January brings a time for fresh beginnings. With the New Year comes new intentions, goal setting, and hopefully some time to get off the couch and move around a little. Whether you’re ready to tackle your fitness goals, change up your wardrobe, mix up your beauty routine, or pick up a new hobby, Novato businesses offer numerous opportunities to help you become the best version of yourself.
As ever, the internet is full of strategies for keeping your resolutions, like being patient and measuring progress, however incremental. Like understanding and anticipating the triggers that have you reaching mindlessly for another snack. Using small rewards as positive reinforcement when you achieve your goals.
A great first step to achieving your 2023 goals is to write them down and schedule time for them. Handily, Copperfield’s Bookstore on Grant Avenue has a wide range of journals, calendars and 2022 planners that will help get you organized for the new year. New to Novato, Wild Fennel on Grant Avenue also has calendars and other goodies handmade by local artists.
Ready to give fitness a go? If the weather stays clear from winter storms, Novato is full of outdoor recreation opportunities. Explore new trails, Novato has so many beautiful Bay Area trails for hiking, biking, and running. If your bike’s not in the best running order, a trip to Bicycle Brustop or Old Town Sports may be in order. Get a membership at Rolling Hills Club and give tennis or pickleball a whirl!
If you’d rather be indoors, we have plenty of gyms and yoga studios. Open 24/7, Sonoma Fit on Grant Avenue offers 20,000 square feet with the most technologically advanced fitness equipment and class programming in the area. Crossfit North Marin offers to get you into the best shape of your life — if you’re willing to put the work in, of course. Orangetheory Fitness on Diable Avenue offers the support and accountability of group workouts and the promise of high-intensity training.
Looking to ease yourself into better habits? Locally-owned and operated Sukha Yoga offers classes in a variety of yoga styles in Downtown Novato. As the name suggests, Some Like it Hot on Ignacio Blvd offers the intensity of Hot Yoga, along with Hot Pilates classes every week.
Many guides to building good habits talk about the importance of scheduling. Consider signing up for a class, either at one of the yoga schools or gyms we’ve mentioned, or try martial arts as a weekly practice. You’ll find Novato Family Martial Arts on Redwood Blvd, Ito’s White Tiger on Grant Avenue, North Bay Jiu Jitsu on Nave Drive, and Tech Lab Jiu Jitsu on San Marin Drive.
After all the hard work on your body, treat yourself to a visit at Renovia Massage Center. They offer several different massages and aromatherapy along with specialized treatments for athletes, desk workers and frequent drivers.
Now that your body is feeling rejuvenated, pay a visit to Moonstone Skin & Body Care for a customized facial treatment to heal your skin and restore your soul! Owner, Janie tells all her clients “I’m like a personal trainer for your skin.” With Janie’s help, you’ll leave relaxed and ready to take on the new year. Another great beauty option is Beauty Heroes on Grant Avenue. Not one to shy by, Beauty Heroes currently holds the most rigorous ingredient standard in the industry. The products they select are formulated with the highest quality, mostly natural, organic, biodynamic and wild-harvested ingredients that have been ethically sourced by companies who care about your health and the health of our planet.
As for healthy eating, Whole Foods has many healthful choices for the January dieter. While you’re there, keep an eye out for super-food products from Navitas Naturals, who happen to be a Novato-based company making a splash in the health-food scene.
For other local supermarket options, there’s a great selection of healthy food at Nugget Market on Ignacio Blvd, Harvest Market on San Marin Drive, and Trader Joes on Redwood Blvd at Olive. If the household budget is in need of a post-holiday diet too, you might consider checking out discount offerings of the Novato Grocery Outlet.
Whether you’re eating better, exercising more often, becoming the best version of yourself, or simply catching up on some hobby time, make a resolution to think local when you’re shopping. It’s convenient and good for the local economy. Your local retailers appreciate your support, just as much as they’re happy to be supporting you.
