If you are setting goals or intentions in the new year — or any time of the year — it’s often easier to be successful if you have the structure and support from a group of like-minded people or a business designed just for that purpose.

Maybe you hope to run a half marathon this year or establish a gym routine. Or perhaps you want to pick up a new creative skill or write a novel. Or you may just want to practice self-care or take better care of your mental health. No matter what your goal is, there is a business or group in Ann Arbor that can support you on your journey!

 

To Run a Half-Marathon: Run Ann Arbor

If you plan on running a half marathon this year — or you even just wish to get back into running in general — consider joining Run Ann Arbor, a running group “run” by Ann Arbor Running Company. Each Saturday morning, the group meets at Ann Arbor Running Company at 7 a.m. to run distances ranging from 2 to 20 miles, with out and back or looped courses that vary each week. There are water stations every 2 or 3 miles with everything you need to keep going, including water, electrolyte mixes, carb gels and gummies, shortbread cookies, a first aid kit, and more. There is no need to pre-register — simply show up! It’s a $5 drop-in fee, which is waived for first-time drop-ins.

 

To Write a Novel: Michigan Writers

If you’re interested in writing a book this year, you need to join Michigan Writers. This membership organization exists “to encourage and support writers of all ages, skill levels and genres in Michigan by providing opportunities for networking, education and publication.” Members include a mix of writers and readers, professionals and newcomers, all with a shared love for fine writing in all its forms. Join Michigan Writers for $40, which includes a subscription to Dunes Review, free or reduced admission to MW events and workshops, MW eNews, and much more.

 

To Develop a Regular Yoga Routine: aUM Yoga

Hoping to improve your yoga practice this year? Get involved with a yoga studio! Located near the U-M campus, aUM Yoga is a yoga studio providing a variety of classes taught by knowledgeable instructors, including Ashtanga Vinyasa, Core 360, Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa, and more. aUM is a play on words, combining the Sanskrit work “aum” (or “om”) with the acronym for Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan. aUM was voted the Best Yoga Studio in Ann Arbor eight years in a row — and it’s easy to see why! Their urban and digital oases “inspire growth and development, promote wellness and tranquility, teach love for self and other, and bring a playful awareness to clients.” Check out their studio schedule and sign up for an upcoming class to be a part of the aUM community, or join from home with their virtual classes! 

 

To Get Stronger: Wolverine Strength and Conditioning

Similarly, if you want to develop a gym routine and gain strength this year, it’s so much easier to do so with the accountability of a community of like-minded people. Wolverine Strength and Conditioning is one of the largest and cleanest CrossFit gyms in Ann Arbor. Their huge, open facility covers 6,000 square feet of air-conditioned and heated indoor space as well as programs for newbies, old pros, competitors, weightlifters and more. New to CrossFit? No problem. They recommend starting with the one-on-one Foundations sessions, which give you all the necessary tools to find success and exceed your goals. 

 

To Expand Your Cooking Skills: Zingerman’s BAKE!

If you didn’t spend time shadowing your mother in the kitchen as you grew up, you may find yourself lacking some basic cooking or baking skills. It’s never too late to learn how to cook, from basic practices to more advanced techniques. Tucked between Zingerman’s Bakehouse and Zingerman’s Creamery, BAKE! is Zingerman’s hands-on teaching bakery. There, you can learn everything from cake baking to cheese pairing. Classes are open to the public in categories like pizza making, donut frying, flour grinding, soft pretzel creation, Thanksgiving pies, bagels, Italian cookies, and more. You can see all upcoming classes, either by name or by date and reserve your spots. And you can even look at virtual classes if you’d rather cook from the comfort of your own kitchen!

 

To Work Through Mental Health Challenges: Arbor Wellness Center

Sometimes, before you can learn a new skill or develop a healthy habit, you need to take care of some fundamental underlying issues, such as mental health challenges you may be facing. In fact, strengthening and maintaining your mental health is foundational for all other areas of wellness in your life. That’s where the Arbor Wellness Center comes in. Arbor Wellness Center provides psychotherapy for a wide range of issues and supervision and consultation for mental health professionals. Their therapy services are aimed at treating depression, anxiety, eating disorders, trauma, grief/loss, and much more. Contact Arbor Wellness Center to get connected with one of their mental health practitioners.

 

To Be More Creative: Maker Works

If you wish to be more creative (or learn a specific creative skill), Maker Works is the hub for creativity in Ann Arbor. Founded in 2011, Maker Works is a massive, 14,000-square-foot workshop that is entirely focused on making things. When you purchase a membership or a day pass, the workshop is wide open for hands-on learning, practice and creation, but their team also offers one-time classes for specialized instruction in several topics. Covering craft, wood, metal, electronics, jewelry, software and more, Maker Works classes can provide you the skills and the tools needed to both learn and excel at nearly anything. Safety checkout classes are required before using some tools; check the tool pages to see which ones. And you can set up a free scheduled tour whenever Maker Works is open. Looking for more creativity? There are so many other creative classes you can take in Ann Arbor!

 

To Eat Healthier: Juicy Kitchen

Many of us have “eat healthier” on our list of intentions for the new year! Thankfully, there are several healthy restaurants in Ann Arbor to help support this goal, including Juicy Kitchen, a quaint market and cafe in Northwest Ann Arbor. Using locally sourced produce, hormone-free chicken, and organic vegetables and grains as much as possible, Juicy Kitchen crafts meals from scratch in healthy, sustainable ways. While this Ann Arbor spot is an excellent option for anyone searching for healthy food, they also cater to specific allergies, gluten-free diets, and vegans and vegetarians during both breakfast and lunch.

 

To Prioritize Self Care: Bloom Wellness Spa

Sometimes, instead of pushing yourself with a lofty goal, all you need to do is prioritize self care! Bloom Wellness Spa is a luxurious day spa and hot yoga studio, offering a variety of experiences for individuals and couples/groups. Bloom believes that massage therapy isn’t just a luxury; it’s the path to optimal health. Their therapists utilize both ancient and modern techniques to “intuitively guide your body into balance by identifying tension, pressure points, and the stress that results in postural contortions.” Plus, Bloom offers float therapy, sauna sessions, hot yoga and more. Check out their menu of services and book your indulgent treatment at Bloom Wellness!

 

To Save More Money: Mind Money Balance

Financial health is very important — especially in our current economic climate. Mind Money Balance is a local Ann Arbor-based company with a wide reach. Owner Lindsay Bryan-Podvin is the first financial therapist in Michigan. Her goal is to “help you not only talk about money, but to include our emotions and psychology in it.” It’s less about simply making sure you’ve got the right savings categories, and more about how money makes you feel. Lindsay offers a number of services, including one-on-one financial therapy sessions, plus self-paced courses and workshops. She also wrote a book called “The Financial Anxiety Solution,” which is an interactive workbook with helpful tools to equip you to interact with money in a safe and powerful way.

 

To Drink Less: Nightcap

Photo Courtesy of Nightcap

If you’re practicing Dry January or Dry 2024 — or you simply want to drink alcohol a little less often, you’re in good company with the growing “sober curious” movement! And you’d be surprised to discover just how many bars and restaurants in Ann Arbor offer alcohol-free drink options, from mocktails to zero-proof cocktails. Nightcap is one of those establishments! This popular bar in the heart of downtown has a team of bartenders deeply committed to providing an excellent, modern cocktail experience, utilizing only the finest and freshest ingredients, along with innovative techniques and cutting-edge equipment. Their drink menu has a collection of zero-proof cocktails, from a refreshing virgin colada with pineapple, coconut, lime and soda, to a rich coconut cold brew made with hyperion cold brew coffee, coconut, demerara and nutmeg.

 

To Get Better Sleep: Earthscape Home

You don’t have to be a sleep scientist to know just how important sleep is for maintaining a high quality of life — physically, mentally and emotionally. Level up your sleep by investing in top-of-the-line products, from the mattress underneath you to the cozy bedding on top. Earthscape Home is an organic mattress gallery located in All About Furniture in Ann Arbor. They are proud authorized dealers of some of the leading certified organic mattress brands in the country, plus organic linens and select home furnishings — all with a promise of being chemical-free, non-toxic and earth-friendly. Browse their online selection of mattresses and bedding — or stop by in person to feel the softness for yourself!

 

To Reduce Waste: BYOC Co.

Photo Courtesy of BYOC Co.

With each small decision we make, we can each do our part to help reduce waste. BYOC Co. is a refill station and zero waste shop in downtown Ann Arbor. BYOC stands for Bring Your Own Container, which you can fill with their ethically produced household cleaning and personal care products. You can stock up on pretty much everything you need for the home and your body, slowly transitioning to their eco-friendly products. And of course, don’t forget to bring your own container to reduce plastic waste!

 

You’ve Got This!

With the support of these local businesses and groups, you can achieve anything!