14 Places to Get in Shape for the New Year

With the New Year rolling in, one of the most popular resolutions involves weight loss and getting in shape. It’s not an easy task since less than half of the resolution makers keep at it after six months. It’s important to pick the right place to get in shape, so here’s a list of 14 places that change from martial arts to dance to regular gyms.

Branford

:You feel like a champion when you enter this dojo, located along Rt 1, filled with trophies lining the walls of the dojo.  Dojo of Modern Karate has participated in many competitions, and has been quite successful. The dojo also hosts birthday parties and various activities year-round.

In-Shape Fitness first opened its doors in 1987 in North Haven, Connecticut. The fitness center moved to its Branford location in 1999. The Branford location, less than a half mile from I-95, exit 54, offers a wide variety of group classes and programs, including spinning and kickboxing. In-Shape also has a basketball court and a childcare area. 

Located in the heart of downtown Branford, this dance studio has a very spacious ballroom with a nice view. It offers a wide variety of dance lessons, from Latin salsa and foxtrot, to belly-dancing. In a fun, learn-at-your-own-pace environment, students can learn new forms of dance for weddings, special events or just casually.

Planet Fitness was established in 1979 and is now the longest-operating fitness center in the state. It was voted best fitness center six years in a row, from 2006 to 2010, by the New Haven Advocate. There are also facilities in Hamden, East Haven and North Haven. Planet Fitness has tanning beds

Members of the YMCA have two pools for use, a fitness center, game room, computers, climbing wall, outdoor adventure and basketball courts at their disposal.

Additionally, the YMCA offers child care for parents and a summer day camp.

For more fitness locations in Branford, check the Branford Patch Places section.

East Haven

This studio features classes for children and adults taught by acclaimed professional dancers. Classic dance styles such as ballet and pointe are taught here, alongside more modern forms such as hip-hop. The building has three wooden floor studios, and boasts national and international dance champions.

A small dance studio right on the North Branford line, Happy Feet features ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop and acrobatic classes for kids and adults. A non-competitive atmosphere is encouraged so that students may learn at their own pace and have fun.

Planet Fitness is a large gym on Foxon Road that offers personal training, fitness assessment and introductory fitness classes. The gym features various machines, cardio equipment, free weights, treadmills and StairMasters. There is also a gym shop on the premises that offers apparel as well as food, protein, supplements and energy drinks.

Bright colors and wall-to-wall mirrors capture the vibrant energy of this doujo. Classes for kids and adults are offered in a variety of disciplines, including kickboxing, karate and kung fu. Numerous trophies attest to students winning various martial arts competitions.

For more fitness locations in East Haven, check the East Haven Patch Places section.

North Branford

There are many types of martial arts offered here, including classes in Shotokan, self defense, sport karate, Chin Na and more. The dojo hosts birthday parties, suppling the party with invitations, a karate class, games, pizza, cake, goodie bags and more.

Aiki Academy of Self Defense's two-floor dojo offers a convenient schedule of more than 75 classes a week. Saturday afternoon is reserved for special events like birthday parties. In addition to the martial arts listed below, it has classes for Thai Kickboxing, Kettlebells, Muay Thai and Combat Hapkido. Classes are 30 to 60 minutes long.

at C & C Fitness Factory offers personal training and fitness services for clients of all ages. The personal training program includes use of cardio machines, free weights, aerobic classes, a nutritional meal plan and one-on-one training. The facility offers special programs for seniors and adolescents, as well as kid fitness birthday parties.

CT Sportsplex is divided into three facilities: an indoor 75,000 square-foot dome, an outdoor complex of five baseball/softball fields and a 32,000 square-foot fieldhouse. The athletic complex hosts leagues for softball, baseball, flag football and soccer(men, women and youth). CT Sportsplex offers instructional classes, clinics and camps for baseball, soccer and lacrosse. Facilities can be rented for private parties. 

: Donna & Cathy's Dance Center offers dance classes for all ages and abilities. On Saturday afternoons, the studio has adult jazz classes and in addition to the dance style listed below, Donna & Cathy's offers Martial Arts and women's self defense classes, pointe, acrobatics and lyrical dancing instruction. The studio is part of Kelly Plaza. 

For more fitness locations in North Branford, check the North Branford Patch Places section. 

Update: One location was removed from this list.