Finding the light this winter at the JCC 

As the days shorten and winter settles in, it’s natural to feel our energy dip. Less sunlight, colder mornings, and packed schedules can leave us feeling a little dimmer than we’d like. But this season also gives us an invitation: to cultivate our own sources of light and resilience. And one of the most reliable ways to do that is through movement, community and the willingness to try something new.

At the Dwares Jewish Community Center in Providence, we see every day how trying something new can spark energy. Members who step into a different class often leave feeling lighter, more confident and more connected. If you’re looking for a place to start, there are great options across the building. Try the Monday AquaFit, taught by AT, at 6:30 a.m. Emily O'Connor, director of aquatics, calls it “the perfect way to start your week strong – get in the water, get moving and feel great.”  Emily loves seeing members get in the water - you can often find her swimming at 6 a.m., chanting the following quote to herself "Winter swimming – where thermometers become irrelevant and courage reigns supreme.”

On land, Zumba with Maria on Tuesdays brings joyful music and movement that lifts the entire room. For something playful and unexpected, Juggling for Adults with Harry on Mondays at 11 a.m. builds both coordination and mental focus (please reach out to Samantha Kaufman, manager of adult programming and engagement, for more information about adult juggling: skaufman@jewishallianceri.org)

If you’re looking to strengthen and sculpt, Barre with Kim  (Wednesdays at 8:15 a.m., Thursdays at 5 p.m.) offers a challenging full-body workout. Strength & Conditioning (Tuesdays, 4 p.m.) and Core (Wednesdays, 4 p.m.) with Allie Tetrault, director of wellness & member experience, are excellent choices for more advanced exercisers ready to level up. And for those seeking welcoming, adaptable movement, our weekday 11 a.m. senior-friendly classes provide supportive options for everybody.

This season, our wellness team is also sharing what helps them stay connected to movement in the winter months. From Rob Castellucci, director of fitness operation, “Many folks shift gears and focus more on strength exercises during the colder months of the year when outdoor exercise, such as running, walking or jogging, aren't as enjoyable. This is great, and strength exercise should always be factored into a balanced workout routine. However, we must remember that our heart is an important muscle as well, and we must continue to train it through cardiovascular exercise. If you're one of the folks who hates getting on a treadmill, elliptical, rower, etc., then try mixing it up and doing intervals instead of steady state cardio. I find it fun to make a little game out of the interval bursts, plus it tends to be more effective and less time consuming to get a quality workout. Also, try one of our new StairClimber machines to really rev up the intensity!”

Corinna Wilson, licensed massage therapist and personal trainer, enjoys the cold, and shares a grounding winter ritual: “I like to get outside for a 20–30 minute walk in the morning or afternoon to get some Vitamin D and fresh air… carrying a hot beverage makes it feel cozier and like I’m treating myself to something nice.” 

Allie's fitness philosophy remains the same, season to season, "Winter isn't an excuse, it's a challenge. Make it happen!"

And this winter, you’ll have even more opportunities to move and connect: the JCC will be open until 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday throughout January, February and March, giving you extra time to gather, recharge and make the building a true third place in the darker months. These longer hours aren’t just about convenience – they’re about creating more moments for warmth, wellness and community when we need it most.

Because “light” isn’t only what comes from candles or the sun. It’s also the brightness we generate ourselves when we challenge our bodies, laugh with others, learn something new, or simply show up for our wellbeing. Resilience grows from these small, steady acts – taking one class, trying one new skill or stepping into a room where others are moving with the same intention.

NATALIE LYALIN (nlyalin@jewishallianceri.org) is the chief experience officer at the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island.