WHEATON, Md. – Discover something new this summer with Montgomery Parks! Join our Parks Academy Series and dive into exciting new activities you’ve never tried before. The Academy summer session includes unexpected indoor and outdoor fitness activities, beginning in June and running through August.
“Summer is the perfect time to break out of your comfort zone and try something new,” said Michael Coppersmith, director of Montgomery Parks Activation Program. “We are hoping activities such as Nordic Walking or Toddler and You Yoga will launch someone on a lifetime of good health or help them continue the journey they are already on.”
Parks Academy Summer Series Schedule
Nordic Walking
Tuesdays, June 6-25, 6-7 p.m. (Session 1)
Tuesdays, August 6-27, 6-7 p.m. (Session 2)
Ovid Hazen Wells Recreational Park, 12121 Skylark Drive, Clarksburg, MD 20871
This fun and easy-to-learn exercise is also known as urban poling or pole walking. Nordic Walking intensifies regular walking by helping participants burn up to 46% more calories than walking without poles. Additionally, it helps improve posture and balance and engages the core and upper body. Nordic walking is for individuals who can walk without assistance. Equipment will be provided by the instructor for in-class use. Registration is required. $40
Toddler and You Yoga
Thursdays, June 6-August 1, 10:30 a.m.-11:15 a.m.
Kensington Cabin Local Park, 10000 Kensington Parkway, Kensington MD 20895
Dance, sing and frolic with your toddler while learning yoga poses, and participating in creative movement. Students will also learn breathing exercises and other techniques that adults and children can use for self-calming. Registration required. $96.
Pound Fitness
Tuesdays, July 10-August 8, 5:00-5:45 p.m.
Norbeck-Muncaster Mill Neighborhood Park, 4101 Muncaster Mill Road Norbeck, MD 20853
Unleash your inner Rockstar! POUND is a drumming-inspired cardio indoor workout that uses Ripstix (lightly weighted drumsticks) to tone your body. Infused with Pilates based movements, strength training and plyometrics, you’ll leave class feeling alive, confident and strong! Class is held inside the Park Activity Building. Please bring a yoga mat. Ripstix will be provided by the instructor for in class use. Registration is required. No walk-ins will be accepted. $40.
Breath and Movement Flow Yoga
Saturdays, 7/20-8/17, 10-11 a.m.
Quince Orchard Valley Neighborhood Park, 12015 Suffolk Terrace, Gaithersburg, MD 20878
In this active outdoor Viniyoga-inspired flow class, we focus on the movement of our breath to initiate movement of our body into postures, which are oriented around sun salutations. In each class we will move progressively from simple and easy postures to more complex and difficult ones. This practice will promote strength, stability, flexibility, skeletal alignment, and mid-body connection through the breath. Please bring a yoga mat. In the event of inclement weather, the class will be held in the Park Activity Building located on the park grounds. Registration is required. No walk-ins will be accepted. $50.
Dance Fitness
Thursdays, 7/11-8/29, 6-7 p.m.
Clarksburg Neighborhood Park Activity Building, 22501 Wims Road at Route 355, Clarksburg, MD 20871
Get moving and fitness will follow! This class alternates between high and low intensity cardio-dance moves designed to maximize your calorie-burning potential, release joy, tone muscle, and improve heart health. This feel-good movement therapy class is set to upbeat music and can be adapted to your fitness level. Registration is required. No walk-ins will be accepted. $64.
How to Register for Montgomery Parks Programs, Classes, Camps, Events
Registration for all Parks Academy series classes is done through the Active Montgomery website. Users must first set up a free account on the site before registering for classes.
About Montgomery Parks
Montgomery Parks manages more than 37,000 acres of parkland, consisting of 419 parks. Montgomery Parks is focused on promoting physical activity, social connectivity, and environmental stewardship, especially in diverse and urbanizing areas, with an emphasis on teens, working-age adults, and seniors. Montgomery Parks is a department of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), a bi-county agency established in 1927 to steward public land. M-NCPPC has been nationally recognized for its high-quality parks and recreation services and is regarded as a national model by other parks systems. MontgomeryParks.org
Accessibility at Parks
Montgomery Parks, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities. Please contact the Program Access Office at 301-495-2581 (Voice), MD Relay 7-1-1 or 800-552-7724 or ProgramAccess@MontgomeryParks.org to request a disability modification. Visit Montgomery Parks Accessibility for more information.
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