Springfield Gyms and Fitness

Celebrated by Golfweek as one of the 40 Best New Courses of 2010, the site where Civil War–bushwhacker Alfred Bolin and his gang once ambushed unsuspecting travelers is now John Daly’s Murder Rock Golf and Country Club. The 18-hole course plots an oscillating, 6,727-yard path over the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. The first hole sets the tone for the round with an elevated tee box that looks out 363 yards downhill into the mountainous contours that ripple against the horizon. The par 71 course concludes at the daunting 18th hole—the course’s longest par four and most difficult hole—where an aggressive drive can cut off the corner of a dog-leg right on the way to a severely sloped green and portal into Space Jam.

Legs weary from ascending steep hills or squat-thrusting golf carts can take a load off at Glenn’s at Murder Rock. Amid dark-stained wood paneling and leather-upholstered chairs, the eatery serves an inventive grill menu including steak flatbread sandwiches and pitas stuffed with Cajun-seasoned chicken or shrimp.

Course at a Glance:

• 18-hole, par 71 course

• Length of 6,727 yards from the farthest tees

• Course rating of 72.0 from the farthest tees

• Slope rating of 129 from the farthest tees

• Four tee options

• Scorecard

For more than 20 years, Ozark Mountain Gymnastics has cultivated balance in its students. Though its classes for toddlers to 18-year-olds impart cheering, tumbling, and competitive skills on the physical level, instructors also focus on a healthy equilibrium between mental and visible strength. They emphasize sportsmanship and teamwork, building character traits in their pupils that translate to finesse both on and off the parallel bars. Additionally, they recognize the importance of familial support: parents are welcome to observe classes and always participate in those for children younger than 3.

As a professional member of USA Gymnastics, OMG recruits USA safety- and CPR-certified coaches. In the interest of personalized instruction, its classes typically admit 10 or fewer students, though birthday parties can accommodate up to 15 so kids can switch in and out of the host's human-pyramid throne.

With more than 1,800 gyms in 10 countries around the globe and 24/7 access, Anytime Fitness makes it as easy as possible for its members to get in shape. Multiple strength-training and cardio machines can build stamina, increase agility, and tone limbs to rival the crisp bicep lines of statues in a nearby park. The center’s virtual classes teach fitness disciplines such as yoga, cycling, and kickboxing. Group training brings those disciplines into 3-D. As far as amenities, private showers and HDTV are just two of the many additional touches that make Anytime Fitness a welcoming workout arena.

Along the pristine waters of the Niangua River, banked by lush, green foliage and colorful, mature trees, visitors and locals leisurely float in kayaks, rafts, and canoes supplied by the team at Riverfront Camp Canoe. The staff is eager to share its passion for the outdoors and the splendor of the Missouri Ozarks with visitors to their more than 200 acres of scenic campsites along Niangua's riverfront. The sites welcome families and friends to pitch a tent or pull up in their RVs for a tranquil experience hiking nature trails, swimming, tubing, and sleeping under the stars to the soundtrack of a rushing river. To assure campers enjoy a comfortable stay, the grounds are equipped with hot showers and bathrooms, as well as a convenience store stocked with snacks, beverages, bait, tackle, and Bigfoot repellent.

For the past 11 years, Robert Cassity has channeled a passion for fitness into his personal bodybuilding pursuits and his training business. His boot-camp classes torch calories and tone muscles with a high-energy cardio and strength-training routine performed by a group of exercisers who motivate each other to work hard and keep their shoelaces tied tightly. For a custom-crafted workout regimen, Robert also serves as a personal trainer and will travel to peoples' homes. Those interested in enlisting in either program can call ahead to reserve a spot in class, schedule a training slot, or ask Robert how to do a no-handed pushup.

Body-Weight USA trainers Dave Norberry and Piper Lee empower students to sweat, train, and dance their way to health with intense, focused strength training and exhilarating cardio workouts. Each class revolves around the principles of Definition 30, a fitness ethic that fuses the custom individual goals of personal training with the support and encouragement of like-minded classmates. Piper's Zumba courses aim to burn excess calories with fun, Latin-inspired dances, and Dave employs his background in training Special Forces soldiers and gold medalists to tailor custom resistance and flexibility routines for his clients.