Articles

Hiking in Missouri’s winter offers fresh adventures and a chance to break in new gear while enjoying state parks and nature events like Eagle Days. Conservation offices and local guides help hikers explore wildlife and scenic prairies, including sightings of trumpeter swans that have made a comeback. Embrace the season with warm layers, step outside, and make your first hike of the year a memorable one.

Bodypump is a full-body muscle-building and cardio workout set to upbeat music, offered at the Joplin Family YMCA. Instructor Nikki Phillips highlights its focus on high reps and low weights to fatigue muscles and burn calories. With certified instructors and new routines each quarter, Bodypump is great for all fitness levels.

CrossFit at Honey Badger Gym offers a supportive group environment where workouts are scalable for all fitness levels. Travis Jarmin emphasizes that everyone starts somewhere and the variety keeps members motivated. Newcomers can try a free week to experience the community and see if CrossFit fits their lifestyle.

Hooping is a fun, full-body workout suitable for all ages and skill levels. Holly Jones and her daughters run HoopFiends, hosting community hoop sessions to teach and encourage everyone. Beginners are advised to start with a beginner hoop and keep practicing for muscle memory.

Pole fitness at Girlfriends Boutique Fitness & Spa is a fun, confidence-building workout combining dance and strength. Owners Shannon Strahan and Missy Pargen emphasize a judgment-free, supportive environment. Beginners are welcome, and many find it both challenging and rewarding.

POUND® is a fun, low-impact workout that blends Zumba, Pilates, and the video game Rockband using weighted drumsticks called Ripstix. Instructor Whitney Oakes, a licensed fitness pro and physical therapist, emphasizes that POUND® is beginner-friendly and easily modified for all fitness levels. It’s a great way to rock out while building strength and getting fit, especially during colder months.

Jessica Taylor, owner and certified instructor at Four States Yoga, explains that Barre combines ballet, yoga, Pilates, and strength training for a fun, low-impact workout that builds muscle and melts inches fast. Since adding Barre two years ago, it’s become a favorite class for all fitness levels, especially beginners. Taylor encourages trying Barre two to three times a week for best results and says the welcoming studio is perfect for anyone starting their fitness journey.

Taylor Mailes, a senior at Seneca, is a standout long jumper who won a state championship as a sophomore despite only starting track in eighth grade. Known for her discipline, explosiveness, and focus, she overcomes challenges like limited practice facilities with determination. Coach Morgan Rodriguez praises Taylor not only for her athletic talent but also for her strong character and dedication both on and off the field.

Haven 55 is a cozy country restaurant in Pineville offering homestyle food with a stunning view of Little Sugar Creek. Owned and led by Executive Chef Alan Bone, it’s known for favorites like New York strip steak, fried green beans, and nightly specials including fried catfish and prime rib. The dining room’s floor-to-ceiling windows showcase peaceful wildlife, making it a charming spot off the beaten path.