New Year, New Wellness Goals: Top Ways to Get Fit in Jackson
Have trouble sticking to New Year’s resolutions?
We may not be able to keep you accountable, but we can tell you the best places in Jackson that make it easy to reach your goals, stay on track, and have some fun along the way.
Join a Local Gym
Sticking to your routine is easier if you mix it up and engage. Jackson has plenty of gyms and studios that offer a variety of services and classes for every level of fitness, including Fondren Fitness. Acting as a one-stop gym and community center, Fondren Fitness offers top-grade machines alongside personal training, group workout classes, a spin studio, and amenities like the HydroMassage lounger and infrared sauna. Practice mindfulness and breathing at StudiOm Yoga, and stretch and sculpt at Pilates of Jackson. And for getting a workout with a punch, check out RockBox at Highland Village – Jackson’s newest studio with boxing-based workouts.
Meet Up With Fellow Fitness Enthusiasts
Started by a group of fellow Jacksonians, JXN Run Club’s motto is “Every pace is legal.” Open for beginners to experienced runners, there’s no cover charge to join, and the group regularly meets up for weekly runs and special events throughout the year. There's also the Lagers and Joggers meet up, every Thursday at 6 pm at Fertile Ground Beer Co. Love to bike? Enjoy the ride with the Tri-County Mountain Bike Association, an IMBA-affiliated mountain bike club, and SORBA (Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association) chapter based in the Jackson metro area. Their goal is to promote mountain biking while securing land access and supporting trail preservation, like the Belhaven Mountain Bike Trails, which are open to the public for riding or walking.
Choose a Healthy Dining Option
Incorporate easy, healthy options into your day with places like Sunflower Oven, a Belhaven Heights-based, co-op bakery that specializes in artisanal bread like homemade sourdough, and sandwiches made with fresh, local ingredients. Taste of the Island Caribbean in downtown Jackson offers wholesome, tropical flavors, and Oops All Vegan provides tasty, savory vegan options. If you want a specialty juice or smoothie, be sure to check out Juva Jackson in Highland Village and Mama Nature’s Juice Bar next to Fondren Fitness.
Get Outside
It’s easy to find a trail or bikeable path right in the heart of the city. LeFleur’s Bluff State Park is an urban oasis with miles of trails, campgrounds, and kayaking – we recommend checking out Capital City Kayaks for guided tours. The Museum Trail is an approximately 3-mile, multi-use “rail trail” connecting the Mississippi Farmers Market to the Mississippi Children’s Museum and provides opportunities for walking, running, and biking. The trail houses local public art, including Mississippi’s longest mural, as well as direct access to the Belhaven Mountain Bike Trails for off-the-beaten-path adventures.
Make Time For Self-Care
Recovery is a key part of a wellness program. Treat yourself to a day at the spa at Soul Spa in The Westin Jackson, featuring an indoor heated saltwater pool, relaxation garden, and relaxation lounge. nomiSpa at The Historic Fairview Inn is a tranquil spot to experience massages, facials, reflexology, aromatherapy, detoxification baths, and more. If you want a holistic wellness retreat, Jax-Zen Healing Arts Center not only has multiple massage services, energy healing, and flotation therapy but also taps into your creative side with a community arts studio.
