This summer, we’re excited to welcome a new season of FREE fitness classes to The Greenway! Presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, The Greenway Fitness Program will feature more than 200 FREE fitness classes throughout the park this year. Whether you’re a fan of pilates, toddler yoga, HIIT, dance cardio, or something else that gets you excited to move, chances are there’s a free class waiting for you on The Greenway!

Kick off the Greenway Fitness Season at Spring Fest

To kick off the fitness season, join us for Spring Fest on Saturday, May 17, from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. in the Wharf District. Try out a variety of free fitness classes from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. and explore food truck offerings, shop local at our Artisan Market, enjoy free face painting, and more through 5 p.m. For more information and to register for the fitness classes during Spring Fest visit our Eventbrite listing.

Greenway Fitness creates community

Beyond the amazing physical benefits of moving outdoors, many of our fitness instructors love returning to The Greenway to share their classes knowing they’re also helping their community to improve their mental health too.

Jill Rothenberg of Movement with Jill is in her second year of teaching on The Greenway and loves getting to connect with neighbors and community members in the park through her pilates class.

Jill says she was first introduced to her favorite form of movement, pilates, by her mother.

“She always told me to try Pilates, [but] I was not big into fitness,” she says, noting her mom insisted “Endorphins make you happy.” 

“Finally I gave in, fast forward 15+ years and Pilates is my life. Sharing it with others is so special, Pilates brought me out of depression and it’s my goal to return that favor to someone else, movement heals!”

In particular, Jill knows getting started with movement can be intimidating for many. 

“Showing up is the hardest part! Once you are there you become a part of our community. We were all afraid that first time to show up,” she says. “Know that I am SO proud of you for trying something new and you should be proud too!” 

Moving outside “amplifies the end result”

For individuals who like a targeted workout session, Krysten Vaitkus and Dawn Morris of Calling All Friends are offering their “Squats and Booty Pops” class for the second season running.

Krysten says she loves connecting movement with the outdoors because it’s ultimately “amplifying the end result.”

“Not only are we giving our bodies the movement we need, the connection with others we want, but we are reaping the benefits of the outdoors. We are taking in more fresh air, vitamin D, disconnecting from screens and reducing stress. There is something so freeing about movement outdoors! It is so special for us to be able to share “Squats & Booty Pops” outdoors in a green space so we can meet and connect with others, laugh louder, and dance around further!”

In addition to the myriad benefits of physical movement outdoors, Krysten says they also love the connection their class creates for others.

“We pride ourselves in meeting everyone where they are at to create an inclusive environment that allows for growing your comfort zone in a safe space. We aren’t perfect, we don’t believe in perfection so we don’t expect our friends we move with to be perfect either! The Greenway Fitness program is so special because everyone involved seems to share that value. We all believe in sharing space to be able to move our bodies together and to be accessible for all people in Boston. You won’t be disappointed by trying any of the many free classes they have. You can always reach out and ask any questions beforehand. We hope to see you out there!”

Fitness and fun for all ages

Lisa Casillo and Ava Dussault of 2 Mindful Girls are bringing Family Yoga to The Greenway this season, and know that fitness can be fun for people of all ages, and that moving outside can be especially beneficial for young children (and their grownups too!).

“It is especially great for kids to get to connect with the outdoors as for most of the year, they are stuck inside”, they share. “Having movement opportunities outside provides people the opportunity to connect with nature and movement together.”

“We know trying something new can feel a little intimidating — especially when it comes to yoga,” they share. “But our classes aren’t about perfect poses or flexibility — they’re about fun, connection, and helping kids feel good in their minds and bodies.”

They say the best part about classes like these? “No prior experience is needed — just a willingness to move, breathe, and explore.”

“Come try one class — no pressure, just play. We think you’ll be surprised by how much your child (and you!) will enjoy it.”

Improve your health – no equipment needed

If you’re more into a slow, low-intensity workout, Robert Elkind from Calvin Chin’s Martial Arts Academy will be teaching a Tai-Chi class, open to all ages.

“Because Tai Chi is practiced slowly, it’s easy to get started and modify movements to one’s individual abilities and limitations,” Robert says. “I have students from ages 5 to 90 and there are always some benefits that they can get from this training.”

Robert also loves Tai Chi and exercising outdoors not just for the physical benefits, but for the mental aspects of stress reduction and a sense of well being.   

“Tai Chi is a great tool for improving your health and because you don’t need any special equipment, you can practice outdoors and also gain the benefits of being in a natural environment,” he says. “We spend a lot of our time indoors and in front of screens, so this type of activity is vital to our overall health.”

 

Everything you need to know about Fitness on The Greenway

Classes will begin the week of May 19. The first session (May-August) will run through the week of July 28 and the second session (July-October) will run through the week of October 6. Full season classes will run from the week of May 19 through the week of October 13. Rain date weeks are scheduled in the middle and end of the season. Check our website calendar for a full list of dates and to see any schedule updates or weather cancellations. 

Read on for the complete schedule of all the Greenway Fitness classes being offered this season. We can’t wait to see you all on the park, and get moving together one class at a time!

 

Photo Credit: Olivia Moon Photography