4 Fun Venice Workouts that Blur the Line Between Work and Play

Getting in a good workout raises endorphins, decreases stress, and increases confidence. Yet often we find ourselves making excuses to avoid getting our fitness on. While most workouts are good for you, not all of them are fun, and one common excuse to skip a workout is boredom. While staying in Venice, try these following workouts that will have you out-and-about exploring the area while working up a sweat.

Practice Yoga on Venice Beach with Elin:

You can feel the sand sink under your toes as you move from downward facing dog to warrior pose. Listen to the water hitting the shore as you rest in shivasana. You’ll walk away from this workout feeling refreshed and strong.  Elin, a certified yoga teacher with 35 years experience, offers free sunset classes Monday through Friday at 7:45 p.m. and free morning classes Saturday and Sunday at 8:00 a.m.

Run with Venice FLA runners:

If you’re not a runner, you may think running is boring. However, running with a group is just like any other social group activity. In fact, you often end up in such good conversation, you forget you’re running. If your legs won’t let you forget, the folks around you will cheer you on and keep you going. The Venice runners take on 3 to 6 miles every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 6:00 a.m. at Centennial Park. The runners and run/walkers split into pace groups and promise to leave no one behind.

Take Hula Hooping Lessons on Nokomis Beach:

Every beach movie has someone hula hooping next to the shore. In the movies, beach hula hooping looks so carefree and dreamy. And it is. It also can burn around 420 calories per hour. Classes start at 9:00 a.m. Monday mornings by the lifeguard stand. The cost is $15.00 per class.

Rent a bike and discover the Legacy trail and Venetian Waterway Park:

Even if you didn’t bring your bike on vacation, you can still enjoy Venice’s outstanding cycling paths. Venice Bikes and Trikes will not only rent a bike to you, but deliver it to your starting point. The Legacy Trail is an old railroad bed turned bike path. On the trail, you can enjoy over 10 miles of car-free cycling. The trail connects with the Venetian Waterway Park, which travels along the Intercoastal waterway.  Picnic tables and covered rest areas line both trails. So pack a snack and go for a healthy and exciting ride!

Which workout sounds most fun to you?

Start with the workout that stands out to you. Then, the next time you feel yourself looking for excuses, give it a try. Working out never has to be boring again.