Action Figures
Some ambitious fans have watched “American Ninja Warrior” on TV and thought, I could do that. PJ Camargo did. Now not only was he a contestant on the show, but conquering obstacles is his job as an instructor at Xtreme Ninja Warrior course in Hinckley. Camargo is known as the “Authentik Ninja” and has competed in the show’s ninth season in Cleveland, where he fell on the fourth obstacle. But you’ll see him climbing, crawling and competing again this summer, in the qualifying run May 25 in Minnesota that should air in July or August.
“For the kids in my class, I tell them a lot of these obstacles you’re going to face in life, and if you believe in yourself, you will be able to conquer those obstacles a lot easier,” Camargo says.
Children as young as 4 and adults of all ages can take classes to test themselves on a warped wall, monkey bars, A-frames, a rock wall and more at the indoor Xtreme Ninja Warrior course, always with coaches like Camargo checking form and keeping everyone safe. “We have the floating steps that are actually the first obstacle on ‘American Ninja Warrior’ — those are scalable, so I can make them closer for kids or farther apart for adults,” he says.
Though the pageantry and competition of the show might intimidate you, Camargo puts an obstacle course workout into more accessible terms. “When I was on the show, there’s a part of you like, Wow, this is scary. But you have really got to tap into your mind to believe in yourself. You’re literally in a competition with your mind and your body, not against anybody else.” 1669W. 130th St., Building 6, Hinckley, 330-441-2887, xtremeninjawarrior.com
3 Odd more exercises
BELLY DANCING
Women of all sizes, shapes and fitness levels join together to express blissful spirituality through the ancient art of belly dancing. Shimmy through classes in traditional Egyptian dance or a more modern version called Tribal Fusion that blends ancient dances with jazz, hip-hop, flamenco and contemporary styles. Shake your thang and let your spirit shine! The Yoga Place, 6990Whipple Ave., North Canton; Yoga Central, 4626Cleveland Ave. NW, Canton; 330-499-2863, theyogaplaceohio.com
BUNGEE-BASED MOVEMENT
Bounce your way to joyful health! Strap on a waist harness hooked to a bungee cord that connects to the ceiling, then use the resistance and stability of that flexible tether to stretch and sway through yoga, Pilates and aerobic movements. Centerpeace Yoga and Wellness, 1951state Route 59, Kent, 330-346-0393,centerpeacekent.com
DRUMFIT
You can’t beat this fun fitness phenomenon that started in Canada in 2006 and has found its rhythm in The 330. Leanne Knight leads groups of 30 or so all-ages drummers as they march, squat and get down to thumping music while banging drumsticks on exercise balls stabilized in plastic buckets.AB Pitching, Hitting and Fitness,2420Wedgewood Drive, Akron, 330-604-1430
FIND YOUR RYTHYM
MONDAY
Upper-body strength training: Bench press, dumbbell press, pull-ups, back row, shoulder press, bicep curls, tricep pushdowns, 45to 60minutes
Watch Your Form: Habeck recommends learning your body and your limits, and not over doing the amount you try to lift. “The form is everything because if you have bad form and you’re trying to lift heavy things, ultimately what’s going to happen is you’re just going to injure yourself,” he says. Consult a trainer if you need initial help finding your limits.
TUESDAY
Lower-body strength training: Squats, leg presses, calf raises, hip adductors, 30to 60minutes
Fitness Equation: As you work out, remember it’s only part of a healthy lifestyle. Your muscles carry you throughout the day, but without nutritious food, your level of fitness will be limited. “Eighty percent of getting healthy and fit should be your diet and eating clean, and the other 20percent is going to be your workouts,” he says.
WEDNESDAY
Low-impact activity: Yoga, barre, light cycling, swimming 0r other options, 30to 60minutes
Diversify: Mixing in low-impact exercises helps add variety to your workout routine while aiding with muscle soreness. Habeck encourages finding a low-impact workout you like or switching things up. “If you’re constantly lifting heavy things, eventually you’re going to get some joint soreness, so [try] some of the low-impact stuff, maybe some band work,” he advises. “It’s going to help keep your body fresh and less sore.”
THURSDAY
High-Intensity Training: It could be a combo of sprinting and walking or anything that gets your heart rate up and keeps it there for an extended period, 20minutes
Ramp Up: Doing high-intensity training improves muscle stamina and cardiovascular health. “It’s not only going to utilize your muscles doing your workouts or whatever you’re doing that day, but when you ramp it up to a high intensity, you’re headed in that cardio effect,” says Habeck. “There’s a difference between being really strong and then having also that muscle stamina where you can be strong for extended periods of time.”
FRIDAY
Rest, but don’t forget to foam roll and stretch.
Loosen: Stretching and spending between 30seconds and a minute on major muscle groups like hamstrings, quads and calves with a foam roller will keep muscle soreness away. “I always try to get some foam rolling in,” says Habeck. “One of the most important parts, especially when you’re working out, is being able to make your body recover.”
LOCAL GEAR
Appalachian Outfitters, Osprey Packs, Talon 44 Comfortable for light backpacking and day hikes. $160, appalachianoutfitters.com
Eddy’s Bike Shop, Trek FX Stagger The affordable, lightweight bike is ideal for everyday riding.$359.99, eddys.com
Indu Spray Crafted in Cleveland by Marni Task, the natural, chemical-free mist creates a relaxing environment before you exercise. 1ounce, $5, indulotion.com
OY-L, Jade Roller From Akron beauty company OY-L, this traditional Chinese tool reduces puffiness and improves skin’s elasticity and tone, especially post workout. $25, oy-l.com
Second Sole, Brooks Cascadia A durable trail shoe with a waterproof top and a sole designed to prevent rocks, sticks and other bramble from jabbing your foot. $129.99, secondsoleohio.com