Hey, Take It Outside!

When it comes to exercise, I'm absolutely hopeless on my own. I've taken enough Pilates to do the routines here at home. I could do crunches first thing in the morning. But no matter how many promises I make to myself, I always manage to find something else to do...make coffee, check e-mail, walk the dog, write a post for the blog and, oh, by the way, maybe even do some work.

So I've come to the conclusion that classes are the way to go for me. And outdoor classes are so much more enjoyable than sweating in a stinky, humid gym, especially in the summer. Outdoors, moving through the trees, enjoying the sunshine and the company of like-minded souls. And fortunately this summer there's a series of small group classes with a trainer who really knows her stuff.

Unlike those "boot camp" type classes, Kristin Jackson's Take It Outside Fitness offers outdoor exercise classes that are geared to your needs, so if you're fit or not you'll get a good workout and have fun at the same time. Her drop-in rate is $10 per class, so you can start now and see if it works for you, then sign up for the next series when it starts in August.

All classes meet at Mt. Tabor Park, and the schedule through the end of July is:

Monday
9:15-10:15 am: Take It Outside general fitness class (cardio and strength-training)
6:00-6:45 pm: Take It Outside general fitness class (cardio and strength-training)

Wednesday
9:15-10:15 am: Walking with Weights (cardio and upper body using 3-5 lb. hand weights)

Thursday
5:40-6:40 pm: Walk, Jog, Pilates

Friday
9:15-10:15 am: Pilates in the Park

Saturday
9:00-10:00 am: Take It Outside general fitness class (cardio and strength-training)

Details: Take It Outside Fitness classes. $10 drop-in; call for exact meeting place of each class. Mt. Tabor Park, 6350 SE Yamhill. Phone 503-701-2179.