As you set goals for 2025, may we suggest something? Step out of your comfort zone and try new things. Challenging yourself and embracing discomfort is essential to personal growth and creating a more resilient, adaptable you; not to mention, what you learn from navigating new experiences translates to all areas of your life. Here are 10 experiences found 'round town that will add some serious spice to your life. 

Get centered with yoga. A regular yoga practice reduces stress, improves cognitive skills, and increases flexibility, strength, and balance. We don’t know about you, but those sound like worthy pursuits. Feel alive and experience joy—while also reconnecting with yourself and relaxing—at Yoga Nyla, Folsom’s hub for hot power vinyasa and yin yoga. With their “new student special” (four weeks for $40), you can discover yoga in a literally warm, welcoming, and empowering environment. 220 Blue Ravine Road, Suite 140, Folsom, 916-790-8400, yoganyla.com

Conquer your two left feet with dance. If you want to learn to dance but your two left feet trip you up, you’ll be in safe arms at Arthur Murray Dance Centers (local locations in Folsom and Rocklin). With 100 years of experience, the studios teach over 12 dance styles in private and group settings. They also host weekly dance parties for all levels and with instructors for additional practice. Take advantage of their new student specials and conquer the dance floor confidently. 220 Blue Ravine Road, Suite 100, Folsom, 916-895-5600, arthurmurrayfolsom.com; 4770 Rocklin Road, Rocklin, 916-655-7733, arthurmurrayrocklin.com

Take a college class. Curiosity is a virtue easily lost in the trenches of the everyday. However, research shows that a thirst for knowledge is associated with higher levels of positive emotions, lower anxiety, and more satisfaction with life. Plutarch said, “The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.” Stoke your inquisitiveness by signing up for a college class at one of the Folsom Lake College or Sierra College campuses across our region. Whether you’re passionate about the arts, artificial intelligence, geography, geology, science, social justice, or something else, there’s a class for all. 10 College Parkway, Folsom, 916-608-6500, flc.losrios.edu; 5100 Sierra College Boulevard, Rocklin, 916-624-3333, sierracollege.edu 

Explore the arts. Every two months, Blue Line Arts in Roseville hosts adult workshops, allowing grownups of any skill level—even those “don’t know how to draw a stick figure”—to explore a different art medium. The goal is to foster creativity and enjoy the process without focusing on the result. Workshops are also a fun way to socialize and connect with the community; plus, they’re free for first-time guests. Registration is required. 405 Vernon Street, Suite 100, Roseville, 916-783-4117, bluelinearts.org

Take an acting class. The start of a new year isn’t only for trying something new, it can also be for returning to a dream, like acting. Take the first step by signing up for the TV/film course at Studio 24 in Folsom. The four-week workshop is for adults just starting their acting journey and delves into both the craft and the business of it. You and 15 other students will learn everything from drama and comedy acting techniques, to storytelling, camera blocking, and the auditioning process. 771 Oak Avenue Parkway, Suite 2, Folsom, 916-358-9915, studio24.com

New year, new language! This year, why not challenge yourself to become bilingual? Not only will you deepen your travel experiences and connect to new cultures, but studies show being bilingual can boost memory, improve multitasking skills, and even delay cognitive aging. The Murer House Foundation provides Italian language classes in a small, supportive setting at their learning center in Historic Folsom. Classes range from beginner to advanced and are eight weeks in duration. If you start now, you can say "sono fluente" by December! 1125 Joe Murer Court, Folsom, 916-413-9231, murerhousefoundation.org

Get a new perspective through photography. Why not capture the world through a different lens? Photography is a perfect hobby to try in the new year—it helps you see the world through new eyes and discover beauty in the everyday. With the advances in smartphone cameras and editing applications, the art of photography is more accessible than ever. Sharpen your skills with expert training at Action Camera in Rocklin. Sign up for a private lesson or attend one of their workshops on various photography skills and topics. 4415 Granite Drive, Suite 200, Rocklin, 916-786-2288, actioncamera.com 

Toast the new year by becoming a winemaker. The hands-on blending experiences at Willamette Wineworks allow vino lovers a chance to walk in a winemaker’s shoes. Not only will you get to taste Willamette Wineworks’ barrel lots and test a variety of blends, but you’ll also craft your very own cuvée. Enjoy your creation looking out on the Historic Folsom turntable or take it home in a reusable growler to enjoy later. Cheers to trying something new! 824 Sutter Street, Suite 200, Folsom, 916-542-7417, willamettewineworks.com

Discover the ancient art of glassblowing. Glassblowing is a technique for shaping glass into beautiful objects and designs. The molten glass is inflated by blowing air through a blowpipe and is then shaped and molded with various tools. Try your hand at glassblowing with a private lesson from 2BGlass in Cameron Park. You’ll witness a mesmerizing live demo from one of 2BGlass' expert glassblowers, tour the shop (students receive 15% off), learn color theory and selection, and create your own masterpiece: a small "suck" bowl, cup, pumpkin, ornament, or paperweight. 4191 Business Drive, Suite D-F, Cameron Park, 530-417-1998, 2bglass.com

Learn to defend yourself. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a self-defense martial art and combat sport that focuses on successfully defending oneself despite the size of your opponent. Using leverage, weight distribution, and timing, individuals are equipped to defeat larger, stronger opponents. Sign up for a free week of beginner-friendly classes at Granite Bay Jiu-Jitsu. They also offer group classes and private lessons for regular training; all new members receive a free uniform. 9705 Village Center Drive, Granite Bay, 916-587-1411, gbjj.org

by Nelly Kislyanka
Arthur Murray Dance Centers photo courtesy of Black Tape Media. Murer House Foundation photo © Pixel-Shot - stock.adobe.com. Action Camera photo by Alison Watkins. Other photos courtesy of their respective companies or organizations.