As the weather turns cooler and daylight hours are quickly waning, it’s that time of year for Montanans to find recreational activities indoors.

An excellent way to discover some new interests or socializing opportunities is through the various adult education classes offered at the school districts around Mineral County.

In Superior, Heather Pecora’s exercise classes through her Mountain Fitness group have found a new location through Superior High School. As part of the district’s adult education opportunities, Pecora leads three different workout classes that are open to all fitness levels. She remarked, “Everyone has to start somewhere! The classes have several modifiers for each move, and options to slow down or skip a move if needed.”

Pecora puts on High Energy Mondays at 7:30 p.m. for women who want to build strength and endurance. She has held her first two classes and the attendance was encouraging. Pecora stated, “The first day I had nine women and was super happy with that turnout, but the following week I had 20, I was ecstatic!”

This coming week she will start her Tone and Stretch course that happens every other Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. It will feature low impact moves, for women who want to gain flexibility and connect with their body. And lastly her Couch to 5K group, is ten-week training program that will meet every Wednesday until Thanksgiving. Each week will have one instructed group run and two individual runs and ends with the goal of participating in the annual Turkey Trot 5K on Thanksgiving in Superior.

Pecora shared, “I started my fitness journey from level 0, so I know it can be intimidating - but I also know how rewarding it can be once you start, and even more so when you start to see and feel results!”

The Superior High School gym works well for the group fitness members. 

She said, “It is a great neutral space, and large enough to accommodate anyone who wants to attend the classes. Even with 20 women there last week, it wasn't even close to capacity. I am super grateful that they let me use it.”

And the evening timeframe works well for families with busy schedules. Pecora explained, “Especially since the classes are women only it gives them a chance to make and eat dinner, get kids down, then take some time for themselves.”

For those looking to pursue an artistic outlet and get their hands a little dirty check out the new Beginning Clay Class presented by the Alberton School adult education program. Terry Zylawy will teach the course every Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the art room in the basement of the Alberton school. The course is free to the community, but there is an expense of buying bricks of clay for personal use during the class. Clay will be available to buy at class or can be found at the University of Montana Bookstore.

Instruction will include the processes of glazing and firing. Clay tools will be provided but if you have, you’re welcome to bring them along. Also helpful for class is an apron, cotton cloths for clean-up and rolling out the clay, and storage totes are useful for collecting items at the end of each class. Contact Terry Zylway at 406-722-0036 for more information.

And at the St. Regis School district, they continue to provide their free public gym/weight room access times on Tuesdays and Thursdays 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon. Treadmills, ellipticals, weights, and other gym equipment are free to use for those looking to work up a sweat. On Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. in the school cafeteria Tammy Lowry leads an Oula dance workout group. Also, the public library is available for patrons in St. Regis to use computer resources and much more.

Check in with each school district throughout the year in Mineral County for their adult education offerings because other classes and programs run during different seasons.