A Chance To Get Outside and Exercise — or Stay Indoors!
Daryl Byrne of Norfolk, Conn., is leading hikes to some of the most scenic peaks in the region this winter, including this one on the Mattatuck Trail. Photo courtesy Daryl Byrne​

A Chance To Get Outside and Exercise — or Stay Indoors!

As we come to the end of almost a full year in quarantine, with concerns that the new COVID-19 variant is even more contagious than the original, it seems likely that we will not be going to the gym anytime soon.

And of course it’s winter now, so many people have stopped hiking for the season.  But some people actually like to hike in snow. If they do, they can sign up for outdoor serious walking with Daryl Byrne from Norfolk, Conn., whose vigorous outings always include a scenic view. 

Byrne is a former  Corpsman with the U.S. Navy and a retired firefighter/paramedic for the University of Connecticut so you don’t have to worry about twisting your ankle on an icy trail and not being able to get home safely. 

His  hikes are organized through the YMCA at Geer Village (NWCT YMCA); members can sign up through the Y’s motionvibe website and nonmembers can take part by calling member services at 860-824-2790 and paying an $11 per hike fee. 

The hikes are scheduled for 11 a.m. every other Sunday and on the third Wednesday of each month. 

A variety of hikes is offered, graded by difficulty and distance. Details are posted on the YMCA motionvibe website. Call member services for information. If you’d like to suggest a trail or get detailed information on how you should dress, what you should bring or how long you should expect to be outdoors, leave a message at the Y and Byrne will return your call (YMCA members can use motionvibe app to message him directly).

If you’re more of an indoor exerciser, as I am, you probably know that there are a million online fitness classes,, some of which are very good. 

The YMCA also has online classes. I learned recently that my college offers free virtual exercise classes for alumni. They’re live, which is kind of good because in theory that will force me to actually “show up,” in every sense. 

I would have liked to test out some of the online classes and offer tips on which ones seem the best — but of course I can’t because they’re only open to alumni. Contact your college’s alumni association, or do an internet search for “free alumni online exercise” and the name sof your college, and see what they have. 

Latest News

HVRHS triple jumper places 9th in New England
Anthony Labbadia set a new HVRHS record with a 44-foot one-inch triple jump June 14. The distance earned him 9th place at the New England track and field championship, which this year was held in New Britain, Conn.
Photo by Riley Klein

NEW BRITAIN — Anthony Labbadia soared to 9th place in the triple jump at the 2025 New England track and field championships Saturday, June 14.

On his first attempt of the event he leaped 44 feet and one inch, qualifying for the finals and setting the new Housatonic Valley Regional High School record. The previous school record of 43 feet eight inches was set by Don Hurlbutt in 1967.

Keep ReadingShow less
Pirates go back-to-back as league champs

The Canaan Pirates pose as champions after defending the Northwest Connecticut District 6 Majors Little League title.

Photo by Riley Klein

THOMASTON The Canaan Pirates are champions once more.

In the Northwest Connecticut District 6 Majors Little League title game Friday, June 13, the Pirates defeated Thomaston JRC Transportation by a score of 6-2.

Keep ReadingShow less
Red Sox end season with comeback win

NORTH CANAAN — The Canaan Red Sox ended the season with a thrilling 14-13 win over the Tri-Town Phillies Thursday, June 12.

Canaan trailed for most of the game but kept it close. Ultimately, the Red Sox secured the victory with a final-inning comeback in front of the home crowd at Steve Blass Field.

Keep ReadingShow less
State Rep. Horn injured in running accident

State Rep. Maria Horn (D-64) was treated for her injuries at Sharon Hospital.

Photo by John Coston

The day after concluding what has been described as a grueling legislative session, State Rep. Maria Horn (D-64) had a running accident, leaving her with a broken pelvis and collarbone among other more minor bruises and abrasions. Despite the injuries, she is in good spirits and recuperating at home, eager to get back on her feet.

Horn said after spending weeks in the assembly hall, she was eager to get some outdoor exercise in, but perhaps pushed a little too hard too soon. She said she was excited to get a run in on the morning of Friday, June 6, but was still exhausted from her time in Hartford and in the final stretch of recovering from a meniscus repair surgery in December.

Keep ReadingShow less