Health & Fitness in Central Falls

South Kingstown is the newest location opening in 2013 of Rock Spot Climbing’s multiple locations, where colorful footholds and route markers sprawl along artificial rocks create diverse climbing surfaces for every major discipline. Dozens of top-rope stations challenge climbers to scale the wall in safety, whether belayed by a human companion or hooked up to an auto-belay unit that reduces the risk of conversation. Meanwhile, others eschew ropes in order to tackle bouldering routes—low-altitude obstacles littered with arches, steep faces, and caves—and lead climbers set their own anchors as they scale the wall. The climbing courses vary for all skill levels, ranging from sheer faces with ample handholds to cliffs for expert climbers and lemmings. Cardio machines let athletes warm up or cool down between climbs, and instructors lead afterschool classes to teach kids the art of competitive climbing.

Throughout history, it was swordplay that was the true universal language. Working to expose budding swashbucklers to a long history steeped in tradition, the duo of coaches at Ocean State Fencing Club bring their unique experiences to their eager students. Owner Mikhail Kolker’s competitions throughout the former USSR, and coach Sergey Kolker’s national medalist status give them all an expert edge and perspective. Pupils aged 6 to adult can expect to obtain the quickness of a cat while participating in low-impact drills that prepare them for competition or intense Renaissance Fair auditions.

Maria Kishfy understands that, at any age, starting an exercise routine can be difficult. At Symmetrics Wellness Movement Center, she and her staff—which includes another trainer and a licensed massage therapist—work to inspire clients of all fitness levels to be proactive in achieving healthier lifestyles. They take pride in creating an no-mirror atmosphere free of distraction designed to empower individuals to celebrate physical activity from the inside out. The trainers lead boot camps, a slew of fitness classes such as Zumba and FitYoga, are certified to teach a class in partnership with the Arthritis Foundation tailored for those who suffer from arthritis and other related diseases. Her experience as a trainer proves that she’s up for the challenge; she has also created a wellness program for elementary-aged children—Camp Trophies. For an extra level of inclusiveness, they take on groups of three with similar fitness goals, ranging from burning fat to chiseling more muscles than Michelangelo when he was on deadline to finish David.

Ocean State Bikram Yoga’s spacious studio nestles cozily in a restored old mill, retrofitted with resilient carpeting, mirrored walls, and a host of private showers and dressing rooms. Inside a heated classroom, experienced instructors lead students of all skill levels through high-energy routines of Bikram-style yoga posturing. During each 90-minute tutorial, they shepherd practitioners through a swift rotation of 26 poses and two breathing exercises. Instructors calibrate each class to promote calorie-torching perspiration and release muscles from the shackles of overly tight ligaments, binding tendons, and rubber-band girdles. In addition to sparking caloric bonfires, consistently practiced Bikram yoga can chip away at chronic pain and help reverse the effects of injury by boosting circulation and mobility.

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Though Breathing Time Yoga is housed within an old jewelry textile mill built in the 1800s, its classes hearken back to an even earlier time. Beneath the lofty 20-foot ceilings, seasoned instructors—many of whom have completed several hundred hours of teacher training—practice ancient poses and breathing exercises designed to promote strength, flexibility, and inner peace. During heated yoga classes, they turn up the infrared heating system to deepen stretches, help bodies sweat out toxins, and prevent arctic penguins from waddling in and interrupting class. Within this communal practice area illuminated by the sunlight drifting through the oversize windows, they also host non-heated classes that explore the breath-fueled sequences of Vinyasa-style yoga and the lengthy, alignment-focused poses of the Iyengar tradition.

In addition to leading yoga routines for students of all levels, the instructors supply free spring water, tea, mats, and props. After class, they encourage students to socialize in the reception room or browse the onsite library. Those interested in bolstering their mind-body connections may also schedule private meetings with a certified yoga therapist or personal coaching from yoga teachers.

Jen McWaters' mat Pilates class mixes classic movements with props such as inflatable balls, yoga blocks, and the enigmatic vortex of fitness known only as the Magic Circle to keep Pilates pros on their toes. Taught by the studio's titular tutor, Jen McWalters, advanced mat Pilates is a fast-tempo testing ground for upper-level Pilates paladins. Beginner classes are also available for those who still experience enthusiastic, open-mouthed awe at the simplest of Pilates maneuvers. Check the schedule for class times; all classes are drop-in, so there's no need to register ahead of time. After 10 classes, your body will as finely tuned as a fresh-out-of-the-factory What About Bob? pinball machine.