By Charlotte Lee
Inver Grove Heights offers an array of local resources to support fitness and mental wellbeing—whether you’re aiming to build strength, manage stress, or lift your mood. Here’s a guide to making the most of what our community has to offer.
Getting Moving: Fitness Options in Town
The Veterans Memorial Community Center (VMCC) is a hub for physical wellness. It comes equipped with a fitness center, walking track, cardio and strength equipment, and over 45 drop-in fitness classes each week. Teens (ages 12–17) can access the fitness center after completing an orientation. Amenities include recreation areas like an indoor turf field, ice arenas, and pools. Memberships are available, with discounts for active military, veterans, and seniors.
For recovery-focused fitness and holistic health services, Optimum Health on Amana Trail offers functional medicine, chiropractic rehab, sauna, cold plunge, and red-light therapies, combining physical care with restoration.
Supporting Mental Health: Local Therapists & Services
Interna Mental Health & Wellness has a location on Cahill Avenue in Inver Grove Heights offering a wide range of mental health services: individual and family therapy, trauma modalities (such as EMDR and ART), support for neurodiverse clients, and gender-affirming therapy. Many services are available virtually as well.
Willow Branch Counseling, another established option, works with older adolescents and adults addressing anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship issues, and grief. They use evidence-based therapies including cognitive behavioral and solution-focused approaches.
Wellness Habits: Small Actions, Lasting Impact
1. Blend Movement & Stress Relief
Attend specialty classes like Full Body Recovery at VMCC which combine gentle movement, stretching, and mobility work. These can help with muscle tightness, posture, and stress reduction. Schedule them a couple times a week to support both recovery and stress management.
2. Build Mental Health Into Your Weekly Rhythm
Therapy is most effective when it’s regular. Whether you meet weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, consistency matters. Use tools that offer flexible delivery—like virtual sessions—or combine talk therapy with somatic practices if offered. Inver Grove’s local clinics make this more accessible.
3. Use Community Assets
Free or low-cost programs—such as insurance-supported membership discounts at VMCC, or drop-in classes—help make fitness affordable. Participating in group classes or walking tracks also creates social support, which boosts mental wellbeing.
Putting It All Together: A Sample Weekly Plan
Here’s a sample template to blend fitness and mental wellness without burnout:
- Monday: Strength training or circuit class at VMCC
- Wednesday: Full Body Recovery or yoga/stretch session
- Friday: Session with a mental health provider (telehealth or in-person)
- Weekend: Nature walk or light cardio + time for creative hobby or rest
Over time, building small habits and using local supports can lead to healthier body, clearer mind, and a more resilient you.
If you need help finding the right provider or class, reach out to VMCC or local counseling centers—they’re there to support our community’s health and wellness journey.