Journal

The Most SF Ways to Get Outside & In Shape for Summer

April 11, 2018
Outdoor Running

Although listening to the right music and buying the right apparel may motivate you to workout, there’s no better inspiration to get in shape than the sunshine and fresh air. While San Francisco is teeming with incredible gyms and indoor workout classes, exercising outdoors has proven to benefit both your mind and body: it uplifts your mood, improves vitamin D levels, enhances your focus and more. So with summer just around the corner, consider the following San Franciscan workouts to get outside and get fit.

Stretch it Out

San Francisco is known to be a highly progressive city, so it should come as no surprise that yoga is deeply rooted in the local lifestyle. And, with several parks and beaches by the bay, you can take your practice outside—unlike in most cities where the weather doesn’t permit. If you want to flow on your own, head just outside to The Harrison’s pool terrace or to nearby Rincon Park and South Beach Harbor. And, if you want to partake in a class, sign up for Outdoor Yoga SF for a session on the beach or Hiking Yoga for a more vigorous experience that aptly combines cardio and stretching.

Yoga

Train Together

Maybe yoga isn’t your thing, but you still want to break a sweat outside. Luckily, there are a variety of outdoor fitness classes to choose from throughout the city. Basic Training is a local favorite, bringing small groups on 55-minute adventures around the city while running, jumping and stretching. Or, if you want to be pushed to your limit, sign up for a class with Bootcamp SF. Over the course of a week, you’ll get in tip-top shape via cardio, strength training and agility—all amidst San Francisco’s most picturesque settings.

Outdoor Workout

Take a Hike

One of the greatest perks of living in San Francisco is the amount of hiking you can accomplish without ever walking the same trail twice. And, what better way to get fit than climbing to the top and witnessing spectacular views? While there are countless hikes to choose from, you can experience the best sweat and vistas from the cliffs of Land’s End, top of Twin Peaks, peak of Fort Funston and more. And, if you’re willing to venture a bit outside of the city, be sure to check out Mount Diablo and Mount Tamalpais. Time to turn your workout into an adventure.

San Francisco Bay

Go For a Joy Ride

Road biking is one of the most popular activities amongst San Franciscans, particularly because of the many paths that exist around the bay. So if you wish to escape the city for a leisurely Sunday afternoon, consider taking Paradise Loop—an easy 38-mile ride from the city, over the Golden Gate Bridge, through Marin and back. Suitable for experienced bikers or a leisurely family outing, Paradise Loop is incredibly accessible from The Harrison. Just ride along the Embarcadero, through the Marina and Crissy Field, then you’re at the gates of the Golden.

Bay Bridge

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