The New Year has arrived, resolutions have been made and some are already broken. Many of us have high hopes and goals to stay in shape or maybe even lose a few pounds this coming year, but most will forget all about their gym membership just weeks into 2013. It’s tough to stay on a strict gym routine when classes get boring and there is nothing to look at but the wall while jogging on a treadmill. Luckily, with amazing weather and an average of 146 sunny days a year, it’s easy to stay in shape while visiting San Diego without stepping foot inside a gym.
Forget lifting weights and Zumba classes -- with gorgeous San Diego weather, visitors can have a blast outdoors and burn calories without even noticing they’re working out. From kayaking and mountain biking to surfing and sand volleyball, there is something for everyone looking to get some exercise in sunny San Diego. Here are the top 5 ways to stay in shape on a San Diego vacation:
- Kayaking: San Diego’s coastline is ideal for kayak enthusiasts of all experience levels. The La Jolla Ecological Reserve is the best place for beginners to take a kayak tour of this beautiful area and explore sea caves, kelp forests and get up close and personal with marine life like sea lions and the state fish of California, the Garibaldi. Although kayaking can be relaxing while gliding along the water’s surface, it’s also a great full-body workout. Water sports are ideal for people with joint problems who cannot put a lot of pressure on their knees, ankles and hips and kayaking is no exception. Kayaking focuses on the upper body, predominantly arms and shoulders, but also works the abs and legs by rotating side to side with each paddle. The excitement of catching a wave or taking in the beautiful scenery of San Diego makes kayaking the top way to stay in shape in America’s Finest City. Lots of local shops offer kayak rentals and even San Diego kayak tours with all equipment included.
- Biking: Mountain or road biking is a great way to see the sights while getting some exercise. The foothills of San Diego are ideal for mountain biking from Black Mountain in Rancho Bernardo to the pine tree covered Laguna Mountains in east county. San Diego’s vast topography makes it a popular destination for all levels of mountain bikers while it’s beautiful urban and coastal environments make it a great place for road biking. The San Diego Bay and Coronado Island stand out among the best road biking locations in town with gradual inclines and beautiful scenery. It’s easy to break a sweat while having a great time biking around the many facets of San Diego.
- Surfing: As one of the most popular things to do in San Diego, surfing is an incredible full-body workout that combines the natural beauty of the San Diego coastline and the exciting energy of the ocean. Paddling into the surf is one of the toughest parts of this exhilarating water sport and a great way to tone arms, shoulders and back, while catching and riding a wave works the legs, glutes and abs. Surfing is a fun pastime year round for people looking to have a great time and get a solid workout while enjoying the ocean.
- Beach Volleyball: Many of the San Diego beaches have poles set for beach volleyball including Mission Beach, Ocean Beach and Moonlight Beach in north county. These large white sand beaches are great for gathering a few friends for a fun game and a great workout. Beach volleyball works the entire body from the fingers to toes and adds the flare of competition making it easy to get an intense workout and not even notice. With beautiful San Diego weather, guests can take advantage of this fun beachfront sport any time of year.
- A Round of Golf: For visitors looking to get a more mild workout while soaking up the San Diego sunshine, hitting the links at one of the many beautiful golf courses is a great option. Home to the famous beachfront Torrey Pines Golf Course and luxurious La Costa Golf Resort & Spa, San Diego has become a popular destination for golf enthusiasts. The beautiful weather makes it easy to hit the course any time of year and it’s simple to turn a round of golf into a workout by leaving the cart behind. Take a nice stroll along the fairway and carry your own clubs for a mellow workout while enjoying the beauty and challenge of a San Diego golf course with friends. Many popular San Diego hotels like the DoubleTree Golf Resort, have onsite courses making it easy to enjoy the sunshine and play a round with affordable “play and stay” packages.
Staying in shape doesn’t have to be tedious, especially with beautiful weather and an array of heart pumping outdoor activities. San Diego’s mild Mediterranean climate makes it easy to enjoy the outdoors and break a sweat all year round, so forget the gym and soak up the sun while getting a workout in San Diego.
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