By Charlotte Lee
Local Gyms and Fitness Spaces to Explore
If you’re looking to get moving, Stillwater offers a variety of gyms that suit different styles, schedules, and budgets:
- River Valley Athletic Club (1826 Northwestern Ave) features traditional gym equipment, an outdoor pool, group classes, and a functional fitness room for strength training and cross-training.
- Planet Fitness (Market Drive) is ideal for casual workouts, clean facilities, and flexible hours—some 24-hour access—with a supportive, judgment-free atmosphere.
- F45 Training (60th Street North) serves up high-intensity interval sessions combining cardio and strength work. If you like classes that are challenging and fast-paced, this could be your fit.
Mental Health Services in Our Community
Taking care of mental wellness is just as important as physical health. These resources are available locally:
- Washington County Adult & Child Mental Health offers intake assessments, crisis response, and on-going support services.
- Canvas Health Clinic in Stillwater provides outpatient therapy, psychiatry, crisis and substance use services for all ages.
- Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) works across Minnesota to build healthier environments—making physical activity easier, improving nutrition, and supporting local efforts toward well-being.
Everyday Healthy Living Tips for Stillwater Residents
You don’t need a gym membership to improve health. Try building habits that you can sustain long term:
- Get outside. Walk or bike downtown Stillwater, enjoy the trails along the river, or even explore St. Croix-Bluff Park. Fresh air and movement go hand in hand.
- Mix movement types. Strength training, yoga, cardio, even dance—variety helps your body and keeps things interesting.
- Find a community. Go to group classes, join a running or hiking group, pair up with a workout buddy. Connections help mental health and hold you accountable.
- Prioritize rest and recovery. Rest days, quality sleep, stretching, and listening to your body matter just as much as volatile workouts.
- Make nutrition approachable. Local farmers’ markets, simple meal prep, out-of-the-box healthy swaps—small sustainable changes add up.
Building Lasting Healthy Habits
Real, lasting wellness isn’t built with quick fixes. Focus on consistency over intensity, curiosity over rigidity. Explore different fitness styles until something fits—F45 may appeal, but maybe yoga or strength training is what you’ll stick with. Lean on local resources when you need help. And when it comes to mental health, early support can make a difference, whether via therapy, support groups, or trusted friends.
If you’re ever in doubt or feel overwhelmed, remember: you’re not alone. Stillwater has both people and places willing to help you build a sustainable, healthier life.