Featured Class

April 2010

Riverside Run

Fall in love with running or prepare for your first or next race. With the Sports Center’s newest class, Riverside Run, turn yourself into a well-balanced running machine. Led by Sports Center instructor Evan Armbrister, this vigorous running class will help you tune up your technique and get an intense workout at the same time – all against the beautiful backdrop of the Hudson River.

The hour-long class kicks off with a 15-minute warm-up, combining running drills, dynamic stretching and breathing exercises that will get you ready to run. Once your body is warmed up, you’ll head outside to the scenic Hudson River Park bikeway/walkway for a 30-45 minute run. And hey, according to instructor Evan, it’s less difficult to run near water. “Water ionizes oxygen, making it easier to breathe. Therefore, running along the Hudson River is a great way to breathe more efficiently,” says the All-American runner.

Running, when done properly, is a great full body workout. And with Evan, it’s all about proper form. In this class, Evan teaches a “total body” running technique. Throughout the hour-long session, he will evaluate evenness in gait, foot-to-ground contact, rhythm, balance and more. “If you do it properly, you’re going to get a lot out of it. You will progress and improve,” he says. “Don’t cheat yourself with improper technique.”

In order to take part in the class, participants should be able to comfortably run a 7:20 - 7:30 minute mile pace for 5 consecutive miles. Intermediate to advanced runners – amp up your performance with Evan on Saturday mornings starting at 11:00am. And, if Mother Nature decides to rain on your parade, don’t worry - class is still on. In case of rain, meet on the Sports Center’s quarter-mile indoor track.