Supplement Your Studio Training with Outdoor Exercise at these Great LA Locations

It’s always great to see our friends come into our Los Angeles fitness studios to workout with us. We love to enjoy a great Cross Fit or Muay Thai session with those we’ve come to know, and our new friends too. But, we also like hearing that our friends and students are making time in their schedules to get outdoors and move, even if it’s just for a short hike or beach walk.
 
Did you know that being outside in the sunshine can improve one’s health and keep the body functioning optimally? According to a study conducted at the University of Michigan, walking in nature makes a personal physically and mentally healthier. We talked a bit in our last post about how practicing martial arts can positively affect the brain, which in turn brings about health and healing to the physical body. Getting outside and walking in nature is a similar approach to good health, yet it has the added benefit of exposing the body to vitamin D from the sunshine, which is something every individual needs if they want to stay healthy.
 
The University of Michigan study showed that moving the body outdoors helped participants ward off depression, improved their outlook on fitness as a whole, focus on what’s really important in their life, and strengthen their immunity.
 
There are plenty of places around our Los Angeles fitness studios where you can go to walk, hike, bike, in-line skate, or get in other exercise that you might enjoy – in the sunshine and fresh air. The following are some of our favorites:
 
Ballona Wetlands Trail
 
You can take the Ballona Wetlands Trail from the freshwater marsh in Playa Del Rey (at the corner of Lincoln and Jefferson) through Playa and Marina Del Rey, and continue on through the Marina to Venice and even Santa Monica if you want. Along with mild temperatures for hiking, this trail offers fresh sea air as well as gorgeous views of water and wildlife.
 
Malibu Creek State Park
 
Malibu Creek State Park is a great place to go walking, hiking, or rock climbing. The park features lakes and rivers (seasonal), amazing rock formations, and historical California ranches to observe while you’re adventuring. Many climbers like to take on the Castro Crest ridge in the park.
 


Griffith Park (Fern Dell Trail)
 
Griffith Park has 53 miles of trails in 4,310 acres of moderate to rough terrain. A nice trail for beginners and those who want a gentle hike is the trail leading from Fern Dell Drive to the Griffith Park Observatory, the Fern Dell Train gives you the added bonus of enjoying an organic treat or meal before or after your hike, at The Trails café that sits at the trail base on Fern Dell Drive.
 
In addition to these spots for exercising outdoors, we love Cahuenga Peak (visit the Wisdom Tree), the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook, and the Tree People Trails.