Discover The Best Ohio Bars To Catch Up With Friends!

The Federal in Youngstown - Photos by OHventures

Nothing brings people together more than the holiday season. Each year, we look forward to catching up with friends who have come from near and far back to their hometowns. Some of the best places to go to spread the warmth and cheer of the holidays is at your local watering holes.

While bars and pubs can be a dime a dozen in some areas, there are some that stand out above the rest with a certain charm and cool factor. Below are some of those bars that are worth a visit when you're meeting up with old friends and family.

Thirsty Dog

Akron
In Akron, the Thirsty Dog Brewing Company has been concocting tasty beers since 1997. But only recently have they opened their very own Tasting Room, located right on site in the room next to where the stuff is brewed! Found near the University of Akron, this nondescript building lures you in with the aroma of freshly brewed hops. Try the canine-themed beers, such as Whippet Wheat, Irish Setter Red, and of course the 12 Dogs of Christmas!

If beer is not your style, consider heading to Jilly's Music Room on the North Side, where you can get cocktails in a modern and sleek setting while enjoying local live music!


Athens
My pal Jake always shows me some great places when I visit Athens in Southeast Ohio, and one that I will never forget is Tony's Tavern. This is a dive bar where everybody knows your name, and where the house specialty is a shot called the hot nut - made with hot coffee and hazelnut liquor. They are delicious, cheap, and a lot of fun!

Another go-to spot for OU alum and other folks who come back into town is The Pub. Here, they are known for their aquariums of beer and for having the best cheeseburgers in town (according to Jake)!

Buzzbin Art & Music Shop

Canton
If downtown Canton is where you are heading for the holidays, then Buzzbin Art & Music Shop is the destination for you. The atmosphere is eclectic and one-of-a-kind, with a counter made entirely of bottle caps, and an adjacent arcade full of vintage pinball machines. The crowd is great for people watching, and you never know what genre of music will be blaring from the stage that night.

Rhinegeist Brewery

Cincinnati
Rhinegeist Brewery is a brewery situated in the up-and-coming neighborhood of Over The Rhine in Cincinnati. The wide open interior is available to reserve for private events, or you can come anytime to play cornhole, ping pong, foosball, or watch a ball game - all while relaxing with some locally brewed booze. Take a tour to learn about the history, or enjoy the awesome rooftop bar for a 360-degree view of Cincinnati.

Cleveland
We all know that Cleveland rocks, which you can experience for yourself by going to popular music bars such as Euclid Tavern, an old staple of University Circle, which was recently featured on an episode of "Drunk History."

For something new and different, try Punch Bowl Social, located in the Flats neighborhood. It's a bar that focuses on entertainment and games, including bowling, ping pong, karaoke, board games, foosball, video games, shuffleboard, and more! You can't go wrong competing with friends over drinks and games!

Bodega

Kingmaker's

Columbus
It was extremely difficult to choose just one, but my favorite bar in the Short North is Bodega, which is a "hipster" hangout perfect for a small group of close friends. Bodega has been recently renovated and is known for its endless array of draught beers, to-die-for grilled cheese, and a charming crowd of cool kids.

For something really different, you should head down the street from Bodega to Kingmaker's Board Game Parlour. offers over 500 unique board games paired alongside a nice selection of cocktails and beers on draft. Visitors are required to pay a $5 "library fee" that lasts the entire night, and allows them to play any and all of the board games of their choosing.

Blind Bob's

Dayton
The Oregon District is the place to be for nightlife in Dayton. My personal pick is Blind Bob's, a great  mom & pop spot for people in search of a few drinks, good ol' fashioned bar food, some rockin' karaoke, and even "Battle of the Bands" events. Not to mention, the fried pickles are the tastiest I have ever had!

Another fine choice, as told to me by my pal Dan, is The Century Bar, a bourbon and whiskey house. Even if you don't like bourbon, the folks at The Century claim that they can make anyone a bourbon drinker, even those with the most discriminating palate.


Toledo
One of the newest additions to the downtown Toledo scene is also one of the must-visit places. M'Osteria & Bar is situated right between both stadiums, and is a perfect mix of old and new. There's a wraparound bar and open kitchen format downstairs, and a classy lounge area with live entertainment upstairs.

You can never go wrong with heading to the famous Tony Packo's to chow down on chili, and to check out the hot dog bun collection.


Youngstown
For those of you who watch the TV show "Bar Rescue," you might be familiar with The Federal. This recently transformed bar in downtown Youngstown was jam-packed with patrons when I went back home for Thanksgiving - and for good reason! The bar is complete with a dance floor, pool tables, and great drink specials - try the Youngstown Mule, and the Burger Bomb (if you dare).

Right down the block from The Federal is V2 Wine Bar Trattoria, which is definitely worth a visit!

Peace, Love, & Little Donuts

Photo by OHventures

Peace, Love, and Little Donuts

115 S. Prospect Ave.

Hartville, OH 44632

(330) 877-3043

(and additional Ohio locations)

While driving through the City of Hartville in Stark County one day, I happened across a small and colorful bakery that caught my eye with its tie-dye and peace symbols on the storefront. The name of the confectionery was Peace, Love, and Little Donuts - and with a name like that, it's hard to pass by without stopping in!

Talk about a place that is adventurous with its flavors! Inside this tiny donut shop were tiny little donuts in a not-so-tiny display case full of sugary goodness. It was sensory overload, with the rainbow of sprinkles, and the sweet aroma of chocolate, cinnamon, and other delights. My friends and I were flabbergasted by the impressive selection of traditional and obscure flavors and varieties.

As if the name of the joint didn't give it away, a bit of a hippie theme was going on, as evidenced by the donut categories: Groovy, Far Out, and Funkadelic.

Groovy Donuts included any donut topped with cinnamon and sugar, powdered sugar, cinnamon, honey, or maple sugar. Far Out Donuts are donuts with "far out" frosting, including vanilla, chocolate, maple, raspberry, strawberry, orange, banana, lemon, and mocha. 

Funkadelic Donuts are the ones that get the most attention, as they have "far out" frosting along with fun and exciting toppings that you'd be hardpressed to find at any other donut shop: Oreos, coconut, pretzels, marshmallows & graham cracker (s'mores), maple bacon, salted chocolate, M&Ms, Nestle Crunch, apple pie, blueberry French toast, strawberry shortcake, samoa, and the list goes on (and on and on)!

Each of us ordered a half dozen little itty bitty donuts to gorge on. Mine are all shown above, with the stand-out flavor being the Funkadelic Fruity Pebbles donut! That one definitely wins the award for most bizarre (but bizarre in a good way, of course).

Peace, Love, and Little Donuts is not just in Hartville. There are 4 other Ohio locations: Massillon, Canal Fulton, North Canton, and Cleveland. There are also 6 in Pittsburgh (where it started), one in Grove City, Pennsylvania, one in Oregon, and one in Florida. So, while it's not entirely exclusive to Ohio, we are definitely fortunate that this wild and adventurous bakery has a large presence in Stark and Cuyahoga Counties!

Out Of The Darkness Walk

Photos by OHventures and Jeremy Wadian Photography

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States - and it is 100% preventable.

A staggering 38,000 individuals take their own life each year in the United States - and over 1 million worldwide. Depression, anxiety, mental illness, alcohol & drug abuse, and the pressures & stresses of everyday life are all contributing factors that lead to suicide. But research, education, and communication are all ways that we can help save lives and create a world without suicide.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) has done remarkable work in the fight against this terrible affliction that has affected so many lives. Its keynote event each year is the Out of the Darkness Community Walk series, which take place in various cities all across the country. The walks symbolize walking out of the darkness of mental anguish and into an eternal life of peace. The AFSP's logo - a life preserver - reinforces this statement by signifying the support of loved ones rescuing those in despair.

There are numerous Out of the Darkness Community Walks throughout Ohio, including: Marietta, Toledo, Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton, Youngstown, and right here in my own neighborhood of North Canton.

My family banded together on Sunday, October 5, 2014, for the Northern Ohio Chapter of AFSP's very first Out Of The Darkness Community Walk at the Hoover Vikings Stadium in North Canton. Sadly, like far too  many families, my own family has experienced the horror and pain that comes with losing a loved one to suicide. My cousin took his own life in the year 2000 at the age of 18. It is heart-wrenching to know that he was feeling so much inner turmoil and sadness - a feeling we can never understand. Knowing this bright young man I called my cousin had gone way too soon, I knew we had to take part in this event to make our voices loud and proud in hopes that we can save others.

I created Team Forever For Evan to honor my cousin. The team consisted of myself, my mom, dad, two aunts, two cousins, one uncle, and two second cousins. We all wore medals with my cousin's photo on them (much like the medals we wore for my grandfather in the Alzheimer's walk), and we wore honor beads provided at the site. The beads were all different colors, each representing a different relationship to the disease. I wore blue (which shows support for the cause), and purple (for having lost a relative). Other colors were orange (for a sibiling), white (for a child), etc. 

Team Forever For Evan was just one of many dozens of teams that showed up that chilly afternoon. There were over 400 walkers gathered in the stadium! Some were wearing matching shirts, others were carrying signs and photos, and all were there to help address this terrible issue we face in society.

We heard speeches from the race organizers,stories from families personally affected from suicide, a prayer from a local pastor, and a message from the mayor of North Canton. Then, it was time to release yellow and blue balloons into the air to honor those we've lost. Before we walked, we also took part in a yoga demonstration on the football field. The yoga was especially important because not only does it help physically by stretching and strengthening, but it also helps mentally.

Walkers were then free to walk the track around the field as many times as they liked! There was uplifting music and loads of snacks, such as hot dogs and hot chocolate to warm us up.

It was announced during the event that the goal of $10,000 was far exceeded and that collectively, over $28,000 was raised for the cause!!

We were in awe at the amount of money raised and so thankful that so many others were so giving to Team Forever For Evan and all of the other groups represented that day. Life is precious and it's one big adventure - everyone deserves to enjoy life it its fullest. Consider helping the AFSP by participating in a walk or donating individually.

If you or someone you know are in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255

Stark County Mutt Strut

Photos by OHventures

Time for a proud dog-dad moment.

The Stark County Humane Society hosted the Mutt Strut, a 2-mile casual walk for dogs and their families, on Sunday, on September 28, 2014 at Schneider Community Park in Plain Township (Canton area).

Each dog could be entered for a cost of just $10 (plus any additional donation you’d like to give), as well as an item from the Humane Society’s “wish list”: dry dog food, plastic dish pans, pillow cases, liquid hand soap, bleach, cloth towels, toilet paper, leashes, etc.

Aside from the walk portion of the event, the Mutt Strut also encouraged both humans and their pups to dress up in costume and participate in any or all of the contests later that day: Best Owner/Pet Resemblance; Best Pet Costume; Waggiest Tail; Wackiest Pet Talent; Howlin' At The Moon; and Best Owner & Pet Costume Combo.

Naturally, I showed up to the Mutt Strut with the honorary OHventures mascot, Slider the Chihuahua! It was long overdue that he joined me on one of my adventures, and being that he himself is a rescue dog, it was only fitting. I am a huge supporter of animal shelters and the amazing work that they do (after all, there would be no Slider if it weren't for the Franklin County Animal Shelter). 

Volunteering time, donating money and items, and encouraging others to "adpot, not shop" when they are looking to add a furry friend to their home, are just some of the ways that you can be an animal advocate as well. Taking part in events such as the Mutt Strut is also a great way to show up and show your support.

Over 100 dogs were accompanied by their humans at Schneider Park on that sunny September afternoon. The walk kicked off a little after 2:00, and everything from rat terriers to huskys, yorkies to golden retrievers were struttin' their stuff on the dirt trails surrounding the picturesque ponds. There were two water stops along the way, which were crucial due to the heat beating down on the dogs (especially when some of them were costumed!).

After the walk, it was time for the contests! I entered Slider in three categories: Best Pet Costume,Wackiest Pet Talent, and Best Owner & Pet Costume Combo. 

The competition was stiff for the costume categories. Slider was dressed as Spider-Man, and I was dressed as Peter Parker turning into Spider-Man! While we looked pretty darn dapper, it didn't hold a candle to the gigantic dog dressed as a lion (looking EXACTLY like a lion), and a woman dressed as the Scarecrow and her greyhound dressed as Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. 

However, the competition for the Wackiest Pet Talent was not so stiff, with only about 6 entries. Slider and I got on stage and he was to perform his talent that I like to refer to as the "prairie dog." This is when he sits up for a treat, but keeps his butt on the ground and balances like that for a very long time without falling. Much to our surprise, Slider WON for the best talent and we received a GIANT basket full of dog gifts (including treats, grooming tools, food, toys, and best of all, a pet carrier for an airplane). 

As silly as it may sound, I was pretty proud of my little dude for pulling off the big win! And I was really happy to see so many people in the community out supporting our four-legged friends in their fight for better lives.

Check this list of Ohio Animal Shelters to find a shelter near you that might have volunteer opportunities or community events like the Mutt Strut.

Kent State Stark Turkey Trot Recap

Photos by OHventures

The other day, someone told me I was like Superman because of all of these races that I do. While it was a flattering comment, and even though I did go as Clark Kent for Halloween, Superman I am not! I am merely human, and the fact that I sign up for all of these races is simply because I have such a strong passion and dedication for the spirit of running and competition. What I try to do through running is encourage those who think they can't that they indeed can. You don't need to be Superman - or Spiderman, or Wonder Woman, or Wolverine (although all of those would be pretty awesome). You just need to make a decision to get up and go.

I say this because on the morning of November 23, I had to get up bright and early (as I seem to keep doing) to run in the Kent State Stark Turkey Trot, taking place at 9 AM in North Canton (my new hometown)! The night before, I had a party to attend, and had a few too many vodka sodas, and also went to bed at a less than desirable hour. The morning of the race was supposed to be one of the coldest days of November. Sure enough, there was frost on the ground when I peered out the window.

It took everything I had in me to roll myself out of bed, shower, and put on enough layers of fleece, compression pants, technical shirts, long johns, and heavy duty socks to keep me warm. I coffeed up and begrudgingly drove to the Kent State Campus. I am not the type of person to want to quit anything, or not fulfill commitments. And, besides, I signed up for this race for the sole reason that I wanted to make sure that I had 20 races in 2013. The fact that it was so close to home made it very convenient.

I knew all along that I would be riding the strugglebus all the way to this race, because I knew when signing up that there was the big party the night before. But  I wanted to make sure I accomplished my goal of having 20 races. I kept repeating that in my head whenever I had second thoughts that morning.

Arriving on campus, I got my bib and chip and wandered around for a bit when all of the sudden I heard someone call my name! It was my friend, Samira, who was there to run the race as well! I had no idea she would be there participating, but I was SO glad to see her. She immediately told me, "you look tired!" That was an understatement! 

We got our picture with Flash (the mascot) and headed to the starting line. I wasn't ready for this race in so many ways, but that wouldn't stop it from happening. Once we started, I sucked it up and powered through. My body was hurting all over but I pushed myself through the course, which to add insult to injury, was mostly UPHILL! I huffed and puffed, and I winced and grimaced all the way around the Kent State Stark campus. 

With bags under my eyes and frost on the ground, I finally crossed the finish line (which was atop of the steepest hill of the course) and couldn't have been happier. My time was not up to par. It was about 26 minutes. For me, this was not so hot, as I typically run a 5K in 23 minutes. But it is what it is! I did it, and that was the important thing.

Samira ran at a remarkable speed, finishing in I think about 24 minutes, which she said beat her personal record by 30 seconds!! I was so proud of her and kept congratulating her on the huge accomplishment. We went to the recreation center where there were refreshments galore (including my all time favorite - orange slices!!). 

We ate our bananas and warmed up inside while the awards ceremony took place. Not surprisingly, Samira won FIRST PLACE in her age group and got a fancy shmancy gold medal! We were thrilled with that news. Soon, an announcement was made that I placed THIRD PLACE in my age group! I couldn't believe what I was hearing. How could that be? I got my bronze medal in shock and awe!

I think that the lesson learned today is that we are all human and we all face challenges. We can all think of a billion reasons to stay in bed and be sedentary. But with enough drive, determination, motivation, accountability, and dedication, you can do most everything you set out to do! Just keep your eye on the prize and push yourself to your limits. You might surprise yourself, and you might even feel like Superman when you cross that finish line :-).

Brace Against Hunger 5K Recap

Photos by OHventures

It’s so much easier to run when you are surrounded by serene and beautiful scenery.

It’s even easier to run when you know that there is Ohio-made award winning wine waiting for you at the finish line!

Both of those things made for a 5K run that is one of my personal bests, with a time of 24:23!

This feat occurred on the morning of Sunday, September 22 at the Inaugural Brace Against Hunger 5K Walk/Run by the Stark County Hunger Task Force, which took place on the grounds of Gervasi Vineyard & Italian Bistro, as well as on the Stark Parks trails.

The Stark Parks (whose mascot is a creepy looking frog-thingy) trails were pretty brutal, and I was NOT prepared for the amount of hills that were on our course, but they clearly didn't slow me down too much because, as you know, I clocked in at a pretty good time, and placed 47th out of 500-plus runners! I know for a fact that the thought of an early morning wino session at Gervasi is what kept me trucking it!

For years, I have been gushing to everyone about Gervasi being the best winery in all of Ohio, and I still mean it. There really is no place like it that I can think of other than Napa Valley (and that is quite a hike if you want to go there). It's been featured on OHventures as being one of Ohio's Top 5 Best Wineries, and in the OHventures Guide to Canton, among many other mentions!

Now that I live in North Canton (for those of you that don't know, I moved here from Columbus in August!), I have been looking to immerse myself in the Northeast Ohio running scene, and this was a perfect race to do so.

I also recently met a friend of a friend, Katie, who is HUGE into participating into local races. Katie has a goal of running 31 races in 2013, the year in which she turns 31! She is well on her way to accomplishing this, and documents her journey on her blog "Life's Katetastic!" I think that her participation in the Brace Against Hunger 5K is race #21 or something, but she has a TON lined up for the final quarter of 2013!

Anyway. Let's get back on track. Where were we? Oh yeah...wine!

As participants of the race, we had the exclusive privilege of getting a sneak peak of Gervasi's newest addition, the Crush House, which is being unveiled to the public starting October 1. The Crush House was a $4 million project and is nestled int he rear of the property. It offers a brand new restaurant, wine bar and winery all in one, and is nothing short of stunning on the inside and out!

The interior of the Crush House is modern and slick, with dim red-tinted lighting, a 58-foot winding bar, a stainless steel wine production room, and a maginificent second floor with one-of-a-kind jaw-dropping decorative chandeliers made of wine bottles! Even the bathroom sinks are wine themed!

We also got to have a special menu consisting of yummy breakfasts and hand-crafted drinks, such as the apricot bellini, which I promptly sucked down. I am sure there were som nutrients of some sort in that drink that helped rehydrate me after the race!

In addition to the Crush Hous tour, other perks of the race were a car raffle, Subway sammies and other snacks, a finish line party with a DJ, and the chance to mingle with some great folks! I was happy to get to see the former Director of the Stark County Hunger Task Force, and current Director of yStark Eric Smer at the event!

Another pretty cool perk was seeing the impressive stack of non-perishible items, canned goods, and oter donated food that participants brought in to help the cause at hand: feeding the hungry and impoverished population of Stark County. By seeing that mound of food, there's no doubt that this was an extremely successful inaugural year for the Brace Against Hunger 5K!

Healthy Home, Healthy You!

Lessen Your Carbon Footprint In Your Home and Save Big!
By Michael J. Evans/OHventures
For: Compass Media, Healthy Home Issue

READ MORE AT COMPASS MEDIA (PAGES 14-21) 

OR PICK UP A HARD COPY OF THE MAGAZINE ON STANDS IN THE CANTON AREA THIS FALL!

It happens every month: you open your mailbox hoping to find exciting letters from friends and family only to discover your ever-dreaded utility bills lurking inside. Begrudgingly, you take the parcels out, hold your breath, close your eyes, and open the envelope. You are hoping that some magical force has somehow yielded a much smaller, more reasonable dollar amount on the piece of paper inside. But, inevitably the number is far greater than you would prefer. You stare at the bill, sure of the fact that the "8" and the "2" should be transposed, or that maybe you are reading it wrong and need to go get your glasses? But then you finally accept the harsh truth: you really did use that much energy in the past month. But you don't always have to settle for high bills. There are things that you and the rest of those in your household can do to not only lessen the impact energy bills have on your wallet, but to lessen the impact they have on the environment, as well.

Since utilities are the glue that holds a house together, there is no way around using them. Whether you are a homeowner or you rent an apartment, using utilities more wisely is the key to a lower bill. The biggest key to success is making sure that everyone who lives under the same roof lives under the same set of rules when it comes to reducing your carbon footprint.

One of the most obvious contributing factors to a high energy bill is the excessive heating and cooling of your home. In the summer, the electric bill tends to skyrocket when using fans and air conditioning units, and in the winter, gas bills can double or even triple as your furnace works overtime to keep you cozy.

To address rising costs associated with cooling your home, you should first and foremost look for appliances and air conditioning units that are Energy Star approved. Energy Star is a program that was started by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a "voluntary program to identify and promote energy-efficient products and buildings in order to reduce energy consumption, improve energy security, and reduce pollution through voluntary labeling of or other forms of communication about products and buildings that meet the highest energy efficiency standards." Seeing the Energy Star symbol on any product is always a good sign of long-term savings.

Follow Compass!

 

Compass Media is based in Canton, Ohio and is a leading publisher of magazines that educate the community in which we all live. Compass Media will issue several themed editions of its magazine, on the topics of: Medical, Health, Fitness, Animal Health Care, Higher Education, Building and Remodeling, Being Green, and Quality Family Living.

 

 

With its team of marketing experts, Compass Media is dedicated to providing smarter solutions for clients’ advertising and branding goals. Compass Media provides award-winning creative designs, brand development, printing and web design; and also creates its very own market segment publications that provide an educational resource for the community.

 

I am a proud member of "Team Compass," serving as a Contributing Writer, and I have thus far written three articles for the magazine: "Improving Your Lung Health" (Medical 2013), "Ohio Runner's Boston Connections" (Fitness 2013), and "Monumental Workouts" (Fitness 2013).

 

I also have participated in the photo shoot for the Fitness edition at the McKinley Monument in Canton. Compass Media gathered hundreds of fitness fanatics from the Stark County area to run the steps of the monument to accompany the feature story I had written. It was a cold day, but very enjoyable to be amongst such great company.

 

I will continue to contribute to Compass Media publications and I encourage you to "Like" them on Facebook, or pick up a hard copy of the magazine on newsstands in the Canton area. 

 





Monumental Workouts

Monumental Workouts

by Michael J. Evans

for Compass Media LLC

2013 Fitness Edition

History is rich and deep in Canton at the absolutely stunning and ornate McKinley Monument that was built as the final resting place of the 25th President of the United States, William McKinley, after he was assassinated in 1901. Having been born in Niles (near Youngstown), President McKinley later practiced law in Canton, which he called his “adopted” home (which explains why he is buried here). Even if you’re not a history buff, you can still appreciate what this building holds and represents.

In addition to the architectural splendor and historical aspects the monument brings to the city (and the state as a whole), the McKinley Monument also adds an element of fitness and adventure to the community. Each and every day, rain or shine, one can find any number of individuals or groups of boot-campers running up and down the stairs Rocky Balboa style!

Over the years, the 106 stairs at the monument have become a hotspot for health nuts and fitness freaks looking to use the landmark as their very own outdoor public gym!

Folks get their cardio fix running the stairs over and over, feeling the burn in their calves, quads and lungs. People can also build muscle by using the landings of the monument as areas to perform sets of push-ups, sit-ups, lunges, and other body-sculpting exercises. Even simply walking your dog or taking the steps at a leisurely pace can do wonders for your overall health and wellbeing!

Maria Potvin, Fitness Director and Certified Personal Trainer at Powerhouse Gym in North Canton, has been working out at the McKinley Monument for at least 15 years, and says there is a reason for its growing popularity.

“The monument provides a very non-intimidating atmosphere because it’s outside and you’ll see all walks of life,” she said. “People are much more inclined to train outside, because they are tired of being in a gym doing the same thing over and over. The monument is instrumental in giving everyone a different perspective and providing different workouts.”

Potvin, who has been in the fitness industry for over 25 years, said that her focus and goal has always been to get people to embrace a healthy lifestyle and get them excited about exercise, no matter who they are or where they workout. She stressed the importance of incorporating a variety into your everyday routine, which is what Powerhouse Gym aims to do with its array of cutting-edge classes: spin, yoga, zumba, kickboxing, and more. She recommends heading to the steps of the McKinley Monument for an equipment-free experience in a stunning location!

Kim Wagler, owner of Impulse Training on Whipple Avenue in North Canton, is one of many local personal trainers that offer free workout classes at the McKinley Monument on a regular basis.

“I love the environment [at the McKinley Monument],” Wagler said. “The smiles on everyone’s face is just what we need in today’s society when most people are so glued to their phone that they don’t even look up to acknowledge other people!”

Wagler has been offering free community outreach classes through Impulse Training since July 2009, when she held an Independence Day Boot Camp. The times and days in which classes are offered vary, but are posted on www.impulsetraining.com/events. She said that clients love to come to the stairs to experience a different type of training, and to socialize with others while busting through obstacles and celebrating those victories together.

“There are so many options,” Wagler said. “No matter what fitness level you are at, just walking or running those steps will provide an amazing workout to strengthen your heart and muscles as well as burn tons of calories, which can lead to great fat loss.”

An extremely wide variety of individuals all ages, both male and female, make it to the stairs to workout! Wagler said she has everyone from 8-year-old boys to 70-year-old ladies join in on the action. However, she noted that the typical participants are 35-55 year-old women.

Daniel Williams, founder and owner of DWFIT, said that age and fitness level is not a factor in the boot camp classes he teaches at the monument.

“The workouts I teach at the monument are set up so you can go at your own pace,” Williams said. “It’s open to super-fit people as well as people who have not worked out in a long time and are looking to get back into shape. I walk around and help everyone individually when I teach. We mix it up so you get the most out of your workout and don’t get bored.”

Williams takes his boot camps to the monument any chance he can. If the weather is nice, he alerts everyone who has signed up for his class that it will be held at the McKinley monument. If the weather is not nice, classes take place at Grand Slam, located on Dressler Road in North Canton. Currently, classes are weekdays at 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM; Saturdays at 10 AM; and Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 AM.

To spice things up even more, Williams sometimes brings various pieces of exercise equipment with him to his monument classes, including: agility ladders, 4x4 logs (for frog hops) and light weights (for deadlifts and curl presses). He also brings sidewalk chalk to create exercise “stations” so his students can do circuit training at the monument. He said the possibilities are endless, and that one can get a great full-body workout by visiting the landmark!

Below are some exercises that local fitness instructors Maria Potvin, Kim Wagler, and Daniel Williams have recommended to try on your own if you decide to workout at the McKinley Monument. You can pick and choose which workouts to incorporate, customizing your routine to fit your specific needs:

·         Run to the top of the stairs, loop around the monument, and run back down. Repeat.

·         Perform decline pushups on the stairs to work both your upper and lower body.

·         Utilize the stairs to do calf raises and lunges if you are looking to focus on the legs.

·         At the top of the stairs, do plank variations and squats to work the core.

·         At each landing between the sets of stairs, do 30 burpee exercises and/or 30 sit-ups

·         Use the wall at the top of the monument for triceps dips and/or jump squats

·         Bring small dumbbells or wear weighted gloves to add more strength training to your stair climbing!

The fresh air, sunshine, and cool breeze make exercising on the McKinley Monument different than exercising inside the confines of a gym. Knowing that you can strengthen your heart, build muscle, and improve your wellbeing by visiting one of the most noteworthy landmarks in Northeast Ohio makes getting active in the community so much more exciting! We all owe a special thanks to President William McKinley for keeping so many people in shape after all these years!

READ MORE AT COMPASS MEDIA (PAGES 37-39)

OR PICK UP A HARD COPY OF THE MAGAZINE ON STANDS IN THE CANTON AREA IN JUNE!