It’s time to burn off the pounds gained over the holidays. But if you live in the area you don’t need a gym because of low-cost Long Beach exercise classes. No matter what your fitness level is, there is a free or nearly-free workout opportunity for everyone! Here are some of the ways you can workout for free or close to free and some possibilities for taking advantage of our great weather.
Free Yoga on the Beach
There’s a free yoga class every day at Bluff Park in Long Beach. Classes start at 11:00 a.m.
Yogalution Movement
This studio offers donation-based yoga classes every day. The studio is located at 3141 E. Broadway in Long Beach. Check out the schedule here.
Tai Chi Classes
Gretchen Swanson will teach Tai Chi at Rose Park (8th & Orizaba) on Tuesdays at 8:15 a.m. beginning Feb. 6. Contact [email protected] for specifics. She teaches at Houghton Park Community Center (6301 Myrtle Ave) on Mondays and Wednesdays at 11:15 a.m. beginning Feb. 5. contact Oliva at [email protected] for Houghton Park classes. And at the Bach Neighborhood Library (4055 Bellflower) on Wednesdays at 1 p.m. beginning Feb. 7. contact [email protected].
Beach Volleyball
Stop by the beach volleyball courts at Ocean Blvd. and Granada on Saturdays and Sundays to play volleyball with friendly people. Skills range from beginner to intermediate. The group is organized through Meetup and there’s a $5.00 membership fee if you decide to keep coming back after your first month. Contact the group organizer before you show up.
Ride Your Bicycle
It’s no surprise that Long Beach was named one of the nation’s most bike-friendly cities. There are bicycle paths throughout the Long Beach, including miles of paths along the Los Angeles and San Gabriel Rivers as well as along the beach. Additionally, there are plenty of classes, workshops, and neighborhood tours. Downtown, the Bikestation Long Beach offers 24-hour indoor bicycle parking (free during regular business hours), bike rentals, professional repair services, a retail bike shop, free air and more. Additionally, watch for special events for bicyclists. There’s a free monthly full-moon ride, and if you don’t have a bike, it’s no problem, because there are free rentals.
Walking Groups
Take part in the Sunday Power Stroll with the Downtown Walkers from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. every Sunday. This group meets at 322 Pine Ave. in Long Beach. Join the Facebook group for updates and to check out other walking events. Check out Meetup.com for other fitness clubs and groups.
Workout on your Own
If you’re just looking for a place to workout on your own or with a pal, Long Beach has many options. Here are a few places to check out:
Bixby Park
Located at 130 Cherry Ave., this park has permanent exercise equipment so you can get in a good circuit workout and then go for a jog down the boardwalk.
Heartwell Park
Located at 5801 E. Parkcrest St., this park has trails as well as permanent exercise equipment such as a pull-up bar and a sit-up bench.
Beach Stairs
No equipment and very little time is needed to get a good workout running up and down these stairs. Located at Kennebec Ave. behind the Long Beach Museum of Art.
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