FitFirst is a total body conditioning program that takes place outdoors in various beautiful locations throughout Berkeley and Kensington.

Janet Curl, Lead Instructor — Janet’s love of the outdoors was instilled in her at a young age. Her father was a “self-propelled outdoor enthusiast” and she proudly followed in his footsteps. As a kid, she hiked the Appalachian Trail, canoed down the Missouri River and bicycled from Connecticut to Cape Cod with her brother.

In college, Janet rowed for four years at Boston University. The discipline and dedication she developed while rowing collegiately is the cornerstone of the FitFirst program.

Janet is a certified Group Fitness Instructor with AFAA. She is also certified Level 1 with Tina Vindum’s Outdoor Action Fitness Training of Marin. Most recently she has been certified through Road Runner’s Association of America and USAT Level 1 Triathlon Trainer.

Janet’s main goal is to help each member of FitFirst improve their health and fitness in a safe and fun environment — outdoors!

Each session runs five weeks and the cost is $250 for five days a week, $220 for four days, $180 for three days, and $130 for two days. The drop-in rate is $15. FitFirst Trails is priced differently since each class is 1 1/2 hours and it runs 2 days a week. The five-week session costs $150 and the drop-in rate is $20.

At FitFirst, we encourage you to make the commitment to yourself and to the program. The larger the commitment you make, the less it costs you—in so many ways!

The commitment you make to FitFirst is critical to your success. Please be realistic in the time you will be able to commit in a five week session. It’s better to sign up for three days a week and stick with it, than to commit to five and be sporadic—make the commitment and stick to it! That’s why we have the choice of two-five day a week commitments. We ask that you pay for the session on the first day of class. There are no refunds or credits for days missed.

Yes, choose your days according to the type of workout for that day and your own schedule. The days can vary one week from the next, and you do not need to notify the instructor as to which days you will be coming.

The workouts are varied and fun. The idea is to keep it new and interesting to challenge your body and your mind.

For the 6am class, the structure is three days a week (M/W/F) of aerobic work—intervals on the track, climbing hills and stairs, and distance running. The other two days of the week (T/Th) are strength training days with light weights, followed by a wide variety of cardio bursts to keep the heart rate up and the body working. Each day incorporates balance work and strengthening of the core.

For the 8:45am class, three days a week (M/W/F) will emphasize muscle and bone strengthening. There will be exercises with light weights and bands along with dynamic movements that challenge your core and balance. There will also be bursts of cardio activity throughout to keep the heart rate up. To compliment this, two days a week will focus on stamina and endurance while walking, running, and climbing.

FitFirst Trails is all about building up your miles in a safe and effective manner so that you will find yourself logging impressive weeks in no time. Each workout will include some strength work since it’s easy enough to run with bands and wrap them around a tree to workout the triceps! We’ll also be searching for low, strong branches to work on our pull-ups and fallen logs for dips! Get the idea?

Then FitFirst is the place for you! The workouts are designed to challenge all varieties of fitness levels. The sooner you get started, the better!

FitFirst happens rain or shine. We have several rain locations, but mostly we believe in a good attitude and the right athletic clothing.

Working out in the rain can be fun and a welcomed change of pace.

A good pair of running shoes is a must. Also, please bring a mat or towel for post-workout stretching along with some water. For weight days, you will need to bring light hand weights that are suitable to your fitness level (5 lbs are usually good for starting).

FitFirst will give you one hour of exercise five days a week. If you follow a healthy diet and eat sensibly, you will definitely see positive changes in your body.

Like a gym and most other instructed classes, all payments are final. No refunds or credits will be given. Think “commitment”!

Please let the instructor know of any pre-existing conditions or injuries you might have. There are often ways to modify a workout or exercise for individual needs. If you are unable to attend class due to an injury, you can come to a future session when you are injury-free.