Eggertsville, NY Health and Fitness

Maria McKendry, Burn at the Barre’s certified instructor, conducts the studio's barre-fitness classes. During these sessions, she fuses the muscle toning and core strengthening of Pilates with the grace and strength inherent in ballet. Stealing from her experience as a personal trainer and her education in physical therapy, Maria infuses her classes with long, flexible moves and more rigorous cardio. The classes incorporate sequences of controlled, isometric exercises, which require unwavering mental focus as well as precise physical technique while they methodically work muscle groups throughout the arms, hips, and abdominals. Students animate their body by way of thumping tunes while using the ballet barre to balance. Maria's experience as a triathlete informs her ability to incorporate different disciplines into one entertaining, high-energy class.

In addition to outfitting aquatic adventurers with necessary equipment, Buffalo River Canoe and Kayak Outfitters sends groups of paddlers splashing downstream during guided explorations seven days a week. Headlining an assortment of trips, the Buffalo River Urban Trails tour unveils some of the city's historic waterfront sights, highlighted by industrial-area businesses and grain elevators that stand as towering links to an agrarian past or prophesies to an apocalyptic future where morsels of homogenized chicken byproduct no longer exist. The Outfitters' other point-to-point adventures—ranging from 2.5 to 6 miles apiece—also provide varying launch points, such as Red Jacket River Front Park and Seneca Bluffs.

Zumba's dance-infused workouts were a natural progression for certified instructor Jayme Smith, who has been dancing since the age of 2. She began teaching at her mother's studio when she was just a teen, continuing to helm her own hour-long classes at Miss Barbara's School of Dance and Erie Community College today. The easy-to-follow steps set to upbeat Latin rhythms help students of all fitness levels burn calories, tone muscles, and prepare for impromptu dance parties in the grocery-store line.

The University at Buffalo's Division I NCAA teams rally students for football at UB Stadium, basketball in the Alumni Arena, and a slew of other sports across their campus. Additionally, the Recreation & Intramural Services staff aim to supplement students' brain workouts and textbook bench presses with programs to keep their bodies running just as strong—and welcome community members to do the same. Exercise equipment fills indoor recreational facilities at the Alumni Arena and Clark Hall for those who prefer solo workout sessions, and group classes, such as biking and boot camp, get attendees into shape as they enjoy a communal atmosphere.

With locations in 10 states across America, Stanton Optical helps clients from Georgia to California achieve better vision with prescription glasses, sunglasses, and contacts. Its shelves are stocked with more than 3,000 frames and sunglasses from high-end brands, including Coach, Calvin Klein, and Armani. Full-service onsite labs help optometrists immediately craft glasses and clone monocles without the delay of sending eyewear elsewhere.

Housed in a brand new facility, WNY Mixed Martial Arts & Fitness features a 20-foot MMA cage, two boxing rings, a separate weight-training area, and 2,000 square feet of mat space. WNY also offers a stocked-up pro shop and locker rooms complete with showers facilities.