Working out in Public Open Space (Outdoors) Tips?

sympha01
sympha01 Posts: 942 Member
edited November 8 in Fitness and Exercise
At home I work out a lot, and I typically do kettlebell or heavy-ish dumbbell stuff in my living room because it's convenient, I like it, I can't afford a gym right now, I hate hate hate running LOL, etc.

In a couple of weeks I will be a houseguest at my aunt's for about a week. I'm kind of hoping to be able to squeeze in some workouts, but I know I won't be able to do it in her house. But there are several public parks near her, and she lives in Southern California (nice climate in November, usually). So I was thinking of taking my kettlebell and doing some outdoor kb workouts.

Now, I've never tried to get in a work out like that outdoors in a public space. Does anyone else do this? Got any tips for doing this -- both on an etiquette basis and safety one? I don't want to get into any conflicts other other park visitors, obviously. Stay off the paths, organized playing fields, the kids' playgrounds, obviously.

Replies

  • VegasFit
    VegasFit Posts: 1,232 Member
    I've done workouts in parks but there has never been equipment present unless it was a bootcamp. The park I used had stairs and a basketball court. Mine were mornings so not too worried about bothering people but in addition to the stairs lunges, step ups and push ups off benches. Sprints on the court. Even in busier times of the day it's not unusual to see people using parks for their workouts. You should be fine.
  • dbmata
    dbmata Posts: 12,950 Member
    Depending on where in SoCal... lol

    You'll be fine, don't overthink it. Essentially, etiquette is going to be, "Don't piss in someone's picnic, and they won't stab you."

    Really, find a spot, set up, do your thing, and you'll be good to go.
  • cindytw
    cindytw Posts: 1,027 Member
    I live on the other side of the country, but we have parks here with fitness stations built in...maybe look into that.
  • sympha01
    sympha01 Posts: 942 Member
    dbmata wrote: »
    Depending on where in SoCal... lol


    LOL I've spent lots of time there over the years, including November and December. It's nice by my standards, anyway.
  • dbmata
    dbmata Posts: 12,950 Member
    Well, like I said, depending on where in SoCal.

    Santa Monica, do it.
    South Central LA... a middle aged white woman from the bay? Uh, nope. lol.
  • sympha01
    sympha01 Posts: 942 Member
    So it would be okay in SCLA if I were in my 20s? Dude. Middle-aged women of all races have special "IDGAF" superpowers.
  • dbmata
    dbmata Posts: 12,950 Member
    edited November 2014
    Naw, just not a place for ya.

    Granted, I'm speaking as someone from East LA that lived for a good amount of time in SF. ;)

    ETA - BESIDES. Let's throw this out there. Would you prefer to workout in a park in Rodeo, or at Ocean Beach? Seriously, just try to get out to a beach, there you can do whatever you want, and experience the excellence of a so cal beach. I miss OB, but it is no long beach, if you know what I mean.
  • hobbeskastiel
    hobbeskastiel Posts: 221 Member
    What city are you going to? Some parks have workout equipment built into the park. I live in Covina and a park a few miles from me has bikes and a bunch of other stuff onsite.
  • dbmata
    dbmata Posts: 12,950 Member
    lol, yeah... it's a moot point if it is someplace like Riverside... heh.
  • hobbeskastiel
    hobbeskastiel Posts: 221 Member
    edited November 2014
    laparks.org/dos/outdoorFitness.htm
  • dbmata
    dbmata Posts: 12,950 Member
    FIFY
    laparks.org/dos/outdoorFitness.htm
  • sympha01
    sympha01 Posts: 942 Member
    Oh yeah, if I could get to the beach it would a moot point. I know I could do whatever I want at the beach. But I'll be inland in Orange County.

    I'm not worried about finding stuff to do, guys. I'm kettlebelling, it's settled. I love my kettlebell: it travels easily, and it's always a dependable workout option when stuff gets weird. Orange County: prepared to be dazzled by my snatch!

    And I know I'm going to the parks walking distance from my aunt's house.
  • WalkingAlong
    WalkingAlong Posts: 4,926 Member
    I wouldn't want to walk far with my kettlebell. I hope it's close! Have fun!
  • dbmata
    dbmata Posts: 12,950 Member
    sympha01 wrote: »
    Orange County: prepared to be dazzled by my snatch!
    Not the strangest thing that has been said to OC.

    LOL. Enjoy.
  • abadvat
    abadvat Posts: 1,241 Member
    if no bars set up in the park (pull up bars....) find a kids area and throw a body weight workout - best places to have a mean training session!
  • 53welshlady
    53welshlady Posts: 136 Member
    Can't you train in her garden or yard?
This discussion has been closed.

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