Summer seemed to creep up on some of us like a monster in a horror movie. Back in January, we planned to enter bathing suit season with the perfect summer body, but then parties came up, happy hours started to replace workout schedules, and careful meal prepping was thrown in the garbage and delicious Tex-Mex took its place. Sound familiar? Don’t worry, it does to me too.
Never fear, there is still plenty of time to get that body tight and fit. And with the days growing longer and Houston’s plethora of parks, goodbye are the days of sweating indoors and fearing the person before you didn’t properly sanitize the machine before you got on it. Here are the some of the top spots to work on your fitness while enjoying the most Houston has to offer.
Memorial Park
Maybe one of Houston’s most well-known parks, this outdoor space offers something for every fitness enthusiasts. While some of us just enjoy it for the people watching, runners and walkers can take advantage of the 2.93-mile track circling the golf course. The concrete Memorial Park Picnic Loop is ideal for bikes and rollerblades, but don’t miss the tennis courts, sports fields for soccer and baseball, as well as, the sand volleyball courts. And for those looking for a nature adventure, there are 30-plus hiking trails throughout the large park.
Buffalo Bayou Park
What isn’t there to do at Buffalo Bayou Park? The recent makeover has made this a popular spot for Houstonians with its new hiking/biking trails, volleyball courts, and bike and kayak rentals. There is even a 30,000-square-foot skate park for those looking to kick flip, ollie, fakie big spin, or simply learn to stay balanced. It is the perfect place to get fit and have fun doing it.
Hermann Park
Close to Rice University, the Medical Center, and the Museum District, Hermann Park offers 445 acres of some of the most stunning views in all of Houston. The 2-mile trail winds through tree-lined paths offering shade to joggers on those warm days. While you are there, cool down with a leisurely stroll through the multiple art installations and Japanese Garden.
Discovery Green
Houston’s very own park in the middle of downtown features a wide range of activities to help burn those calories. On Kinder Lake, Houstonians can kayak and paddleboard while soaking up rays and the scenic skyline. There are also jogging trails, shuffleboard and bocce courts. Free yoga, Zumba, and Parkour classes are routinely offered on the on the 1.7 area central lawn, with other events often added in the mix.
Spotts Park
This 16-acre park offers amenities like basketball, volleyball and tennis courts. Located near Memorial and Waugh, this spot features large hills perfect for working out those glutes. Also, Spotts Park’s open terrain makes this a popular spot for boot camp classes.
No matter how you enjoy working out, these parks feature something for everybody looking to get in better shape.
