As we ring in the New Year with family and friends, resolutions for a healthier, more productive and happier 2017 inevitably start cropping up. Here, we’ve gathered a few of the tried-and-true resolutions plus NoVA-specific ways to see them through.
Resolution: Better Health
For just about everyone, getting in shape is foremost for the New Year. These Northern Virginia fitness studios are offering classes that can help you really achieve that goal in 2017.
Barre: Work your core and improve balance and flexibility with barre workouts. Barre focuses on muscle-strengthening exercises using a ballet barre and other props to keep you on track in the New Year. // Xtend Barre Arlington: 2008 Wilson Blvd., Arlington; Xtend Barre Old Town: 1701 Duke St., Suite 160, Alexandria
Boxing: Based on Marvel and DC Comics’ prevalence at the movie theaters in recent memory, it’s a pretty safe bet that we will see even more superheroes dominate the big screen in 2017. This crime-fighting mentality has grabbed the attention of leading fitness experts, too, as boxing is predicted to be one of the top exercise trends in the upcoming year. Beat the rush and check out a beginner’s class at studios in Falls Church, Fairfax or Springfield. // Olympia Boxing Center: 1134 W. Broad St., Falls Church; Title Boxing Club Fairfax: 10318 Willard Way, Fairfax; Title Boxing Club Springfield: 6228 Rolling Road, Unit D-F, Springfield
Resolution: Take Time to Pamper
The New Year is a time for new beginnings, but it can be difficult to start fresh when you’re bogged down by stress from daily schedules and to-do lists. Make it your resolution to counteract that stress by regularly treating yourself to some much-deserved pampering at these NoVA spas:
Take a spa day: Try Salon Nordine’s Mini-Spa Day package, which includes a European facial, a 60-minute Swedish massage, manicure, pedicure and a light lunch for $250. // Salon Nordine & Day Spa Fairfax: 2905 District Ave., Suite 175, Fairfax
Pamper throughout the year: Amenity Day Spa is offering several packages specifically for the winter season, including four massages or four facials for $320—a great way to rejuvenate your skin and clear your mind over the course of the year. // Amenity Day Spa: 44365 Premier Plaza, Suite 120, Ashburn
Resolution: Pick Up a New Skill
If you want to expand your horizons by learning a new skill or hobby in 2017, there are plenty of resources right here in Northern Virginia at your disposal:
Art Classes: Channel your inner artist at Art League classes in drawing, painting or ceramics. // The Art League: 105 N. Union St., Alexandria
Music Classes: It’s never too late to learn how to play an instrument. Levine School of Music offers an expansive course catalog (guitar, piano, cello and more) for every age and experience level. // Levine School of Music: 1125 Patrick Henry Drive, Arlington
Further Education Classes: The Smithsonian museums boast some of the country’s top instructors in various fields of study among their ranks, and they helm a variety of classes in history, politics, philosophy and religion, pop culture and more so you can become an expert, too. // The Smithsonian Associates: 1100 Jefferson Drive SW, Washington, DC 20560
Language Classes: You don’t have to pursue a new degree to pick up a new language at Northern Virginia Community College. The school offers classes in Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese and even Latin. // Northern Virginia Community College: 6699 Springfield Center Drive, Springfield