Whether you want to work on your physical endurance or want to gain mental strength for life’s hurdles, this weekend’s workouts and conferences will help you stay on track. Here are 10 of our favorite health and wellness events happening in Northern Virginia.
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2019 Pathways to Wellness Conference
Friday, Oct. 18, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
This year’s theme for the Pathways to Wellness Conference is “Being Our Best Self: Putting the Pieces Together.” It will feature keynote and motivational speakers, as well as personal workshops, a resource fair, networking events, caricatures, chair massages, canine companions and a catered lunch. // Fairfax County Government Center: 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax; $0-$40
Tai Chi Class
Saturday, Oct. 19, 8-9 a.m.
A gentle form of exercise and a type of meditation, tai chi has been praised by many for strengthening flexibility, improving balance and promoting relaxation. Virginia University of Integrative Medicine is offering a free class on Saturday, which will teach guests the yang style of tai chi (the most common form) and qi gong. // Virginia University of Integrative Medicine: 9401 Mathy Drive, Room 200, Fairfax; free
Falun Dafa Meditation Class
Saturday, Oct. 19, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Learn the meditation exercise of falun dafa to relieve stress, to get more energy and to feel healthier at this free course. Falun dafa, also known as falun gong, is a Chinese, religious and spiritual practice that combines meditation and qi gong exercises with moral philosophy focused on truthfulness, compassion and forbearance. // George Mason Regional Library: 7001 Little River Turnpike, Annadale; free
Morning Stretch @4MRMarket
Sunday, Oct. 20, 8:45 a.m.
Get in a morning stretch before the new week begins at Four Mile Run Market. The yoga class will include an hour of stretching on the floor (or in a chair, if more preferable) on Four Mile Run’s open porch. If the weather is too cold, the class will be moved inside the red building to a heated room. Class will close with samples from the Four Mile Run Farmers Market, including, when available, bacon from The Fermented Pig, fresh bagels from Baked by Yael and drinks from Agape Smoothies. // Four Mile Run Farmers & Artisans Market: 4109 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria; $10 donation encouraged
2Unstoppable’s Community Walk-n-Talk
Sunday, Oct. 20, 9-11 a.m.
The second annual Community Walk-n-Talk, held by 2Unstoppable, is being held in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Participants will meet at the red caboose in Vienna on the W&OD Trail and spend approximately 45 minutes walking. A group warmup, giveaways, special guest talks, a raffle and healthy snacks will also be features of the event. // W&OD Trail: 200 Dominion Road NE, Vienna; free
Bend + Brew
Sunday, Oct. 20, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Every Sunday morning in October at Fairfax’s lululemon store, Caboose Brewing Company teams up with the fitness brand to bring you a complimentary in-store yoga calls, followed by signature brews. All yoga levels are welcome, and participants are encouraged to bring their own mats. // lululemon: 2920 District Ave., Suite 105, Fairfax; free
Sweaty Brunch
Sunday, Oct. 20, 9:30-1 a.m.
Designed for the introverted woman, the Sweaty Brunch is a networking event meant to ease the awkwardness and fear many people feel during networking. It is kept to an intimate group size and is followed by a 45-minute workout with personal trainer Sarah Lewis, of Mix Fitness, who will be leading a strength training circuit. Attendees are encouraged to bring a mat. Afterward, enjoy brunch with your new friends! // Hillsborough Winery: 36716 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro; $25
Boot Camp Brunch & Beer
Sunday, Oct. 20, 10-11:30 a.m.
Head to Inca Social Sunday morning for Fitness2Go’s signature boot camp class. Inca Social will then provide brunch afterward, and guests get the choice between two brunch combos: one vegetarian and one for meat lovers. Both come with two mimosas. // Inca Social: 2670 Avenir Place, Vienna; $35
Zumba at Solace Brewing Company
Sunday, Oct. 20, 11 a.m.-noon
Taught by Cathy Caminero and Zumbanova, this fun and energetic Zumba class is followed by a Solace Brewing Company beer of your choice. Ticket price includes an hour of Zumba and one beer. // Solace Brewing Comapny: 42615 Trade W. Drive, Suite 100, Dulles; $15
Yoga for Moms
Sunday, Oct. 20, 2-4 p.m.
Head to Refresh Yoga Center for an afternoon of yoga, mimosas and conversations centered on motherhood and mental health. Bring a yoga mat and towel, and get ready to breathe, stretch and reflect on what it means to raise children in the modern world. // Refresh Yoga Center: 110 King St., Second Floor, Alexandria; for entry, bring a pack of diapers (newborn to size four)
