The Kemmerer Recreation Center hosted a yoga class this summer at Fossil Butte National Monument to celebrate the solar eclipse. The Rec Center offers yoga and other fun classes this fall to keep the community active during the colder months. (GAZETTE PHOTO / Michelle Tibbetts)

Fall — and early signs of winter — has officially moved into our little corner of the state. It’s tempting to curl up, hibernate and eat as many sugary treats as we can as the weather gets colder.

The Kemmerer Recreation Center has classes for all ages and experience levels to keep off those extra winter pounds. Some of the classes have already started up, but it’s never too late to join.

“Keeping active is so important and there is no need to be nervous about trying classes, programs or working out on your own here,” said Kemmerer recreation coordinator Darlene Schulthess. “We have wonderful front desk staff to greet you and show you how to use the weight machines and equipment.” 

The rec center offers a Zumba class, an upbeat workout that combines dance and cardio, and Piyo, which is a combination of pilates and yoga.

The center also just received new kettlebells to use in a class that builds strength in a workout that’s more fun than lifting weights.

“Our instructors are passionate about what they teach and it is reflected in their classes,” Schulthess said. “Instructors offer modifications to accommodate different fitness levels, because we all have to start somewhere.”

The center offers early morning yoga classes.

“Yoga is a great way to start your day,” Schulthess said. “It challenges you to balance, breathe and focus, while stretching and strengthening the body. It's more of a workout than you think.”

The step aerobics, kickboxing and cycling classes welcome members of all fitness levels, and are great ways to get back into fitness.

Youngsters can even take a youth martial arts class to channel their inner Karate Kid. Youth programs also include soccer, toddler time, Bantam Basketball, Jr. Jazz Basketball and Rec Explorers.

The Rec Center has a Senior Walking Club and will be hosting a winter fitness challenge.

“If a workout is important to you, you will find the time to fit it in whether it is 20 minutes or 2 hours,” Schulthess said. “Exercise is different from being active. Many people are active, but exercise is different. Exercise gets your heart rate up, challenges different muscles, creates more endurance, and makes you feel as though you accomplished something incredible.”

The Rec Center facility offers an indoor track, gym, weight room, cardio room, racquetball room, a cycling and workout room and a rock climbing wall.

The Kemmerer Recreation Center is open Monday to Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and is closed from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday hours are 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and Sundays the rec center is open from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

For a full schedule of fall classes at the Kemmerer Recreation Center, call (307) 828-2365 or visit the Rec Center’s Facebook page.