How to Exercise in LA – For Free!
by admin
Are you spending too much money on your gym membership? What about your spin class? Or the latest boxing craze, “Rumble”?
If so, I have good news. You can now try all the local gyms out by downloading the app @classpass (use my referral code http://class.ps/jO5fW) and once you are signed up, you can pass on your own code to start topping up those credits for free classes. This week I’ve done circuit training Downtown at Sanctuary and a TRX class at Yogaworks.
Failing that why not get a tan while you exercise in this perfect California sun? Below are some of my favourite places to exercise for free in LA:
- Hike Griffith Park
Located in the Los Feliz neighbourhood of Los Angeles, Griffith Park covers more than 4,300 acres – making it the second-largest city park in the state, after San Diego’s Mission Trails Preserve. It’s home to the famed Hollywood sign, the original Batcave (formally known as Bronson Cave) from the 1960s Batman TV series, Griffith Observatory and numerous hiking trails for all ability levels. Trails we like include:
For beginners: Berlin Forest. This flat and shady path is .3 miles round trip and can be walked in about 30 minutes.
For intermediate: Western Canyon. Sycamore trees and laurel sumac shrubs line this 2.1-mile round-trip trail, which carries a 571-foot elevation gain. Hikers in moderately good shape can expect to take about 1.5 hours to complete this trail.
For advanced: Wisdom Tree and Cahuenga Peak
This challenging hike to the Hollywood sign is 3 miles round trip with 875 feet of elevation change. Hikers in good shape will take about 3 hours to finish this trail.
- Climb the Baldwin Hills Stairs
The Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook is a tiny hilltop park overlooking downtown LA. It features hiking trails and a new visitor centre, but it might be best known for its staircase — 282 giant steps leading to the top of the overlook. You can do them once, and then as you build up strength and endurance, try for two, three or even four rounds of stair-climbing. You’re rewarded at the top with spectacular views of Los Angeles.
- The Mural Mile
More than 50 murals adorn city walls in a one-mile stretch along Van Nuys Boulevard in the Pacoima neighborhood of the San Fernando Valley. This is a great walk for those not up the any of the more strenuous workouts on this list, and you also get to support this community’s efforts to revitalize their city and create a cultural landmark. Take a peek at the artwork you’ll see along the way on the Mural Mile website.
- Take a donation-only yoga class
Yoga is the perfect practice for people of all ability levels. You’ll improve muscle strength, gain greater tone and flexibility, lose weight, reduce stress and just generally feel better about yourself. Ideally, you’d would give a little something to take one of the following yoga classes, but it’s not required: Yogala in Echo Park offers at least one donation-only yoga class every weekday; Yoga Circle Downtown offers a number of donation-only classes, as does Santa Monica’s Power Yoga. Runyon canyon also offers donation only yoga!
It might be a little late to get that summer beach bod you desired, but you can at least get a head start for next year 
See you out there!
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