RUNNERS HIGH
When it comes to wellness, who better to ask than the experts at HYPO2, Flagstaff’s internationally renowned high-altitude training center? “Whatever you choose to do for training, consistency is THE most important thing,” says Sean Anthony, CEO of HYPO2, where international Olympic competitors train. “Our attention spans are so short, and everyone has a tendency to flit about, trying this and trying that, but you need to stick with a program long enough to get results before you change to something else. Surrounding yourself with people to keep you accountable and motivated can help a lot with that. I’d also say that real results can only be gained (and retained over the long haul) by working with real experts.” HYPO2 works with people from all across the human performance spectrum. Visit hypo2sport.com.
#SQUADGOALS
Studies by Mayo Clinic physicians show that working out with a partner or two positively affects your commitment to exercise. The research was done around people participating in the American Birkebeiner Nordic ski race in Wisconsin. But northern Arizonans don’t have to go that far to take part in aerobic cross-country skiing. Arizona Nordic Village offers more than 40 kilometers of trails groomed for skate or classic skiing, fat-tire mountain biking and snowshoeing. Bring friends to take part in evening bonfires and $5 skiing from 4 to 7 p.m. every Friday night that ANV has snow. Call 928-220-0550 or visit arizonanordicvillage.com.
DEEP BREATHING AT 7,000 FEET
Many are passionate about the practice of yoga because it works mind, body and spirit. Keep your yoga high this season by establishing a routine and joining others at places like Flagstaff Athletic Club, which offers a variety of styles of yoga including Hatha, Vinyasa or Flow, Kundalini, Ashtanga or Power, and Iyengar. Silver Sneaker classes are also available at FAC for those who want to improve balance and flexibility. Call 928-779-4593 or visit flagstaffathleticclub.com.
FREEZE AWAY THE CALORIES
The University of New Hampshire reports that skiing prevents knee damage and osteoporosis, and increases your proprioceptive strength. Say what? Because skiing and snowboarding are weight-bearing sports, they strengthen joints and bones. They also maximize the brain’s ability to sense position, motion and equilibrium (proprioception). Get your mojo on (and the calories off) at Arizona Snowbowl. Call 928-779-1951 or visit snowbowl.ski.
GRAND ADVENTURES
Now is the time to start planning and training if you’ve resolved to backpack the Grand Canyon. The Havasupai Indian Reservation, home of the muchphotographed blue-green Havasu Falls and Mooney Falls, will soon open their online reservation system for the 2019 season. Sign up now to be notified by email when reservations begin. Visit havasupaireservations.com. For overnight packing in the national park, Grand Canyon National Park Backcountry Information Center accepts written requests for June 2019 backcountry permits between Jan. 20 and Feb 1. Permit requests for earlier months may be submitted, but officials warn that chances of success are reduced. Alternately, limited numbers of last-minute walk-up permits are available at Backcountry Information Centers. Visit nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/backcountry-permit.htm for details.
THIS SEASON IN FLAGSTAFF
Now through Feb. 10: Transcending Duality: The Santa Fe Studio Style; Museum of Northern Arizona; musnaz.org/on-view
Jan. 10: Lunar Legacy – Telescope Viewing; Walker Observatory at DeMiguel Elementary School; flagstaffarizona.org/lunarlegacy
Feb. 7: Concert Featuring New York Voices; Ardrey Auditorium; events.nau.edu/event/concert-featuring-new-york-voices
Stacey Wittig is an award-winning travel writer and author located in Flagstaff, Arizona. For more travel & world-wide adventures visit Stacey’s website at unstoppablestaceytravel.com.
