I have been thinking a lot about fitness lately since my mom, sister, and I decided to do a triathlon a year from now. We have tentatively decided on the San Diego Spring Sprint in May of 2011. The race starts at South Shores Park on Mission Bay and includes a 1/4 mile swim, 9 mile bike, and 3 mile run. I'm definitely not in good enough shape for something like that, but I have a year to make it happen.
I ran for a mile yesterday at Lake Murray and I'm still getting used to my new running shoes, Vibram Five Fingers. So far it feels pretty good and I am very excited to make some progress! I really think that having a big goal like this will help inspire me to make positive lifestyle changes. For further inspiration I have been looking into the fitness resources in San Diego. Luckily, there is no shortage of wonderful, affordable activities to keep me challenged and entertained.
Fitness for Free
There is no reason that being in great shape should cost you a lot of money. In fact, it is possible to get in to great physical condition without any fancy gear or equipment. All you need is a decent pair of shoes to get outside, enjoy the fresh air, and have a great workout.
Running is one of my favorite ways to exercise and you can do it just about anywhere. If you have never been much of a runner Couch-to-5K is a great program to get you started. Using websites like Running Map and Walk Jog Run you can plan out a route in your neighborhood and know exactly how far you ran. The San Diego Track Club has a list of San Diego Runs and there are a number of great runs at Balboa Park, Mission Bay Park, and Lake Murray.
The Perrier Parcourse Fitness Circuit is a 2.5 mile course in Balboa Park around the Morley Field Sports Complex. There are 18 exercise stations along the path including jumping jacks, chin-ups, push-ups, and sit-ups. Visit San Diego Parks and Recreation for more information on trails as well as recreation programs, recreation centers, and swimming pools. Walking, hiking, bicycling, and swimming are also ways to get a workout for next to nothing.
Fitness on a Budget
Intramural sports are a fun, social way to stay active. If your workplace doesn't have a team already you could try to convince some coworkers or just ask around because local teams are frequently looking for more players! Softball San Diego has information on leagues and a message board for players to find teams. Thanks to sponsorships the cost to players is usually minimal. Call your nearest recreation center for more information on intramural leagues.
Saturday Morning Yoga is available every week at Allied Gardens Tang Soo Do Academy for a suggested $5 donation. The Yoga 101 classes start at 9:45am and the more advanced Vinyasa classes begin at 8:30am. The price is definitely affordable and the academy is conveniently located to Cowles Mountain if you want to start your Saturday off with yoga and a hike.
Fitness at a Price
San Diego has plenty of gyms, chances are there is even one in your neighborhood. A gym membership can be a worthwhile investment if you use it, but it can be a big waste of money if you don't ever go. Be honest with yourself and make sure to consider the gym location, hours, classes, amenities, cost, and contract length before making any expensive decisions.
There is also a huge selection of specialty gyms in San Diego. Whether you are interested in martial arts, rock climbing, boxing, dance, gymnastics, or yoga there is a facility available. My sister is a CrossFit enthusiast and I am thinking about giving it a try. CrossFit is a program that focuses on overall physical fitness and integrates weightlifting, sprinting, and gymnastics. CrossFit, Inc has information and instructional videos online but there is also a gym right here in San Diego. CrossFit San Diego offers three 1-on-1 foundation classes for $179 and unlimited group training sessions for $130/month. The price may be a bit steep but it can be a great support network and facilitate real lifestyle changes.
I ran for a mile yesterday at Lake Murray and I'm still getting used to my new running shoes, Vibram Five Fingers. So far it feels pretty good and I am very excited to make some progress! I really think that having a big goal like this will help inspire me to make positive lifestyle changes. For further inspiration I have been looking into the fitness resources in San Diego. Luckily, there is no shortage of wonderful, affordable activities to keep me challenged and entertained.
Fitness for Free
There is no reason that being in great shape should cost you a lot of money. In fact, it is possible to get in to great physical condition without any fancy gear or equipment. All you need is a decent pair of shoes to get outside, enjoy the fresh air, and have a great workout.
Running is one of my favorite ways to exercise and you can do it just about anywhere. If you have never been much of a runner Couch-to-5K is a great program to get you started. Using websites like Running Map and Walk Jog Run you can plan out a route in your neighborhood and know exactly how far you ran. The San Diego Track Club has a list of San Diego Runs and there are a number of great runs at Balboa Park, Mission Bay Park, and Lake Murray.
The Perrier Parcourse Fitness Circuit is a 2.5 mile course in Balboa Park around the Morley Field Sports Complex. There are 18 exercise stations along the path including jumping jacks, chin-ups, push-ups, and sit-ups. Visit San Diego Parks and Recreation for more information on trails as well as recreation programs, recreation centers, and swimming pools. Walking, hiking, bicycling, and swimming are also ways to get a workout for next to nothing.
Fitness on a Budget
Intramural sports are a fun, social way to stay active. If your workplace doesn't have a team already you could try to convince some coworkers or just ask around because local teams are frequently looking for more players! Softball San Diego has information on leagues and a message board for players to find teams. Thanks to sponsorships the cost to players is usually minimal. Call your nearest recreation center for more information on intramural leagues.
Saturday Morning Yoga is available every week at Allied Gardens Tang Soo Do Academy for a suggested $5 donation. The Yoga 101 classes start at 9:45am and the more advanced Vinyasa classes begin at 8:30am. The price is definitely affordable and the academy is conveniently located to Cowles Mountain if you want to start your Saturday off with yoga and a hike.
Fitness at a Price
San Diego has plenty of gyms, chances are there is even one in your neighborhood. A gym membership can be a worthwhile investment if you use it, but it can be a big waste of money if you don't ever go. Be honest with yourself and make sure to consider the gym location, hours, classes, amenities, cost, and contract length before making any expensive decisions.
There is also a huge selection of specialty gyms in San Diego. Whether you are interested in martial arts, rock climbing, boxing, dance, gymnastics, or yoga there is a facility available. My sister is a CrossFit enthusiast and I am thinking about giving it a try. CrossFit is a program that focuses on overall physical fitness and integrates weightlifting, sprinting, and gymnastics. CrossFit, Inc has information and instructional videos online but there is also a gym right here in San Diego. CrossFit San Diego offers three 1-on-1 foundation classes for $179 and unlimited group training sessions for $130/month. The price may be a bit steep but it can be a great support network and facilitate real lifestyle changes.
