Those holiday cookies and cocktails are tempting, but sticking to your health goals through December isn’t impossible. Offset all those extra calories, or just go have fun, at these 16 events around town. From workouts to mental health seminars, they will help you get your body and mind right, just in time for the new year.
Polar Bear 5K
Sunday, Dec. 1, 9-11:30 a.m.
Occoquan’s official Polar Bear 5K is a fun and healthy event for all ages. Take the 5K race course by storm, winding through the Occoquan Regional Park as you look out at the scenic Occoquan River. Race participants will receive a free race mug and a coupon for a free hot chocolate. // Occoquan Regional Park: 9751 Ox Road, Lorton; $15-$30
Yoga Alignment 88
Sunday, Dec. 1, 10-11 a.m.
Learn 14 new yoga poses and build them into a flow at this yoga class hosted by Sand & Steel Fitness at Aslin Brewery. One ticket includes the yoga class and one Aslin beer. And, the first 20 registrants will receive a gift certificate for a free class at Sands & Steel. If you have a yoga mat, bring it, but if not mat rentals are available for $5. // Aslin Beer Company: 847 S. Pickett St., Alexandria; $20-$25
Zumba at Eavesdrop Brewery
Sunday, Dec. 1, 11 a.m.-noon
Get your Zumba on at this hour-long event to burn off that Thanksgiving meal. Each ticket includes access to the Zumba class and one beer, wine or cider at the end. Plus, enjoy $1 off all drink purchases. // Eavesdrop Brewery: 7223 Centreville Road, Suite 115, Manassas; $13-$15
Monthly Community Wellness Event: Seasonal Flavors
Sunday, Dec. 1, 3-5 p.m.
Ekoe Health owner Lynn Westine, M.S., DCN-c, will share small-bite recipes featuring nutrient-dense, seasonal foods. Learn how to chop, roast, sauté and simmer in your own kitchen for the winter months. // Ekoe Health: 254 N. Washington St., Falls Church; free
Community Sunset Sip + Stretch
Tuesday, Dec. 3, 5-6:30 p.m.
Take a deep breath ahead of the holidays that often bring stress as an unwanted side effect. Watch the sunset as you practice yoga and relax during the guided meditation. Select tea will be provided by Elden Street Tea Shop after the class. // Rowan Tree: 280 Sunset Park Drive, Herndon; free
Healthy Holiday Meals
Wednesday, Dec. 4, 7-8:30 p.m.
This educational lecture will address how to cook healthy meals that are traditionally calorie-heavy during holiday parties and get-togethers. After, there will be a 30-minute Q&A session. // Roselle Center for Healing: 8500 Executive Park Ave., Suite 300, Merrifield; free
Run RTC: lululemon Run Club
Every Thursday, 6-7 a.m.
Bundle up and hit the pavement with lululemon’s Run Club. Each Thursday morning, the group meets outside the Reston Town Center location for a 25- to 45-minute run. All running levels are welcome. // lululemon: 11957 Market St., Reston; free
Eat the Frog Fitness Broadlands Grand Opening
Thursday, Dec. 5, 5-7 p.m.
The first-ever Eat the Frog Fitness location in the DMV is officially open. Head to its grand opening event for music, spirits, hors d’oeuvres, giveaways and more information on the unique workouts offered there. // Eat the Frog Fitness: 43170 Southern Walk Plaza, Suite 104, Ashburn
Sahaja Yoga Meditation
Every Thursday, 7-8 p.m.
Sahaja Yoga was created in 1970 to help participants “breakthrough in the evolution of human awareness.” It is practiced in over 100 countries and focuses on reducing stress and anxiety, improving creativity, building up self-confidence and bringing overall peace to the mind. // Herndon Fortnightly Library: 768 Center St., Herndon; free
Introduction to Essential Oils
Saturday, Dec. 7, 2:30-4 p.m.
Want to learn more about essential oils and how they can help reduce stress, soothe muscles, improve sleep and help alleviate other common health issues? Head to Ekoe Health where two special guests will be discussing the benefits of essential oils. // Ekoe Health: 254 N. Washington St., Falls Church; free
Sunday Sweat Series
Sunday, Dec. 8, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Lace up your sneakers and head to lululemon’s Clarendon location for a Barry’s Bootcamp class, which will feature high-intensity interval training to tone muscle through a combination of running and weight lifting. // lululemon: 2847 Clarendon Blvd., Suite 150, Arlington; free
Baby Goat Yoga Pajama Party
Sunday, Dec. 8, 1:30-2:30 p.m. & 3-4 p.m.
Get happy with goat yoga. Friendly goats from Walnut Creek Farm will freely roam around as participants enjoy a casual yoga practice, with plenty of time for goat cuddles and photos afterward. // Faith Lutheran Church: 3313 Arlington Blvd., Arlington; $35
Sweat and Shop
Wednesday, Dec. 11, 5-8 p.m.
Head to lululemon’s Mosaic District location to work up a holiday sweat before diving into that never-ending shopping list. // lululemon: 2920 District Ave., Suite 105, Fairfax; free
Health Empowerment Expo
Saturday, Dec. 14 and Sunday, Dec. 15, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Shop over 30 vendors at this expo, featuring health and wellness products, beauty products, clothes, accessories and more. There will also be consultations with fitness professionals, free health screenings and opportunities to meet health care providers. // Springfield Mall: 6500 Springfield Mall Town Center, Springfield; $0-$600
DIY Bath Bubbles and Bath Salts
Sunday, Dec. 15, 2-4 p.m.
Itchy skin and dryness are common in the winter months, but there is a way to combat those symptoms. At this workshop, learn how to make your own bubble bath and bath salts with essential oils to create hydrating products for your skin. // Hambrock Holistic Healing Center: 297 Herndon Parkway, Suite 105, Herndon; $15
Yoga Saturdays
Saturday, Dec. 21, 9-10 a.m.
Unwind before Christmas at this yoga class designed for all levels. Be sure to bring your own water and mat. // Prince James Clubhouse: 5900 Prince James Drive, Springfield; free
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