Best Spots For Cardio In Los Angeles

(credit: Marc van der Chijs)

So you want (or need) to get in more cardio exercise. There are good reasons to do it: it's good for the heart, helps reduce your cholesterol and blood pressure, will help you lose weight and more. For many, getting the cardio exercise either means a trip to the gym, or a run at a local park or trail. But this is Los Angeles – and there are many options to get your cardio exercise in a low-impact way – and outside! Here are some fun options for you to do alone – or with a co-(cardio) conspirator.

HIKING

With its mountains, beaches and generally amazing scenery, Los Angeles is a great place for hiking – especially if you go in the morning when it's cooler. The good news is that the range in scenery is matched by the range in level of difficulty. So there's no excuse to get your heart pumping during one of these great hikes.

Will Rogers State Historic Park
1501 Will Rogers State Park Rd
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
(310) 454-8212
www.parks.ca.gov

Described as a "starter" hike for those new to L.A. hiking, the two-mile trail to Inspiration Point offers canyon views. The prize: from Inspiration point you'll enjoy views of L.A., the Santa Monica Bay and on a really clear day Catalina Island. This trail is a part of Will Rogers State Park, formerly the ranch home of Will Rogers – a famous 1930s actor. You can tour the ranch on some days, and equestrian activities occur here, too.

Starting point: take the wide path near the tennis courts west of the park headquarters.

Wilacre Park (AKA Fryman Canyon)
12601 Mulholland Dr.,
Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 766-8445
www.laparks.org

Whether you're overweight and need to lose weight or just want to stay in shape, taking time for cardio is a terrific idea. Wilacre Park (also known as Fryman Canyon), is one of LA's top destinations. Although Runyon Canyon is a great place for hiking, Wilacre Park/Fryman Canyon is perfect for its 3-mile hike. It's also not a terribly difficult hike, and you'll get views of the valley and L.A., and can enjoy a picnic area along the way.

Santa Monica Steps
4th St & Adelaide Dr
Santa Monica, CA 90402
www.exercisela.com

Oh, the dreaded stair stepper. It always appears to be such an easy workout, but ends up giving you that great ache the next day. The Santa Monica stairs are like that but way better. There are two sets – one wooden and straight up, and another made of concrete that has turns. Choose your poison (or do them both) and GO! You'll breathe the ocean air and get fantastic views of Pacific Palisades/Santa Monica hillsides. Just be warned: this is a real workout!

BIKING

You don't have to be an experienced cyclist to get in a good workout on a bicycle. And as is true with hiking, Southern California offers many bike ride options – with different levels of difficulty – that will be fun, as well as good for your heart. And if you don't have a bike, you can rent one – usually even at the start of these bike rides.

Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica, CA 90403
(310) 458-8300
/www.smgov.net

As one of the most iconic rides around, there's plenty to see that you probably won't even notice you're getting a great workout. Start in Santa Monica by the pier, or slightly north and head south from there. If you don't have a bike, there are several bike rental places on on the strip itself. They even rent tandem bikes if you want to ride with the kids. Take the bike path north, through Venice Beach, past Pacific Park and all the way up to Temescal Canyon Road – that's about 8 miles. The good news is you can turn back at any time. And there are plenty of places to stop for lunch, ice cream or a cold beer along the way.

Lake Balboa Park
6300 Balboa Blvd
Van Nuys, CA 91316
(818) 756-9743
www.laparks.org

This San Fernando Valley park is a Mecca for families and singles alike, with its playgrounds, picnic areas and more. It also has a great bike path that faces the lake, offering good views while serving as a "starter" ride if you want to do more. They even rent bikes there if you need them. Bonus: you can rest afterwards while the kids play in the playground, or enjoy a picnic by the lake!

KAYAKING

Here's a way to get your cardio in and reduce stress while enjoying the cool Pacific Ocean breezes. Kayaking isn't very difficult even if you've never tried it. In addition to being a good cardiovascular workout, kayaking helps you to build strength. And there are many places to rent them in L.A. Here are some recommendations.

Marina del Rey Boat Rentals
13717 Fiji Way
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
(310) 306-4444
www.marinadelreyboatrentals.com

Rent kayaks by the hour here and head on out to the Marina bay. You'll get views of Marina del Rey, Venice and Santa Monica, while soaking up the rays and breathing in the ocean breezes. And when you're done, there are plenty of local restaurants to grab lunch or dinner nearby – ranging from casual to exotic.

OUTDOOR YOGA

There's plenty of debate in the fitness community about the benefits of yoga. Is it cardio? To some it is. I say let the experts duke it out while you secretly enjoy getting your body moving doing yoga: OUTSIDE. Here are some options in L.A.

Runyon Canyon YOGA
Runyon Canyon Park (Fuller Entrance)
Franklin and Fuller Ave
Los Angeles, CA
(323) 666-5046
www.facebook.com

This area is typically known for its hiking. But it's also a great place to do some yoga! This group has something of a cult following, and is run by several yogis. Stretch, balance and breathe, with the beautiful grounds around you. It's sure to get your heart pumping in a number of ways. Times vary by day; check Facebook for details

Hiking Yoga
Griffith Park
4730 Crystal Springs Dr
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 913-4688
www.hikingyoga.com

Hiking yoga? Yep – that's right. You can hike and do yoga at the same time at this famous L.A.-area park. This is perfect for the naysayers who say yoga isn't exercise. You can get your ohm on while catching the views and getting your heartbeat going. Meet in front of the statue – directly in front of the observatory. Times vary; check web site for details.

But that's not all. Swimming pools, beaches, golf courses, volleyball and basketball courts and more abound in Southern California. So take the "workout" out of your cardio workout. Get outside and have some fun!

Jennifer Vides exercises so that she can enjoy the wonderful California cuisine. She writes at JenniferVides.com.