Gyms can be an interesting place. For some, they are intimidating and stressful, for others, a sanctuary. Whichever way you feel about the gym, working out outside can be a rejuvenating and fun experience. Luckily, in Long Beach, with over 285 sunny days a year, our city can easily become your gym. So if you’re looking to change up your workout routine or an alternative to a pricey gym membership, here are 5 ways you can work out for free in Long Beach.
1. Use the running path as your treadmill
Here in Long Beach, we have a 3.1-mile bike and running path that runs parallel to the beach. There should be no excuse for a run when you’re on the beach with sweeping views of Catalina, Downtown Long Beach, the Queen Mary, and departing cruises. The beach is also a great motivational tool for working harder on your fitness goals. Plus the cool ocean breeze is refreshing after a long run.
2. Yoga on the bluff
There is nothing more peaceful than practicing yoga overlooking the Pacific Ocean, all for free! Every day at 11 am and 6 pm, yoga is instructed in Bluff Park. No matter how fancy your gym is, you will not experience a more calming and relaxing session than yoga on the bluff.
3. Master the stairs
Staircases can be found all along the bluffs from Cherry Ave. to the Belmont Veteran’s pier. Why mindlessly walk up a Stairmaster, leading nowhere in a gym when can do the same while still being at the beach. If one staircase is too crowded, there are plenty more that line the beach. Running, walking, or even incorporating double set jumps up the stairs will give your legs a killer workout while soaking up the sun’s rays and enjoying the beautiful views.
4. Hiking
You don’t have to go far to enjoy a great hike here in Long Beach. Signal Hill boasts 360-degree views of LA County, Palos Verdes, the Pacific Ocean, and Orange County. Run up the path for an even more intense workout. You can choose from the five-mile run with an 800-foot elevation gain or the four-mile run with a 700-foot elevation gain or the 3.5-mile run with a 600-foot elevation gain. Your reward when you reach the top is the view and a feeling of accomplishment as running uphill is not so easy.
5. Swim laps in the canals
Long Beach has many canals in which you can swim, kayak or paddle board. Starting off from the peninsula or horny corner, the canals are a refreshing way to keep fit, especially during the warm summer months. Be sure to keep an eye out for passing boats.
With a healthy diet and a city full of activities, being fit in Long Beach can be fun and easy. The city is also one of most bike-friendly in the nation and with a bike share system, biking to work, the grocery store, or to a friend’s can be an additional way to keep active.
