Health

Fourth of July Runs and Free Yoga: Fit Fun

How to stay healthy and fit this weekend

Yoga studios all over Washington are offering free classes for the Fourth of July weekend. Photo courtesy of flickr user denisenicole

Saturday, July 2
Join Laurent Amzallag every Saturday from 9 to 10 AM for his signature YaLa fitness class along the Southwest Waterfront marina (Seventh and Water sts., SW). YaLa (which means “let’s go”) combines various elements of fitness—including strength conditioning, plyometrics, cardio—with music and dance. Best of all: The class is free!

Potomac River Running is hosting its first of two July 4 races this weekend, starting with its first annual Run for Independence 8K at 7:15 AM. The race runs through Leesburg and finishes at the ARC of Loudoun (601 Catoctin Circle, NE, Leesburg). This USA Track and Field certified course race will feature music, food, awards, and plenty of activities for the family as they cheer you on. Online registration is closed, but you can register the day of the race for $35. Click here for more information.

Sunday, July 3
If your kids are 3 to 9 years old, bring them to the Yoga District at Bloomingdale (1830 First St., NW, 202-254-9642) for a beginner yoga class from 4 to 4:45 PM. Kids will learn yoga basics through storytelling and animal names. All must be accompanied by at least one parent. It’s $10 per family. Sign up here.

There’s a free community class at Radiance Yoga Studio (110 King St., Alexandria, 703-807-0539) from 8:45 to 9:45 AM. All levels are welcome, and there’s no registration required. Click here for more information.

For another complimentary yoga class, join Lululemon Tysons Corner’s current Studio of the Quarter, Beloved Yoga (11872 Sunrise Valley Dr., Reston), for a 90-minute vinyasa class at 4 PM. Bring your own mat and water and be sure to snag a spot early since it’s on a first-come, first-served basis. Or, head to Radiance Yoga Studio (110 King St., Alexandria, 703-807-0539) with Lululemon Clarendon from 8:45 to 9:45 AM for another free class.

Monday, July 4
Before you pig out on barbecue for the Fourth, join Potomac River Running for the Firecracker 5K in Reston. The race starts at 8. It begins and ends at the Reston Town Center (11911 Democracy Drive, Reston). Online registration (www.prraces.com) closes on Saturday, July 2 at 9 AM. It’s $35 to register the day of the race.

Join the fight to find a cure for autism and register for the Autism Speaks 5K run or one-mile walk in Potomac. There will be a pre-race warm-up with trainer Fred Foster at 7:30 AM and the race begins at 8 AM. The walk begins five minutes later. After the race there will be food, music, and prizes. Online registration for $30 closes at midnight on July 2. Late registration will be available on race day for $40 between 6:30 and 7:30 AM.

The 2011 Age Handicapped 4 Miler at Carderock Recreation Area in Maryland is just $5 for non-DC Road Runners Club members. The race takes place along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath. Older runners start the race at 8 AM—about 20 minutes earlier than younger runners. Register for the event here.

Calm your body, mind, and soul at the Independence Day Workshop from 10 AM to 12 PM at Flow Yoga Center (1450 P St., NW, 202-462-3569). The class will include vinyasa practice followed by tantric kriya meditation. Suggested donation is $25. Sign up here.

If you’re a yoga newbie, head over to Unity Woods in Bethesda (4853 Cordell Ave., Suite PH7, Bethesda 301-656-8992) for a free introductory class with instructor Suzanne Sigüenza. No need to register—just show up for the class that runs from 10:30 to 11:45 AM.

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