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
Hocking Hills State Park
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.
The Ridges Loop Trail
Looking for a more peaceful environment to calm your mind and body? The Ridges Loop has a 3 mile trail with plenty of spaces for solitude throughout.
Circleville
Great Seal State Park
Biking, riding, hiking…you name it! Your family will be active and having fun in no time with a trip to Great Seal State Park in Circleville.
Crites Hannan Park
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.
Deer Creek State Park
Combine vacationing and moving your body at Deer Creek State Park. With a resort, marina, campground, a golf course, boating, fishing, camping and hiking trails, you can truly make the most out of the outdoors here.
Columbus
Columbus Commons
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.
Columbus Parks
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.
Dublin’s Coffman Park
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.
Easton Town Center
Yoga on the Square lets you put strength, flexibility and conditioning to work on Friday mornings. Free classes begin June 6 and run through August 29; 8:30–9:30 AM
Hilliard Station Park
Set the tone for a relaxing weekend with Motivation at the Station. Start your morning with strength training from 7-7:50 AM followed by yoga from 8-8:50 AM for a relaxing finish. Classes are free and run Saturdays June 7-27.
Windrose Outdoor
Dubbed one of the fastest growing outdoor water sports on the planet, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) hits a trifecta, combining outdoor fun with fitness and friends. Windrose Outdoor offers both paddle board and kayak rentals for our water bugs. Located at Bicentennial Park on the Scioto Mile downtown, this experience is one to remember. To book a rental along the city skyline, click here.
Scioto Audubon Park
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. The park also has biking, fishing, and boating for any desire you may have this summer.
Kenton
Ottawa Metro Park
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.
Wharton Park
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. Join a club, league or team and get your game on!
Mansfield
Charles Mill Lake Park
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.
Clearfork Reservoir
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
Marion Tallgrass Trail
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.
Mount Gilead State Park
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!
