By Armella Stepan
The only thing better than an al fresco workout is an ocean breeze to cool you off during a hot summer day on LA’s Westside. Muscle Beach and the Adelaide Stairs in Santa Monica may be temporarily closed due to the County’s Covid-19 restrictions, but there are still plenty of great options for the fitness-minded hoping to shed that “quarantine 15.” Check out just a few of the options to help whip you into shape while replenishing your vitamin D.
1.SURF SOMETHING OTHER THAN THE INTERNET
Established in 2006, the Santa Monica Surf School’s instructors are some of the most trusted in the area. Owner Nick Rea is born and raised in Santa Monica and has spent many a summer as a lifeguard as well. Welcoming surfers at all levels, the school even offers surf camps for kids 9 and up. Isn’t it time you became one with a wave?
Photo courtesy @smsurfschool Instagram
2. WHAT’S ‘SUP’ IN MARINA DEL REY?
Finding peace amongst the chaos is what Yogaqua owner Sarah Tiefenthaler does best. The seriously fit mother of two is the personification of the benefits of combining your yoga practice with a stand-up paddle board. Each hour-long class takes place on the open water just off Mother’s Beach in the Marina. Coming to terms with the instability allows you to become one with the water. Masks are required for initial boarding until appropriate distance between participants is achieved.
Photo courtesy @yogaqua Instagram
3. WELLNESS YOUR WAY BEACH RETREAT
Sometimes the best way to really focus on your health, is to get away from it all for a few days. Staycations are in again and guests of Hotel Casa del Mar and Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica can enjoy unlimited bike rentals and miles of beachside jogging and cycling paths from Palos Verdes to Malibu. The hotel’s fitness centers are also al fresco. What could be better than rewarding yourself with a Casa Colada (think piña colada served in a coconut) served poolside after burning a few thousand calories?
4. DMN8 BOOT CAMP AT BARNARD WAY
Tushy Tuesday? Throwdown Thursday? Freaky Friday? One wouldn’t know what to expect during classes like this were it not for the fun and informational video on Aussie-born Eddy Roche’s DMN8 website. In less than six months this tech entrepreneur and fitness aficionado has grown his community to almost 400 members, many of whom gather al fresco at Barnard Way Linear Park to sweat out their Safe at Home stress – masks and all. Classes are 50 minutes and are currently restricted to very few participants at a time. A new ‘Indigenous Dance Cardio Class’ with Ryan Johnson has been also added to their menu of outdoor work outs. Stay hydrated, stay safe, and bring your A-Game.
Photo courtesy www.dmn8.com
5. PILATES ON PICO
Tribe Pilates has shifted some of their popular Pilates Reformers outdoors to a shaded section of their parking lot. Personalized one-on-one instruction under the watchful eye of a trained expert will take place from a comfortable six feet away. Book in advance for this and also for their mat classes in Palisades Park. Your core will thank you after months of Netflix binge-watching.
Photo courtesy @tribepilatesstudio Instagram
6. RIDE SOULCYCLE ON A ROOFTOP DECK
From now until Saturday October 31, Santa Monica Place is partnering with SoulCycle for an outdoor cycling activation atop Santa Monica Place. Classes will happen, masks required, on 40 socially distanced bikes. Cost is $30 per class with multi class packages available through the Soul Cycle app or on-site. Advance reservations recommended.
Photo courtesy www.soul-cycle.com
