By Lenae Sexton, PT, DPT, OCS
While I do frequent the gym twice a week, the majority of my exercise is done outdoors. As the summer winds down and turns to fall I find myself outdoors even more because the crowds dissipate. Whether you are running, walking, doing plyometrics, push ups, or planks, there are many great options to exercise outside in the South Bay. Maybe you are looking to change things up in your current routine. Maybe you have not been active this summer and want to get started. Here are a few terrific locations to keep (or get) fit for free this fall!
Telephone Pole Trail in Palos Verdes
This is great for runner and walkers alike. The trail is a wood chip and dirt path with a few short and moderately challenging inclines. Great choice if you want to bring your pup along.
Location: 25851 Hawthorne Blvd, Rolling Hills Estates
Aviation Track in Redondo Beach
Again, great for runners and walkers. A nice option if you want to definitively know distance and do not have a GPS watch. Also a nice option if you want a predictable surface to exercise on. There are usually others also using the track to get their fitness on making it a motivating environment!
Location: 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Redondo Beach
Polliwog Park Exercise Course in Manhattan Beach
Polliwog Park is a gorgeous park that offers many activities. Many do not know that they also have an exercise course. Alternating between the exercise course and doing brisk walks or jogs in the park would certainly be a great start for a beginner. Bring the kiddos and they can expend some energy in the unique play areas!
Location: 1601 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach
Avenue C Stairs in Redondo Beach
These are beastly stairs! 72 steps at a relatively steep incline. Some walk, some run, some alternate between other exercises on the sand or benches. There is also a ramp right next to it allowing you to add even more variety. You can certainly make this a very challenging work out! Can’t beat the view!
Location: Avenue C & Catalina Ave, Redondo Beach
Hermosa Greenbelt in Hermosa Beach/Manhattan Beach
This is a 3.5-mile mostly wood chip path running through Hermosa to Manhattan. Another great option for runners and walkers. You’re surrounded by beautiful greenery and are only a short walk/jog from the beach if you want to extend your work out. Another great option for your pup to join!
Location: 1645 Valley Dr, Hermosa Beach
Malaga Cove Plaza
This small plaza at the entrance of Palos Verdes is a meeting place to start off on lots of the great trails the area offers. With plenty of parking and grassy areas to warm up and cool down on, runners and walkers flock here. Can’t beat the beauty of PV to entertain you as you train hard!
Location: Palos Verdes Estates
Portuguese Bend Nature Reserve
The first half of this hike is all decline which allows you to get warmed up and enjoy the gorgeous views. The second half will kick your butt (literally) as you make the tough trek back up! Great for hiking and trail running for a greater challenge!
Location: 29800 Crenshaw Blvd, Palos Verdes Peninsula
The sand or strand of any of our awesome beaches!
Simply trekking down to the beach with a towel, a few exercise bands, and a water bottle offers endless options. I’d recommend doing a circuit work out to keep it interesting – alternating between band exercises on the towel, weight bearing exercises in the sand, and short walks/jogs in the sand. If you’re a beginner, simply doing a 20-30 minute walk in the soft sand will be a good challenge!
If you need any help with getting started on an exercise program, call us! We would love to help!