Anytime Fitness is a 24/7 gym that allows access any time of day with a swipe of your key fob. Joining Anytime Fitness in Mt. Vernon grants you entry to more than 3,000 other locations worldwide. Choose from hundreds of fitness classes on a kiosk displayed to a large projector screen in the personal fitness room. Clean restrooms and showers make it easy to exercise and get ready for work! Address: 606-616 S 42nd St. Mt Vernon, IL 62864 (618) 242-4040
Mt. Vernon Fitness is a full service, newly remodeled gym offering memberships with or without a contract. Cardio, weightlifting, and full circuit equipment with fitness classes offered during the week. Get in a game of basketball on their half court or work out in their special women’s only section. Address:
1318 Salem Rd Mt Vernon, IL 62864 (618) 578-8631
The YMCA offers special membership rates for families, seniors, and young adults. Your membership includes free fitness classes such as yoga or Zumba. Pay month by month with no contract required. New members receive a free fitness coaching session and a free personal fitness consultation. The YMCA also offers several programs for kids including soccer, basketball, and volleyball. Address: 1304 Broadway St. Mt Vernon, IL 62864 (618) 242-7500
Femme Fit 618. This new, all women’s group fitness studio offers High-Intensity Interval Training or HIIT classes each month. The personal trainer, Cassy Langa, can help you achieve your personal weight loss goals. Registration for HIIT classes or one on one appointments is required. Address: 15193 N IL Hwy 37, Suite C., Mt. Vernon, IL (618) 315-2957
King City Strength & Performance 24-hour access gym offers Olympic weightlifting, bodybuilding, strength and conditioning group training, and more. Enjoy access to treadmills, bikes, and other cardio equipment. Special programs are offered including summer slim down, kids training, and powerlifting programs. Address: 1801 Forest Ave. Mt Vernon, IL 62864 (618) 315-6114
Sacred Space Yoga with Carol Ann Carol Ann’s yoga classes focus on different parts of the body. Whether you are a beginner or advanced at yoga, all levels are welcome. Yoga combines physical exercises, mental meditation, and breathing techniques to strengthen the muscles and relieve stress. Mondays at 5:30 p.m., Saturdays 8:30 a.m. $10/class Address: King City Books, 104 N 9th St. Mt Vernon, IL 62864
In the warmer months, you can enjoy the outdoors while getting in your exercise. Breathe in the scenery around Rend Lake on their more than 9 miles of bike trails. The complete trail is paved and can be used for hiking or biking.
The Mt. Vernon Reservoir, Veteran’s Park, and Cedarhurst Center for the Arts all provide paved areas perfect for an outdoor walk or bike ride. A variety of other fitness paths and trails can be found throughout the city.
Looking for a new bike to take on the trails? BnC Bicycle & Fitness carries everything from kids bikes to mountain bikes and in between. They offer free consultations on bicycle repairs and carry a vast supply of accessories and equipment. Address: 410 S 27th St. Mt. Vernon, IL 62864 (618) 816-4077
Healthy Eating Made Easy
When trying to lose weight, exercise is only 25% responsible. 75% of weight loss is due to changing your diet. Fruits and vegetables are key to a healthy diet and can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer. Wondering where to find fresh produce for that healthy diet? Visit the Plenty of Produce blog to find places offering locally grown fruits and vegetables.
Many chain restaurants now offer healthier menu choices often grouped in a separate lighter menu section. Some restaurants in Mt. Vernon with calorie conscious choices include Cracker Barrel, Bob Evans, Applebee’s, Chili’s, and Denny’s.
Healthy living begins with lifestyle change and Mt. Vernon has all the tools you need to reach a healthier YOU!