As the South Orange Health and Fitness Challenge moves into its first full weeks, ambition and energy run high. Friday night, many participants found fitness on Springfield Avenue, which dovetailed with its TGIF program.
A number of us took advantage of an offer to try kick-boxing at CKO Kickboxing. Others gave Blue Life Karate, Shakti Yoga or Viva Z Club a try. My own challenges on Friday included African-Indian fusion dance, a joyful, noisy Bollywood departure from everyday life. For me, fitness has been fun so far.
The bigger challenge for me is eating wisely and well, especially during workdays. I pack lunches, and my ideal lunch isn’t much different now than when I walked to kindergarten at age five. Milk, an apple, cookies and a sandwich are perfect. However, I want to eat more vegetables and, generally, pack a lunch so very interesting that I don’t start grazing for treats at 2 p.m. And I know very well that part of eating to satisfaction means making a meal both practical and attractive.
My first stop was Kitchen a la Mode, where Ben Salmon sells containers for every possible food, including sushi and warm meals, sweets and treats. Success! Kitted out with new containers, matching tops and bottoms, I went shopping for lunch.
South Orange’s great secret is half-price sushi and salads. Each evening, around 7:30 p.m., Ashley Gourmet cuts the price of the salad bar, soups, sushi, and hot food. I loaded up and planned sushi and salad for meals.
Good intentions are taking me — and other participants — through the challenge so far. We’ll get together in early February for a good meal at Above. The true challenge comes in two weeks, though, when we all weigh in. Stay tuned for good intentions and hopeful outcomes!
The group will gather for a healthy meal at Above on Thursday, February 5th at 7PM. (There is a $25 charge, payable in cash at the door.) Included: A great salad buffet, choice of salmon or chicken and a healthy cheesecake dessert. Send an email to SouthOrangeFitness@gmail.com if you plan to attend.)
Note:the photo attached to this article is SoFit15 participants enjoying a workout at Maplewood Karate in Maplewood Village, which is offering participants free kickboxing classes.
