The Ultimate Guide to Staying Fit in Connecticut: Where to Go and What to Do
The Ultimate Guide to Staying Fit in Connecticut: Where to Go and What to Do
May 13, 2016 at 12:43 PM
Connecticut is a great place to live, and as one of the healthiest states in America, apparently it’s a pretty good place to stay fit too! But that doesn’t mean there’s no room to improve. Staying active and eating right can be just as challenging in Connecticut as it is anywhere else if you don’t know where to go and what to do.
Keeping Nutmeggers fit is what we’re all about here at Medical Weight Loss Solutions, so we’re happy to give this brief rundown of the best places to eat right and exercise in the Constitution State.
Exercising in Connecticut
Gyms and Fitness Centers
There is no shortage of gyms and fitness centers in Connecticut, from large chains to small boxing gyms and personal training facilities. If you’re shopping around for a gym membership, take these factors into consideration as you visit each gym and speak to their employees:
- Cost – A gym can be a costly investment, especially at some higher-end facilities. Make sure you’re staying within your budget. Ask about contract terms and fees to avoid unexpected charges to your credit card or checking account.
- Equipment – Depending on your goals and preferences, different gyms might have equipment that’s more or less suited to your needs. At the bare minimum though, a decent gym should provide adequate free weights, weight machines, cardio machines and cross-trainers, as well as a spacious area for stretching and bodyweight exercises. Do a thorough walk-through and check to see that all the equipment in in good working order.
- Cleanliness – Speaking of taking a walk-through, you should also be looking at the cleanliness of the gym. Are towels and sanitizer readily available to sterilize machines after use? Do members seem to be taking advantage of them? Are locker rooms well stocked and taken care of? These are all important considerations.
- Membership Profile – What kinds of people tend to use the gym? While no one is likely to be specifically barred from a gym, if you’re an older adult who’s just looking to stay healthy, you might not feel particularly at home in a gym heavily frequented by college-aged powerlifters.
If you’re interested in taking advantage of a personal trainer, consider heading to Medical Weight Loss Solutions in Wallingford.
Outdoor Activities
Of course, one of the very best things about Connecticut is its gorgeous landscapes and wilderness. Gyms are great, but nothing beats a little fresh air with your exercise. Here are some of our favorite hiking trails and swimming holes in the state, for when the weather’s right and you’d like to get some sunshine.
- Sleeping Giant, Hamden – Sleeping Giant State Park boasts over 30 miles of hiking trails for newbies and seasoned hikers alike. Located in the south-central part of the state, Sleeping Giant is an easy trip from New Haven, Hartford, Wallingford, and Middletown. Rock climbing, cross-country skiing, and more are also available in the park. (200 Mt Carmel Ave, Hamden, CT)
- Tunxis Trail, Barkhamsted – This close to 10-mile trail is nestled in a gorgeously wooded area of Litchfield County. Marked with caves, streams, and more, making it a great place to explore.
- Kent Falls State Park, Kent – Located in the western portion of the state bordering New York, Kent Falls is a series of waterfalls on a mountain stream known as Falls Brook. This gives a lovely backdrop to the numerous hiking, fishing, and picnicking areas. While not difficult to walk, the trails are steep for a good workout. (462 Kent Cornwall Road, Ken, CT)
- Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison – One of Connecticut’s nicest beaches, Hammonassett boasts over 2 miles of coast along with a shoreline park offering swimming, walking trails, cycling, boating and kayaking, fishing, camping, and more. (1288 Boston Post Road, Madison, CT)
Eating Right in Connecticut
Connecticut is lucky enough to have some of the best food in the country within its relatively modest borders. But while much of it makes a great treat for everyone once in a while (think of Middletown steamed cheeseburgers or New Haven apizza), finding great, healthful food can be a little more difficult. Here are the best health food restaurants in Connecticut, for when you feel like going out but want to stay health-conscious.
- G-Zen, Branford – Specializing in organic, sustainable, vegetarian-friendly food and cocktails since opening in 2011, G-Zen brings upscale chic to the Connecticut health-food scene. Although relatively new, the Branford spot has already been named one of the Top Ten Upscale Vegan Restaurants in America by SHAPE magazine, as well as being featured in Travel + Leisure magazine’s “Best Vegetarian Restaurants in the USA.” 2 East Main Street, Branford, CT, 203-208-0443 (website).
Claire’s Corner Copia, New Haven – Opened in 1975 in the heart of Downtown New Haven, Claire’s is one of the oldest and most acclaimed vegetarian/health food restaurants in Connecticut and the country at large. Founder Claire Criscuolo has eceived the Organic Leadership Award from NOFA (New England Organic Food Association) for her support of organic farmers. Common menu offerings include traditional breakfast fare, pizza, quiche, sandwiches, soups, salads, and more. 1000 Chapel Street, New Haven, CT, 203-562-3888 (website).- The Lime Restaurant, Norwalk – A health-conscious restaurant located in the heart of Fairfield County, The Lime Restaurant has been offering healthy takes on New England restaurant standbys like chicken salad, burgers, and more for over 30 years. They strive to provide wholesome, delicious, and nourishing comfort foods which are also environmentally friendly and sustainable. To their credit, they do a pretty good job! (Even the fryer oil is converted into bio-diesel after use.) 168 Main Street, Norwalk, CT, 203-846-9240 (website).
- Fire & Spice, Hartford – Hartford’s Fire & Spice provides a vegan option to residents and visitors to the state capitol. All their food is organic, grown without pesticides or herbicides. They specialize in vegan twists on traditional Jamaican food, Indian dishes, as well as American-style sandwiches and entrees. They also offer a raw food menu for the truly health-obsessed. 248 Sisson Avenue, Hartford, CT, 888-367-7970 (website).
There are also a number of seasonal farmers markets throughout the state, so you can get fresh, locally grown produce and other foods in your own home. Click here for a full list of Connecticut farmers markets. The Total Health Nutrition store in Wallingford, CT also offers a full selection of protein shakes, beverages, high protein bars, vitamin supplements, cookies and more.
Conclusion
Ultimately, staying fit in Connecticut is the same as it is anywhere else: It’s about making and maintaining positive lifestyle choices over a lifetime.
If you need help getting fit, staying fit, and more, get in touch with Medical Weight Loss Solutions today.