In Vermont, January is the month that tries men’s souls (women’s, too). We resolve to improve, abstain, reduce and conserve. A great percentage of us vow to finally get outdoors and find fitness this year (CNN even voted Vermont the most fit state in the union). But the weather has not yet fully gelled into winter: skiing is sketchy, skating is treacherous, snowshoeing is impossible except in most elevated corners of the Northeast Kingdom.
So we dust off our treadmills and determine to find fitness indoors. Middlebury alone has dozens of indoor fitness options. Topping the list are:
Middlebury College has the Field House. There you’ll find a pool (natatorium), a climbing wall, a skating arena, indoor tennis and soccer, and a recreation center. 28% of students participate in varsity sports, so you’re bound to find some inspiration there.
Heading to the gym is a great option, unless the weather intervenes, as it seems to do more and more often. This is when we need to find fitness at home. Here are some great Addison County homes with exercise rooms and/or exercise room potential. Take a look. These thumbnails are of the fitness spaces, click on each image for the full listing details of these amazing Addison County Properties:
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| Billiards may not get you into the best shape physically, but having fun is good for the soul. This Lake Street home in Addison features a family room, a study, and a great room: plenty of room to move. | This New Haven home on Dog Team Road features a sauna, hot tub, and whirlpool bath. The family room is perfect for a workout space. The library is a great place to meditate. | Dog’s love fitness. The family room in this Panton, Vermont lakefront home has great potential for exercise. The guest house would make an incredible yoga studio with lake views. |
This time of year reminds me of a story Rusty Dewees (Vermont actor and story teller) tells about his wife on her treadmill. In the story, she is huffing away at the treadmill that has been thoughtfully positioned in front of the bay window. She has a great view of the Vermont landscape as she burns calories. The weather suddenly changes and the power goes out. She marches full-tilt through the window into the yard.
Place your indoor exercise equipment with care.