At O2 Yoga, tranquility meets fitness training. Special starter classes for beginners are offered as well as classes for advance practitioners. A schedule of events and workshops is frequently updated, so check the website for the latest news. Private and group classes are available seven days a week. You can even book your own appointments online. If you're coming back after an injury, trusted and experienced instructors will guide you through exercises designed to regain flexibility and strength.
This Aikido studio, opened in 2004 to honor the death of a treasured sensei, holds classes for both children and adults. This facility is also a club offering membership for open-mat times and sparring. It prides itself on maintaining an atmosphere of mutual respect for all students regardless of their background.
Kenney Park is located on the edge of Davis Square just behind the Rosebud Diner at the corner of Highland and Grove. It was most recently renovated in the mid-90's and features a large basketball court. Additionally, the park has swings, things to climb on, hang from and slide down. It's occasionally the site for community activites as well; call the phone number below for more information.
The Training Room is new to Somerville, offering a customized fitness experience built on a foundation of personal accountability. By maintaining a curriculum of one-on-one training, specific classes (yoga, bootcamp, cycling) and group training (two to six people), the atmosphere remains lively and purposeful. The staff is comprised of six energetic fitness experts each with their own specialty. The company is co-owned by Heidi Brown and Maren Kravitz, who are certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine.
This mixed martial arts Mecca offers a wide range of fighting styles, from American Boxing to Pilipino Kali Escrima. Open since 1996, basic self defense classes and physical fitness gambits are on offer as well. Men and women, professional and amateur alike train here, but the atmosphere is definitely serious; this is not an aerobics studio.
The City of Somerville took over administration of this state-owned ice rink in fall 2010, and immediately introduced more public skate times and programs including hockey lessons and league play for both youths and adults. The rink sits in the middle of Conway Park on Somerville Avenue.
Public skating is free and as of 1/2/11, skate rentals were just $6. A snack bar is open daily and an on-site pro shop offers skate sharpening.
FUN TIP: The rink hosts birthday parties as well.
Fancy some karate lessons from a ninth degree black belt? Villari's Self Defense is an international chain of schools that teaches Shaolin Kempo Karate, a style developed by Villari himself. Its Somerville studio overlooks Union Square. Group and private lessons are available, but be sure to call ahead before dropping by as the front doors are unlocked only during scheduled lessons.
This private club, founded in 1908, rents out a large function room on its second floor with multiple full bars and televisions. An industrial kitchen, large restrooms and the club's members-only hall are on the ground floor. Fundraisers, showers and political organizations typically make use of the function room and Dante's massive parking lot.
Originally built as a YMCA in 1904, this building has character to spare. The adult program list is extensive and includes activities such as swimming lessons, yoga, karate and an array of dance classes. Senior citizens can loosen up with water aerobics courses, many of which are free to members. Memberships are reasonably priced for individuals and families. Other programs include a pre-school, child care, outreach and youth day camp.
Professional Fitness is the personal training of Gold's Gym at the Twin City Plaza, and its offices are located inside the Gold's Gym. Services include fitness analysis, cardio training, strength training and fitness- program design. Trainers here help clients monitor their progress and coach them towards achieving their fitness goals. Training hours are by appointment only.
This expansive park is marked by swanky modernist signage and plenty of open space. The typical kid-friendly playground monstrosities are surprisingly absent and are replaced by artistically abstract equipment meant for esoteric bouncing. Also highlighted, an army of benches and a vast expanse of dog-friendly grass, ready to be used for a rousing game of catch or pickup soccer.
Founded by World Martial Arts Hall of Fame inductee Andrew Haynes, this fitness and training club offers private and group instruction for clients who take fitness and exercise seriously. Courses include personal training, group cardio training, perfect lines and the club ride. Interested clients are encouraged to visit CBC Fitness and Training Club's website to read testimonials from club members, information on Mr. Haynes and other trainers, and rates for personal training sessions.
This martial arts studio ("dojo") is tucked on a quiet stretch of Allen Street off of Somerville Avenue -- between Merriam and Prospect streets -- near Union Square. It's affiliated with 5 other dojos in New England and the Midwest. Shobu Aikido of Boston was founded by William Gleason (Gleason Sensei, to students) who is a celebrated author on the topic of non-violent martial arts and studied in Japan from 1970 to 1980. All levels are welcomed, and the curious are encouraged to take off their shoes and observe.
This two-floor facility offers classes teaching self-defense in Karate, Brazilian Ju-Jitsu, Muay-Thai, and other styles. It also features Mixed Martial Arts classes taking place in a 30-foot MMA cage.
Flatbread Company has ten wood-fired pizza spots in New England, but its Somerville location is the only one that also offers bowling while you eat. The restaurant/bowling alley caters to a diverse crowd, including those looking for a unique date night. It is also a popular destination for families with young children who have no problems handling the smaller, candlepin bowling balls. A bar serving beer and wine is available for the grown-ups.
All of Flatbread Company's delicious, organic pizzas are wood-fired and contain local ingredients. There are also lots of options for those with dietary needs, including gluten-free hard cider and desserts. Pizzas start at $7.50 and bowling costs $3 per person per game.
Dilboy Swimming and Wading Pool is located off of Alewife Brook Parkway nestled between the stadium and the basketball courts. These facilities feature a large swimming pool with depths over four feet, a wading pool and men/ women shower rooms. Park around the back during the summer season to access the shower rooms and pool entrances.
Admission is free to the public.
The Somerville Sports Club is a privately owned gentleman's club. The building it's in was built in 1920 and there's a kitchen area and a bar inside. The club is affiliated with some local sprots teams. Please call the club for additional details.
Home of the Tango Society of Boston, Dance Union has been open since June 2008. Owner Vicki Magaletta, who is also the president of the Tango Society, works diligently to bring a rotating coral of world-class instructors from across the globe to her Union Square establishment. Offering group and private lessons in tango, salsa and blues, Dance Union is open late into the night, its brightly lit dance floor visible from Bow Street a story below.