Recreation & Fitness

PLACE TO HIKE
Sugar Hollow
Runner-up: Old Rag Mountain in Shenandoah National Park
Not all 47 acres of Sugar Hollow are primo for hiking (some parts are better for fishing, for instance), but readers agree the Hollow takes the lead when it comes to a scenic walk. In the runner-up spot, the circuit hike up Old Rag is a reader favorite.

PLACE TO MOUNTAIN BIKE
Walnut Creek Park
Runner-up: Observatory Hill
Four hundred and eighty land acres comprise this year’s winner for the best place to mountain bike. Readers dig its twists and turns and post-ride waterfront view. Observatory Hill takes the No. 2 spot with a 12-mile loop filled with interconnecting trails and steep hills.

PLACE TO ROAD BIKE

Free Union 
Runner-up: Batesville
There’s a big difference between road biking and mountain biking. This year, Free Union wins the grand tour for its 26 miles of primo riding. Ballot newcomer Batesville spins into the second spot.

PLACE TO RUN
Rivanna Trail
Runner-up: Saunders-Monticello Trail
Readers say Rivanna’s paved trail is best for running, jogging and all manner of cardio exercises. Its 2.3 miles take you north from Riverview Park and cross under Free Bridge and Route 250 east. No. 2 is Saunders Trail, with its winding boardwalk and scenic views.

PARK FOR KIDS
Pen Park
Runner-up: Greenleaf Park
Often referred to as the “gem” of the city park system, Pen Park comprises 280 acres of no-adults-allowed fun. Tennis courts, volleyball courts, a baseball field and picnic shelters are just a few of its features. Greenleaf Park off Rose Hill Drive boasts 14 acres of grassy hillsides, a playground and touch-sensitive sprinklers.

KIDS’ SUMMER CAMP
Triple C Camp
Runner-up: ACAC Adventure Central
When you drop your pride and joy off at summer camp, your top concerns are for her safety and enjoyment. Readers agree: Triple C in Albemarle County offers both. Owners Libby and “H” Rothenberg have been in the camping biz since 1999—and even longer if you count their own summers away at camp—so they know what it takes to keep little Susie happy and entertained. Back in town, ACAC’s Adventure Central offers a fitness-oriented program for youngsters.

GOLF COURSE
Birdwood Golf Course
Runner-up: Farmington Country Club
As we understand it, the secret to a decent round of golf is to hit the ball hard, straight and not too often. Of course, readers might argue that the true secret to golf is knowing the best place to play. This year, you say that’s Birdwood. Farmington swings into second place, with 27 holes available for members April through October and on weekends in March and November.

YOGA TEACHER

Jennifer Elliott of Ashtanga Yoga
Runner-up: Cynthia Woodring of Studio 206
Breathing, steady gaze and inner energy locks are three keys to Ashtanga yoga practice. For ballot newcomer Jennifer Elliott, they may also be the keys to winning this category. Downtown at Studio 206, runner-up Cynthia Woodring is entering her 11th year of yoga practice.

YOGA STUDIO
Bikram Yoga
Runner-up: ACAC
Is it hot in here, or is it just the readers? This year, you say the best place to get your yoga on is at Bikram, the Downtown studio where the temperature never drops below 105 degrees. The folks at ACAC come in second, with group classes for Hatha, Vinyasa and even beginner yogis.

PILATES TEACHER
Robin Truxel of Tru Pilates
Runner-up: Kate Nesbitt of Pilates Virginia
A back and hip injury from marathon running was the catalyst for winner Robin Truxel’s interest in Pilates. These days, she’s focused on helping others stay fit and healthy. Kate Nesbitt of Pilates Virginia on East Main Street takes the runner-up spot.

PILATES STUDIO
Tru Pilates
Runner-up: ACAC
Tru Pilates daily group class offerings—including sessions for pre- and post-natal ladies —keep you in tip-top shape, which is why you vote it the best spot of its kind in town. Runner-up ACAC boasts two locations for stretching, flexing and machine work.

FITNESS CLASS

Body Pump at ACAC
Runner-up: Zumba at ACAC
Clearly, the readers know what they like and they like the exercise offerings at the Downtown and Albemarle Square gym. The winner, Body Pump, is a 60-minute group session involving weight-room exercises like lifts, curls, squats and presses. Runner-up Zumba, a dance fitness party, combines seven Latin-inspired workouts into one class.

PLACE TO WEIGHT TRAIN
ACAC
Runner-up: Gold’s Gym
Pump, pump, pump it up. You feel the burn best at ACAC. Both locations have a spacious free weight area, state-of-the-art machines and a circuit training area. In second place, Rio Road-situated Gold’s Gym, with free weights, group classes and a separate training room for ladies.

PUBLIC POOL
Onesty Family Aquatic Center at Meade Park
Runner-up: Smith Aquatic & Fitness Center
When the whistle blows, readers declare Meade Park’s Onesty swims laps around the competition. Just over 2 years old, the 225-person pool has already made a splash with locals for its diving board, lazy river and water slides. Cherry Avenue’s Smith Aquatic Center floats into second place with its state-of-the-art green facility, which has two pools.

FOOT RACE
Charlottesville Ten Miler
Runner-up: Women’s Four Miler
Run for your lives! That’s what readers say, anyway. There was no shortage of options in this new category, but the Charlottesville Ten Miler—an annual spring race benefiting a different local organization each year—wins. The Women’s Four Miler, which benefits the UVA Cancer Center Breast Cancer Program, comes in second.

PERSONAL TRAINER

Cecil Hassell of ACAC
Runner-up: Hyam Hosny of Clay Fitness + Nutrition
This year, readers demanded brains and brawn from the winner in this category. Cecil Hassell, with a Masters of Education in Exercise Physiology, fits the bill. His advice on everything from posture to post-workout keeps you coming back for more. Hyam Hosny, at Belmont’s Clay Fitness, leaves readers breathless.

UVA SPORTS EXPERIENCE
Baseball
Runner-up: Football
Root, root, root for the home team, readers say. Coach Brian O’Connor and the UVA baseball boys hit a home run in this new category and on the field this year, setting a new record (52 wins!) for the University. In second place, nothing quite says “Charlottesville in the fall” like UVA football. Folks of all ages crowd into Scott Stadium to cheer on the Cavs every autumn.

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