Now that we've put away our itchy sweaters, scarves, and snowboots for the year, we've also had to say goodbye to that good-old, go-to exercise excuse "It's too cold to work out." It's for the best though. With the warm weather finally here, check out these seven outdoor workouts (some of them free!) that will get you out in the fresh air and into even better shape for the summer.
Cyclists of all levels can join one of the weekly Sunday morning rides that kick off from Life Time at 8am and cruise by parks, lakes, and landscapes throughout New Jersey and New York. No membership is required and there are usually three rides a day of varying levels. (And if all you know is how to actually ride a bike and the basic rules of the road, you're ready to go on the basic level ride and won't be left behind, we promise). But be sure to clear your morning, as the rides run anywhere from 20 to 100 miles and can last up to five hours, depending on the level. Oh, and if you're concerned you don't have that kind of stamina, know that many of the riders spent the winter and spring taking part in Life Time's Performance Cycle classes that take place from November to April. So if you're not sure you're up for this one, you can always start the classes in the fall and set your sights on '17.
If biking isn't your thing, Life Time also opens its run club up to non-members in summer, holding hour-long social runs on Tuesday nights that focus on traditional road runs of varying distances in order to prepare runners for everything from a 5K (hey, it's not always that easy!) to a real marathon. If you're thinking you're better off just popping in your ear buds and going it alone, trust us, running with a group is a big-time motivator and the club's coaches teach runners everything from strategies to race-training tips. If you've got grander aspirations (say, a mud run or Spartan race), you'll definitely want to check out Saturday morning's weekly Adventure Racing Club, which preps participants for longer endurance runs and different custom courses each week. But even if you aren't training for any special race, it's the toughest workout you'll have all week.
Run Club social runs take place Tuesday nights at 6:30pm; Adventure Racing Club training is Saturdays at 8:30am.
Genuine Self Wellness Outdoor Club
If you're thinking "Me? Rock climb? No thanks," then you haven't met climbing and fitness extraordinaire Anyssa Lucena. She's all about teaching women about the thrill and the inspiration of pushing past their pesky little comfort zones (and rock climbing is usually well, well, past it). Anyssa offers weekday and weekend climbing and hiking trips for all ages and abilities and makes sure that the focus is on the rock and the natural movement so that all those other worries seem to melt away. (Sounds dreamy, actually.)
She also provides instruction, prep, gear, and equipment for all of her guided climbs. Here's hoping by end of the summer we can all add "rock climber" to our resumes and feel like rock stars.
Visit the Genuine Self Wellness website to find out about upcoming climbing dates and pricing.
Powerflow Yoga’s “Yoga Under the Stars” Free Series
After a day of work, taking care of the kids, or just running a million errands, does anything sound better than some breezy yoga after the sun goes down? Led by top instructors from nearby Powerflow Yoga, this weekly summer series is held outside of Whole Foods in Ridgewood and is open to yogis of every level. Just bring your mat, towel, and water and get ready to feel the ohm all night long.
Classes run every Thursday evening at 6:30pm through July 28.
THE GYM Englewood’s Circuit Workout
When was the last time you hung from the monkey bars or swung on a rope? Your kids get to do it, why not feel like one again yourself at THE GYM Englewood's groovy adult outdoor playground that offers a total body workout for all fitness levels in a small group setting and are offered to members and non-members alike.
Classes currently take place Tuesdays at 8:30am
THE GYM Englewood’s H2Row Outdoor Rowing Classes
Rowing machines don't exactly give off a feeling of being out on the water, mainly because you're usually staring at a wall inside a gym. The next best thing to actually rowing a boat is this heart-pumping rowing class that takes place in THE GYM's outdoor space. It gets your heart rate up and works your endurance, strength and stamina while instructors will guide you through a workout that burns calories while sculpting your arms, legs, back and abs. In other words, no muscle group is safe.
Classes currently take place Wednesdays at 6pm, Thursdays at 7am and Saturdays at 9am. Check out THE GYM Englewood's website for more info.
Kaplen JCC on the Palisades "Yoga on the Lawn" Free Class
Downward dogging in the wild never felt so good. People of all ages and levels can get their ohm on at this FREE, one-hour yoga sesh on the lawn led by Master Yogis Mary Beth Sigler, John Quirk and Robert Hoon, Sunday, July 10 from 9-10am. Just byom (bring your own mat) and join the crowd - you'll leave feeling lighter and empowered.
Visit the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades' website for more info and to reserve your spot.
