Lara’s Top 10 Places to Workout
There are plenty of great outdoor options for lowcountry residents to choose from when it comes to exercise.
By Lara Wittstadt
As the weather begins to cool off and Charleston eases into fall, there’s no better time to lace up the sneakers and head outside for a workout. Leave the office for some fresh air, grab the running stroller, bring along the dog and choose from any of these locations for a refreshing and beneficial workout. Charleston is home to numerous parks which are excellent venues to get in a variety of workouts throughout the week. White Pointe Gardens at the Battery: With the cool breeze off the river and ample plush grass, there are many possibilities for exercise.
James Island County Park: This park has it all: running trails, enormous grass fields, playgrounds, a dog park and plenty of water activities.
Hampton Park: There is a series of workout stations around the lake at Hampton Park. Each station has instructions and is guaranteed to give you a great strength training workout.
Folly Beach: Leave the sneakers at home and hit the sand for a great workout that tests your balance. Venture ankle deep into the ocean and do movements against the water for an excellent resistance workout.
Colonial Lake: Complete with benches and curbs, a jog around the lake in combination with exercises on the benches will leave your heart pounding.
Cooper River Park: Check out the brand new park under the Cooper Bridge. Complete with a breezy pier, plush grass, benches, and ample parking, I definitely recommend a visit.
West Ashley Greenway: Whether you desire to run long distance or go on a brisk walk, this trail, which starts at the Ashley River but is most easily accessible from the Earth Fare parking lot, goes on for miles and is always shaded. Brittlebank Park: Enjoy the gorgeous Charleston sunset on the river while working up a sweat in the field or on the playground with your kids.
Waterfront Park (Pineapple Fountain Park): This touristy downtown park not only has spectacular views, it also has plenty of grass and benches for finding a spot to sneak in a few exercises.
The Cooper River Bridge: The Charleston running hotspot. Conquer the bridge one section at a time. Make a goal to run/walk halfway and soon enough you will be able to do the entire run.
Take advantage of the beautiful parks and weather that Charleston has to offer. If you have questions about locations or need ideas on exercises, please feel free to contact me. Happy exercising!
Lara Wittstadt has been a personal trainer in the Charleston area for over two years. She is the owner of Beach Bella Fitness, which offers in-home and outdoor personal training, boot camps, and beach circuit classes.Join Lara for a free class! Go to www.beachbellafitness.com or e-mail lara@beachbellafitness.com for more information.
