Jacqueline Hart, Gilpin County.   Winter is just around the corner. For those who love winter sports, building snowmen and less traffic in our area, the snow can’t come too soon. For others, colder weather can signal a time of low physical energy, time consuming chores and an overall depressed mood. Cold temperatures can cause comfort food cravings that are high in fat and cholesterol. Fatty foods combined with less physical activity can cause weight gain, which contributes to added stress levels. Changing weather can even trigger Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, a form of depression that changes with the seasons. If winter gets you down, you can beat the seasonal blues. Gilpin Community Center offers a variety of activities for every age group and fitness level.

Exercise: Exercise increases dopamine levels in the brain and decreases cortisol, the hormone that produces stress. Working out with other people can enhance the positive effects of exercise by combating the loneliness we sometimes experience during colder months. Gilpin Community Center’s upcoming fitness class schedule includes:

Power Yoga: All the breath and movement benefits of yoga, with the added benefit of challenge and sweat! This class meets for an hour every Saturday at 10:45 a.m., beginning 10/27, for adults 18 years and older. All five classes are offered at only $30 for residents and $35 for non-residents!

Hatha Yoga: If power yoga sounds a little intimidating, Hatha Yoga is known to be gentler. Still a great way to get your body moving and your mind clear and centered. Hatha yoga is offered Monday and Thursday mornings from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m.

Pilates w/Ima Rich: Pilates works the entire body, with an emphasis on the core. Pilates incorporates breath, concentration, center, control, precision and flow, an approach that encourages total body and mind wellness. If you’re new to Pilates, or returning to it, there are modifications to decrease difficulty. Pilates classes are offered every Sunday from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., and Monday mornings from 8:15 to 9:15 a.m.

Adult Strengthen, Stretch and Balance: A great fitness class if you’re looking to start getting into shape or healing from an injury. The focus is on strengthening, flexibility and improving functional capabilities. This class meets Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings from 11 a.m. to noon.

Body Back Bootcamp: This is an intermediate to advanced cross training fitness class. The focus here is to burn fat and raise your metabolism. Boot camp meets Saturday morning from 9:15 to 10:30 a.m., Thursday morning from 8:15 to 9:15 a.m., and Monday night from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m.

Guts and Glutes: The name says it all! This class is offered on Wednesday night from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m.

Cardio Dance: This class is great if your fitness tastes lean more toward dancing and fun. This class meets every Wednesday morning from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Aquasize: This class is appropriate for all needs and abilities. Aquasize addresses toning, flexibility, interval training and rehabilitation of old or current injuries.

Meditation: A free meditation group meets every Thursday morning from 10:50 to 11:20 a.m.

Social Events and Activities: If structured workouts and classes aren’t for you, but you would still rather socialize than hibernate this winter, these activities could be perfect for you.

16th Annual Winter Arts Festival: Come out for live music, face painting, cookie decorating and chatting it up with Santa Claus on December 8 and 9. It’s not too late to sign up and host a booth for arts and crafts, food sales and community information. Check out gilpinrecreation.com for more information about booth rental.

Pottery Classes: All pottery classes are open to all skill levels and class fees include: instructions, glazes, firings and extra studio time. Session cost is $120 for residents and $140 for non-residents.

YEP! Youth Enrichment Program: Does your child think video games qualify as an activity? Don’t let cold weather turn the kids into play station zombies! Session two of the Youth Enrichment Program, YEP!, begins October 30th and continues through December 13. Classes begin after school at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. There are classes for all different age groups that include: Ballet, Acrobatics, Tap, Tae-Kwon-Do, Kinder Kix and new classes including, Jazz and Hip Hop. Passes for YEP! are buy one, get one for an additional family member for half price. Individual sessions are $70 for residents and $85 for non-residents.

For more information about the Gilpin Community Center go to www.gilpinrecreqationcenter.com , call 303-582-1453 or just drop in at 250 Norton Dr. in Black Hawk.