There’s no better inspiration to get outside and work out than a long, cold winter. If you’re ready to get off the “dreadmill” and bust out to work up a good sweat, these outdoor workout opportunities are calling! So go out, soak up the great outdoors and sweat it out.
Check out these hot spots to mix up your fitness routine:
Athens
Ready to really get a taste of nature while you work out? Take on the miles of trails in Hocking Hills and take in towering trees, rocky cliffs and waterfalls — Mother Nature at her best!
Rockhouse Trail and Athens Trail Loop
If you and your friends or family are looking for a challenge, why not try hiking this beautiful 6.3 kilometer trail? You’ll be able to experience beautiful lake views and breathtaking forestry.
Circleville
Boating, swimming, hiking…you name it! Your family will be active and having fun in no time with a trip to A.W. Marion State Park in Circleville.
Thanks to Greenfields Outdoor Fitness, Crites Hannan Park has a fully functional outdoor gym open to all. If you’re tired of typical indoor gym workouts, try out this fun alternative this summer season.
Come join fellow yogis for a fun session outdoors at Crites Hannan Park. Due to COVID-19, all Yoga Balance classes are to be held outside – an exciting change, if you ask us! All classes are suitable for all levels, so feel free to sign up for the best time that fits your schedule.
Columbus
Mix up your workout routine all week long with free yoga or cardio classes at Columbus Commons. Classes are every Tuesday and Wednesday, May through September.
Outdoor exercise equipment is waiting for you citywide, thanks to Columbus Parks and Recreation. Not only can you take advantage of all the outdoor activities parks traditionally have to offer, you can get your weight training in, too, at six parks throughout the city.
Who says weight training has to be an indoor, smelly-gym sport? You can pump iron outside year ’round, thanks to the outdoor alternative at Coffman Park. Season-hardy equipment includes weight training and elliptical machines.
Yoga on the Square lets you put strength, flexibility and conditioning to work on Friday mornings. Free classes begin June 1 and run through September 29; 8:30–9:30 AM
Set the tone for a relaxing weekend with Motivation at the Station. Get your om on with free yoga on Saturdays, 7:00–8:50 AM
Hoover Reservoir and Alum Creek State Park
Dubbed one of the fastest growing outdoor watersports on the planet, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) hits a trifecta, combining outdoor fun with fitness and friends. SUP Columbus covers all levels, from lessons to paddleboard yoga, fitness and race training.
Looking for a little more adventure? Channel your inner American Ninja Warrior at Scioto Audubon Park’s obstacle course and rock climbing towers. Climb, crawl, lift, flip and run for a heart-pounding workout.
Kenton
Across 287.4 acres, Ottawa Metro Park offers many different outdoor recreation opportunities for you to get your sweat on! Whether you’d like to try out their 18-hole frisbee golf course, enjoy the play equipment, spike on the volleyball court, or hit the ground running on one of the paved trails, you’re sure to have a great time at this beautiful location.
Who says your workout can’t also be a game? Come play the 18-hole disc golf course with your friends alongside the Scioto River.
Mansfield
What better way to workout than by working out with a view? Visit Charles Mill Lake park to complete your favorite cardio workouts this summer.
Just seven miles southwest of Mansfield is the gorgeous Clearfork Reservoir, where you and your family can fish, hike, and even play a round of disc golf! Time to reschedule your arm workout at the gym for a sweat-inducing disc golf match.
Marion
Enjoy cycling, running or walking through this 12-mile, recently completed trail through a tallgrass prairie area. There is also an adaptive bike share program available by reservation for handicap individuals.
Hit the ground running at Mount Gilead State Park, where you can find six beautiful trails of all different skill levels to explore. Not in the mood for a run? Try raising your heart rate on the volleyball or basketball court.
Hitting the park with your kids? Check out our playground workouts – Workout 1 and Workout 2!