By Charlotte Lee
In Stillwater, living well involves more than just workout routines—it’s about creating sustainable habits, finding community support, and building mind-body resilience. Here’s a guide to fitness options, mental health resources, and lifestyle practices that can help turn everyday choices into lasting wellness.
Fitness & Local Gyms
If you’re looking to get moving, Stillwater has a range of fitness centers and community-focused options.
- River Valley Athletic Club: Full-feature gym with strength and cardio gear, classes, and long hours to support early risers or late-day workouts.
- Anthem Strength & Conditioning: Offers guided strength training, functional fitness, and coaches who tailor plans to beginners and experienced athletes alike. Located on Market Drive, it’s great for focused training.
- Pony Activity Center (PAC): Run by the community education department, the PAC has gyms, indoor walking track, cardio and weight rooms, and hosts classes like yoga, pickleball, and boot camp.
- Community Education fitness classes: Low-cost classes through Stillwater Area Public Schools, covering sports, dance, strength training—good for trying something new without a steep commitment.
Mental Health Supports
Taking care of your mind is just as critical as exercise. Here are trusted resources available in Stillwater.
- Canvas Health: Offers outpatient mental health services for individuals and families; sliding fee scales available, covers therapy, diagnoses, and referrals. Located at 375 Orleans St E.
- Vantage Mental Health: Nonprofit clinic offering therapy, psychiatry, group support, diagnosed services, and innovative treatments like TMS and ketamine therapy. Their Stillwater office aims to reduce stigma and improve access.
- Washington County Crisis Response: Provides mobile crisis services in Stillwater and surrounding areas for urgent needs, along with guidance for non-emergency but overwhelming mental health challenges.
- United Way Find-Help: A toolkit for residents seeking mental health, substance use, or other wellness-related assistance in the East Washington County area.
Daily Habits for Long-Term Wellness
Fitness centers and therapists help, but building a healthier life also depends on habits you can weave into everyday routines.
Move Often, But What Counts
Walks along the St. Croix River, short yoga flows, or quick bodyweight circuits at home—all count. If gym time isn’t available, aim for 10-minute bursts of movement several times a day.
Mindfulness & Stress Management
Practices like journaling, breathing exercises, or joining a group therapy or support group can help process stress. Mental and emotional renewal is key—not just physical recovery.
Nourish & Rest
Focus on whole foods, hydration, and enough sleep. Small wins—adding one more fruit/veg, turning off screens an hour before bed—can shift energy and clarity.
Finding Your “Why” & Staying Connected
The strongest health habits are built when connected to purpose or community.
- Set realistic goals: something meaningful and personal, whether that’s increasing energy, managing anxiety, or having strength for everyday life.
- Find like-minded people: join group fitness classes, walking groups, or community ed sessions at PAC. The group setting can boost consistency.
- Use local green spaces: parks, trails, riverwalks—accessible and restorative, offering movement plus mental reset without expense.
Wellness isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s a journey of choices big and small. In Stillwater, we have many resources, whether you’re stepping into a gym for the first time, seeking support for your mental health, or aiming to build toward a healthier future one habit at a time.