Put Your Fitness Foot Forward in Michigan’s Great Outdoors

By: Toni Cunningham | July 16, 2013
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If you’re like me and get claustrophobic in gyms, now is the time to take advantage of Metro Detroit’s beautiful summer weather and get fit outdoors! Whether you prefer yoga, dancing, running or biking, there’s a class or group for you. Even if you’ve yet to find your fitness niche, there’s no time like the present.

Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources is teaming up with fitness instructors across the state to bring you “Fresh Air Fit” this summer. It’s a series of outdoor fitness classes that take place in some of Michigan’s most beautiful locales, including state parks, beaches, woods, and more.

Brighton Recreation Area offers some fun fitness classes that will trim your waistline in no time. Zumba Fitness is offered several times throughout July and August, and it’s a great way to dance yourself into shape. The class that sounds most appealing to me, personally, is H2Yoga, which combines paddle boarding and yoga on Brighton’s Bishop Lake.

For dates and times, visit www.michigan.gov.

Adventure starts with a vehicle that’s up for anything. Trailblazer combines comfort you want, the versatility you need, and the technology to make every moment count.

If you’d rather practice yoga on solid ground, Pop Up Yoga has hosted outdoor sessions at Lafayette Greens this summer. They’re planning to do more outdoor events in the coming months, so keep an eye on the official site or Facebook page for the schedule.

For those of you who prefer exercising on wheels, there are several local organizations that offer bike tours. What’s better than squeezing in some exercise while learning about the great city you live in?

Motor City Bike & Brew Tours offer historical bike tours, including a Brewery History Bike Tour, Prohibition History Bike Tour and Theater History Bike Tour. General admission for each is under $30, and you get a beer at the end of the ride. Sounds like my kind of exercise!

You can also get your bike ride on courtesy of Wheelhouse Detroit. This summer, tour everything from Corktown to Belle Isle to Churches of Poletown. For full tour descriptions and other specifics, make sure to check out their website.

If running is more up your alley, get ready to lace up your Nikes! There are a surprising number of local running groups, and this handy list (courtesy of the Free Press Talmer Bank Marathon website) will help you find one with ease.

There’s nothing better than some sunshine (and maybe a workout buddy by your side) to motivate a new exercise routine—so get going!

 

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