easy to learn tactics that will get you to safety quickly. You will understand the psychology behind most violence and how to avert it. This class will also teach the fundamentals of striking and escaping. People who are confident in crisis seldom need to defend themselves. Their belief in themselves turns predators away. But this belief has to be strong, even under pressure, under threat. This class is for people ages 14 & up. Parental consent is required for minors since mature topics will be covered.
Instructor: Jonathan Metcalf-Integrity Martial Arts Owner
Registration closes on Monday, April 1 and/or earlier if enrollment reaches maximum capacity. Limited enrollment.
Date: April 8
Day: Monday
Time: 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Ages: Age 14 - adult
Location: Suffield Senior Center Great Room
Fee: Free (This program is free but class space is limited and all participants must pre-register at Suffieldrec.com) In addition, visit keepyousafer.com website to complete on-line waiver.

Martial Arts/Self Defense for Children - NEW
Children will discover the excitement of the martial arts while learning about Respect and Focus. Participants will learn basic martial arts techniques. This is an introductory program designed for first time students. The course is in collaboration with Integrity Martial Arts, a martial arts community dedicated to helping children succeed through their fun and practical courses. This class will provide needed tips to help your child stay safe but also will teach about focus, respect, confidence and important life skills.
Instructor: Jonathan Metcalf, Integrity Martial Arts Owner
Registration closes on Monday, April 1 and/or earlier if enrollment reaches maximum capacity. Limited enrollment.
Date: April 8
Day: Monday
Time: 3:30 - 4:15 p.m.
Ages: K-2
Location: Spaulding School Gym
Fee: FREE (This program is free but class space is limited and all participants must pre-register at Suffieldrec.com) In addition, visit PlayAtIMA.com website to complete on-line waiver.

Martial Arts/Self Defense for Children in Grades 3-8 - NEW

Children in grades 3-8 will discover the excitement of the martial arts while learning about Respect and Focus in this introductory program that is designed for first time students. Participants will learn important basic martial arts techniques along with important life skills such as focus, confidence and effective thinking. Parents are also welcome to attend the class to see what the children are learning if they wish. The course is in collaboration with Integrity Martial Arts, a martial arts community dedicated to helping participants succeed through their fun and practical courses.
Instructor: Jonathan Metcalf, Integrity Martial Arts Owner
Registration closes on Monday, April 1 and/or earlier if enrollment reaches maximum capacity. Limited enrollment.
Date: April 8
Day: Thursday
Time: 4:30-5:15 p.m.
Grades: 3-8 (parents/caregivers may also attend to watch what we are learning if they wish)
Location: Suffield Senior Center Great Room
Fee: FREE (This program is free but class space is limited and all participants must pre-register at Suffieldrec.com) In addition, visit PlayAtIMA.com website to complete on-line waiver.


FAMILY/COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

Spring Steppers, Walkers, Runners and Strollers
Do you want to get in shape, stay motivated and get some spring back in your step? Are you tired of trying to fit your daily steps in but have excuses of not being able to walk because of lack of time, safety and also not wanting to walk alone? Join our group, make new walking friends, and get in shape at the same time. We will go over warming up, fitness walking and have a fun time getting you re-energized for the rest of the day. We will walk rain or shine so please bring proper gear. Even if you can only walk for a half hour, you are encouraged to join the group. Prizes will be awarded to the most dedicated walkers. All ages and abilities welcome including parents with strollers and seniors. Please wear comfortable clothes that allow for movement and wear and bring a facemask and water bottle.
Instructor: Donna Carney-Bastrzycki
Dates: March 12, 19. 26, April 2, 9, 16
Day: Tuesday
Time: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Ages: All ages
Location: Meet at the Middle School Track
Fee: FREE (must pre-register)
Registration closes on Monday, March 11


St. Patrick’s Weekend Hike and Hiking Work Workshop at Sunrise Park- Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day weekend! “Hiking Fitness and Photography Tips and Tricks from day hikes to epic adventures!” (Family Fun Day) (New)
Come celebrate St. Patrick’s Day weekend and join the Suffield Parks and Recreation Department, Reach Your Summit and The Trees for Suffield Initiative and for this one of a kind fun, interactive workshop going over all you need to know about day hiking basics in the Nutmeg state This workshop will go over important tips and tricks for fitness hiking, trip planning basics, Leave No Trace Principles and concepts of hiking for improved fitness and well-being in addition to enjoying and highlighting your hike with photography. Each participant will also receive and updated map of Sunrise Park. Hear stories; learn essentials that can help make your day hiking experiences better with, Reach Your Summit guide and owner, Mat Jobin's first-hand experience from guiding groups for over 14 years and tackling solo pursuits and thru hikes. Following the workshop, there will be a short guided hike in beautiful Sunrise Park for all levels and abilities. Participants will also have the opportunity to learn how to take better photos in the outdoors and at beautiful Sunrise Park. (Bring your camera or phone to snap away!) (There will be a beginner hike for the younger children, families and those who wish to go on a shorter hike then a more advanced hike for all those who wish for a longer hike) Please be sure to bring a water bottle, wear proper hiking footwear and dress in layers. This is the perfect program to learn more about hiking and gear and to enjoy our beautiful Sunrise Park and Trees while also celebrating St. Patrick’s Day weekend with the whole family!
Participants are encouraged to submit photos in the Trees for Suffield Initiative’s 2024 Photo contest. Participants will learn more about the contest at the workshop. The Trees 4 Seasons Contest will celebrate Suffield’s trees and increase awareness of the benefits trees provide all year long. Experienced or aspiring photographers, youth or adult are eligible to apply. Take new photos or search your archives for past favorites. The deadline for entries is March 31, 2024. For questions contact treesforsuffield@gmail.com . Contest details and entry form: https://forms.gle/chvWZpWmY7X3...
Instructors: Mat Jobin- owner of Reach Your Summit- www.reachyoursummit.net , volunteer-Stephan Bastrzycki and Donna Carney-Bastrzycki-Suffield Parks and Recreation, Sue Mayne-Trees for Suffield Initiative
Dates: March 16
Day: Saturday
Time: 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Location: Sunrise Park Upper Pavilion
Ages: The workshop is for all ages. The hikes are recommended for adults and families with children. (Please dress in layers and wear hiking boots for the hike)
Fee: $5.00 (small snacks will be served!)
Registration closes on Wednesday, March 13 and/or earlier if enrollment reaches maximum capacity. Limited enrollment.

Standout Small Business Branding (On a Budget)

Are you running or plan to start a small or independent business owner or work for a not for profit? Join our new collaborative networking group and gain insightful ideas from our workshop leader and owner of Barking Dog Digital, Barb Shimasaki

Learn what works in 2024 and how to DIY for impact.

Set up (or tune up) your business, nonprofit or solopreneur brand. We will be offering another value-packed 90-minute session on Thursday, March 14 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. to help you thrive in 2024!

Brand Messaging That Gets People Talking, Design Tips For Non-Designers

Day: Thursday, March 14

Location: Suffield Senior Center Dining Room

Ages: 16 and over

Time: 6:30-8:00 p.m.

Instructor- Barb Shimasaki, owner of Barking Dogs Digital

Fee: $10.00 (small snacks and tea/coffee will be served)

For more info and to register for spring programs please visit-suffieldrec.com

Written by: Donna Carney Bastrzycki

Director of Special Programs

Suffield Parks and Recreation Department

860-668-3862

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