The idiom “move it or lose it” is sage advice for people of all ages, and in Estes Park, there are a number of places people can go to stretch, flex, improve mobility, and get a good workout no matter what shape they are in.
Pilates: Muscle flexibility and core strengthening
Co-owners MJ Tyman and Jen Lazetera recently celebrated the three-year anniversary of Estes Park Pilates with an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony at their new larger space. Community members gathered to support the milestone and learn more about the benefits of Pilates, a mind-body exercise developed in the early 20th century by a German physical trainer.
When speaking with Tyman prior to the open house in February, she shared a story about a group of friends in their 70s who regularly attend classes at the studio. Despite experiencing conditions like sciatica and lower back pain, they have found that consistent Pilates practice helps them stay pain-free.
Different age groups benefit from Pilates in unique ways. For younger professionals, it serves as a powerful stress reliever. Tyman describes the practice as “a massage from the inside out.”
The studio offers individual sessions, semi-private sessions, and group classes using the Pilates Reformer— a machine that incorporates springs and a sliding carriage, which provides resistance and helps to build a strong core—and also traditional mat classes.
Jazzercise: A fun, high-energy workout
Local Jazzercise studio owner Patti Aldridge has been practicing Jazzercise since her college days and even managed to incorporate it into her routine during long shifts as a physician.
Unlike workouts you might find at a typical gym, Jazzercise classes adhere to strict corporate standards, ensuring consistency and professional choreography. The program is designed for all fitness levels. People in their 20s and 80s can be in the same class, each performing safe, effective modifications as necessary.
Beyond the cardio and strength benefits, Jazzercise can improve cognitive health. Studies suggest that structured dance workouts may help delay the onset of dementia. Aldridge shares that one of her students even avoided a hip replacement by staying consistent with the program.
“Don’t stop after one class, give it two weeks,” Aldridge said, “that goes for any type of exercise you are trying.”
Aldridge says she can’t dance but anyone can do this workout. Your first class will be the hardest, but soon you’ll learn the moves, have fun, and maybe burn up to 600 calories in a single session.
Estes Park Yoga: A mind-body experience
When Estes Park Yoga went up for sale in June 2023, owner Kerry Shamblin jumped at the opportunity to continue its legacy. She originally had no plans to own a studio, but her appreciation for yoga’s physical and mental benefits led her to keep the practice alive in the community.
Shamblin first learned yoga in India in 1992 and has been practicing for over 30 years. She emphasizes yoga’s ability to create a mind-body-spirit connection.
This summer, the studio has exciting plans, including outdoor yoga sessions in local parks and potential partnerships with nearby lodging businesses.
Vert: A hybrid gym and co-working space
Originally part of Rocky Mountain Health Club, Vert is a unique hybrid gym and co-working facility owned by David and Alix LaSalle that offers one of the most spacious work and workout environments in Estes Park.
The building also boasts breathtaking views of the Continental Divide out its windows and from its large deck, which runs along the east and west sides.
Additionally, the facility includes three fireplaces, reliable Wi-Fi, picnic tables, and dedicated workspaces, making it a perfect spot for remote workers who want a change of scenery.
Memberships and day passes grant access to the gym as well as the neighboring climbing facility. Vert offers a range of classes, including Barre, a type of exercise that uses a ballet barre, functional training, and heavy bag workouts. The gym has certified Krav Maga self-defense classes, which require specialized training.
One of their newest features is InBody scanning which provides a non-invasive analysis of weight in terms of muscle, fat, and water to help members track progress over time. These scans will be available quarterly for those looking to measure their fitness improvements.
Estes Park Dojo and Functional Movement: Training for real life
Eric Adams owns both Estes Park Functional Movement and Estes Park Dojo, two facilities that focus on real-world strength and martial arts training.
Functional Movement workouts emphasize exercises that support daily activities—like squatting and lifting—to help clients improve overall mobility. Some clients aim for peak fitness, while others seek specific functional goals, such as being able to lift a suitcase into an overhead bin with ease.
Estes Park Dojo offers martial arts training for adults and youth. Class sizes often fluctuate based on pop culture trends, as Adams notes that interest can spike depending on the latest action movie hits.
Beyond the physical aspect, Adams finds the most rewarding part of his work in witnessing personal transformations in his students. “If I could pay the bills with the hug I get from a child or the parent commenting on what a change has occurred over the last year, I would,” he says. Parents and teachers have noticed significant behavioral improvements in students who practice martial arts.
Local realtor Julie Abel shares, “It’s the best thing I’ve done for myself in the last two years.”
Breaking the myths: Common workout misconceptions
Each of these unique fitness options comes with its own set of misconceptions. Here’s what local instructors had to say:
- Pilates – “People think it’s not real exercise and that it can’t be challenging.” – MJ Tyman
- Jazzercise – “We don’t wear headbands and leg warmers, and it’s not just for older people.” – Patti Aldridge
- Yoga – “People think they won’t get a good workout, or that they have to chant ‘om’.” – Kerry Shamblin
- Krav Maga self defense – “Just because you’re small or petite doesn’t mean you can’t be strong, powerful, and effective.” – David LaSalle
- Martial arts – “Everyone assumes it’s about fighting.” – Eric Adams
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