Getting off to a good start for 2013

It’s New Year’s Eve and your first thought for today may not be on fitness.  But with the dawn of the new year often come resolutions for a healthier lifestyle.  We here at Austin Fit Magazine would like to give you a few options to get started off on the right foot in the first days of January of 2013.

Tuesday, January 1:  Kick the year off right by moving.  Start out with being a part of Commitment Day, January 1, 2013. Thousands of people in more than 30 cities—Austin included—will do a 5K as part of their commitment to living a healthy lifestyle while helping others do the same.  Go here to register for Austin’s Commitment Day 5K.  

Thursday, January 3:  Join the Austin Mayor's Health & Fitness Council and Mayor Lee Leffingwell at City Hall on Thursday, January 3, at 10 a.m. for the annual free Resolution Run. There will be a few inspirational words from the council and Mayor and then we’ll join together to run or walk (pick your pleasure) around Lady Bird Lake.

Though there's no snow here in Austin, you can still talk about hitting the slopes.  Join the Austin Skiers & Boarders for their Thursday night happy hour consisting of food, wine, and cocktails.  On January 3, the club meeting is at Vino Vino (VinoVinoAustin.com) from 5-7 p.m.

Saturday, January 5: Ever set a world record?  This is your chance!  Help CrossFit Central and Relentless Boot Camp as they shoot to break a Guinness World Record with the largest kettlebell circle in the world. They’re aiming to have 500 people, so bring your kettlebell to this free workout. Sign up in order to join the fun Saturday morning at Zilker Park at 9 a.m.   Go here to find more details about this kettlebell circle world record attempt.

Sunday, January 6:  Join Community Yoga for a Hatha Flow class at Castle Hill Yoga from 10-11:15 a.m. This class will be taught by Kim Shaefer, and all proceeds benefit Community Yoga programs to bring yoga to expand the practice of yoga to low socio-economic and at-risk populations that may not otherwise have access to classes.  Suggested donation is $10-15; click here for more information about Community Yoga Austin's First Sunday program.  

Monday, January 7:  Make a resolution to share your fit dog with Austin.  Don’t forget to send in your submission for AFM’s Fittest Dog contest by the end of business on January 7.  Send in your email entry to fittestdog@austinfitmagazine.com with the following info:

• Your dog's name, age, and breed,
• A few photos of your dog in action,
• Your name and contact information (please include phone contact as well as email), and
• A short write-up (250 words or less) that explains how your dog exemplifies fitness.

Sunday, January 13: GetFit! 2013 is Ballet Austin's free day of fitness, dance fitness, conditioning, and Pilates classes. GetFit! 2013 is held at Ballet Austin's Butler Dance Education Center, located in the heart of the 2nd Street District in downtown Austin. The day will offer the opportunity to sample the many fitness and Pilates classes offered year-round at Ballet Austin's Butler Community School and Pilates Center. Sample one or all of the classes offered. For more information about GetFit!2013, go to balletaustin.org/getfit/.