4 Awesome (and Unique) Ways You Can Exercise Outside
Yoga on a Mount Washington overlook? Namaste.
The sun's shining. The birds are chirping. And you want to work out inside?
The arrival of warm weather means some of our favorite fitness devotees are taking the party to the great outdoors.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MOWA YOGA'S FACEBOOK PAGE
MoWa Yoga
MoWa Yoga, based atop Mount Washington, enjoys holding class in not-so-conventional locations. Though the Mount Washington overlook pods are prime spots for photo ops, it might not have crossed your mind to practice vinyasa flow there. Amanda Rubio has been filling those 6:30 p.m. practice sessions so rapidly she's been adding a 7:30 class. Sit in a circle, take a deep breath and get into zen mode as you look out at the Pittsburgh skyline.
Club Cycle
As soon as the beat drops at Club Cycle, everyone picks up the pace, pedaling to the music's tempo. Stacie and Bill Bara treat their Mount Washington sessions the same way. For destination classes, as they are dubbed, the duo sets up a number of bikes on one of the pods. The workouts already are fun, but when you can see and hear the hum of everyday urban life, your outlook improves. The next session is set for June 28. Claim a seat soon; classes book up fast.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GREEN ROCKS FITNESS FACEBOOK PAGE
Green Rocks Fitness
Signing up for a boot-camp session is a great way to test your mettle, especially outside. Green Rocks offers rockin' outdoor sessions, along with indoor programming. From spring through fall, there's an outdoor boot camp, programming geared toward new moms and a session for those trying to start the weekend on a good note. Throughout the workouts, participants may use some of Highland Park or Point State Park's features, including urban steps.
PHOTO BY WARREN GOLDSWAIN
True Runner Shadyside's Brooks run happy hours
It is possible to run indoors, but why become attached to a treadmill when you can stretch your legs on the city streets? Skip your traditional happy hour in favor of buddying up with other joggers for a self-paced loop (or two) around Shadyside. Meet up afterward to discuss personal records, the best shoes and anything else that strikes your fancy.
Bonus recommendations
You'll also want to look into these two al fresco sessions that are presented in the heart of the city, thanks to the work of many.
PHOTO COURTESY OPEN STREETSPGH
OpenStreetsPGH
You may have missed last month's 2015 kickoff, but that's ok. The remaining events are June 28 and July 26. Where else can you salsa on a downtown street? We love having the option to go rock wall climbing, too.
PHOTO BY RENEE ROSENSTEEL
Yoga in the Square
Before brunching the day away, many local yogis and newbies pile into Market Square for the always-worth-it Sunday Yoga in the Square sessions, held weekly from May 31 through Sept. 27. Arrive early with your mat, bottled water and a friend. Namaste.
