Mar Vista Recreation Center

Mar Vista Recreation Center seems to be one of those parks that has everything a fitness enthusiast can ask for. There are basketball courts, volleyball courts, a tennis court, a baseball diamond, a soccer field, an outdoor roller hockey rink, a jogging track and even an outdoor fitness center. And the best part of all is that it’s completely free.

Located on 11430 Woodbine Ave., this park stretches between Sawtelle Blvd. and McLaughlin Ave., and is easily accessible right off of Freeway 405.

For those who want to work their muscles, but can’t afford to pay for a gym membership Mar Vista Recreation Center is perfect. Not only does the outdoors gym offer a full body workout, people also get tons of fresh air and a great tan while working out. So, don’t forget to put on some sunscreen and bring tons of water if visiting the park on a sunny day.

The gym equipment was added to the park last year together with a walking/jogging path. To see a video of the Mar Vista residents' opinion about the upgrade click here. There is a total of 10 machines, so all large muscle groups of the body get their workout. All the machines use a person’s own body weight so it’s not as easy as it might look, but stick to it and sore muscles are guaranteed.

On each machine there is a description of how to use it and what muscle group it benefits. So the machines suit beginners as well as athletes. For warming up there is, as mentioned before, a jogging track in connection to the machines.

One of the machines is an elliptical and is also perfect for a warm up. The machine is actually constructed so that two people can work it at the same time. However, the machine works just as well if used by only one person.

To read some reviews of Mar Vista Recreation Center go here.

Well, what else is there to say than that this park is simply amazing!

Photos: Private

Santa Monica Stairs

Santa Monica has the perfect climate for outdoors workout and what better way to get those buns of steal than to run some stairs.

Many might have heard of celebrities running up and down the Santa Monica Stairs, but where are these famous stairs located?

The Santa Monica Stairs is actually a set of two stairs, one concrete and one wooden, both of them found on Adelaide Drive as a connection to the ocean level below. The concrete stair is located on 4^th Street and Adelaide Drive, while the wooden is found a few hundred feet further east. A link to the location on Google Maps can be found here.

 

Both staircases offer a great workout. The difference between them is that the wooden stair is wider; two people can easily meet without causing a hold up for each other. This stair is also straight and not as steep. The steps are also a bit deeper, which makes it feel safer to climb, especially on the way down.

The concrete staircase is narrow, which makes it a little tricky to pass each other, but people seem to be very respectful and step aside when needed. This stair is also steeper and has a few turns. How many steps each staircase have is questionable, but 175 seem to be the unofficial count for the wooden staircase and 189 steps the count for the concrete one.

Some people choose to stay on one staircase, while some run down one stair and up the other resulting in what is called a “loop”. Most people seem to choose the wooden staircase as the "down" set, while doing the loop, and the concrete as the "up" set, a choice that probably has to do with safety.

Since the stairs are open 24/7 all year around, people can be seen running up and down them pretty much whenever. For more information go to Santa Monica Stairs on Facebook.

The Santa Monica Stairs provide an awesome workout and best part of all is that it is totally free. So get out there and start climbing those steps!

Photos: Private

Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook

Kicking the series of free exercise spots off is Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook. There are many hiking possibilities in Los Angeles County and this might be one of the more unknown ones. Located just off of Jefferson Boulevard, at 6300 Hetzler Road, in Culver City, Calif., the peak rises 511 feet above the ocean inviting visitors to a challenging work out.

To reach the top, hikers have three different options, all of which provide them with a great workout.

The first is a winding mile-long trail through the restored native habitat, a hike that definitely gets the heart pumping. To see a map of the trail click here.

Those who want a more challenging workout can climb up the long and steep staircase, consisting of approximately 282 uneven steps, that will definitely get those thighs burning.

At several places the trail crosses the staircase offering those who want a chance to alternate between the two or to simply change their minds.

There is also a paved road leading up to the parking lot for those who simply want to enjoy the view or find it easier to walk on a more even surface. Parking fee is $6, but other than that Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook is free. The park is open daily between 8 a.m. and sunset.

Once at the top, visitors are met with a panoramic view of the entire Los Angeles Basin. The scenic view stretches from the skyscrapers of Downtown L.A. to the famous Hollywood sign, to Santa Monica Mountains and the glittering Pacific Ocean. On a clear day it is even possible to see as far as to Catalina Island. Hikers have plenty to look at while catching their breath or stretching.

Located at the top is a state of the art visitor center holding information about the history of Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook and the oil drilling and exploitation that once took place on the land. Visitors can look at exhibits covering the history and restoration of the land, and also watch a 12 min informative film about the wildlife of the hill. The visitor center is open depending on available volunteers. Restrooms are available right next to the visitor center and outside hikers can also refill their water bottles.

In front of the visitor center there is a small native garden where visitors can find information about protected plants and animals of the hill. To read about native plants of Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook click here.

Once a month the park offers guided full moon hikes free of cost. All people have to do to join the hike is bring a flash light and show up at the visitor center at 5 p.m. For specific dates and information about other activities check out Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook’s Facebook page.

So, the only thing LA residents have to do to enjoy this great workout and the beautiful view is get to the top.

Photos: Private