Heading to the gym isn’t fun for all people, so it’s important to identify types of activity that you enjoy. In Marina del Rey, the premier waterfront playground of the Los Angeles area, you’re flush with options that will keep you smiling while burning off those stubborn pounds.
At the Marina’s southern border lie these 600 acres of protected habitat, home to hundreds of plant species and birds. Docent-led walking tours are available through Friends of Ballona Wetlands, as well as volunteer-run restoration projects. A public walking trail along the perimeter allows visitors to enjoy the scenery at their own pace. For more insight, visit the interpretive exhibits at Ballona Discovery Park at 13110 Bluff Creek Drive, Playa Vista. 310-306-5994.
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The Marina Athletic Club meets three mornings each week at Marina ("Mother's") Beach. Mondays are focused on strength training and metabolism-boosting activities. Cardio is the goal on Wednesdays. And Saturday classes cover both. Single class and monthly packages available.
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Marina del Rey is centrally located on the 22-mile Marvin Braude Coastal Bike Trail, which stretches from Pacific Palisades in the north to Torrance in the south. Enjoy views of the beach and warm breezes while you ride. Fisherman’s Village in Marina del Rey is the perfect place to start either leg of the route—there’s plenty of parking in the village lot, and Daniel’s Bike Rentals (call for hours, 310-980-4045) near the main plaza rents by the hour or day. Several Marina hotels also have low-cost rentals available to hotel guests. Or, go to Perry's Beach Rentals at the Venice Pier.
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Explore the Marina waters on a stand-up paddleboard or kayak. Hourly rentals are available throughout the harbor at Marina del Rey Boat Rentals, Pro SUP Shop, and the UCLA Marina Aquatic Center.
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Add a creative twist to your fitness routine and try a yoga class on a stand-up paddleboard. Group and private classes with YOGAqua are available. The calm cove at Marina Beach is the perfect place to try this trendy workout! No experience in either yoga paddleboarding is needed. The first part of the class focuses on getting used to the feeling of the board underfoot. Then, you drop anchor for stability and begin Vinyasa flow. 805-283-9642.
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The Los Angeles Rowing Club offers a Learn to Row program in the spring and fall. Over the weekend course, you'll learn the basics of rowing and boat-handling safety. After this introductory course, interested parties are invited to join the club and continue their skill development.
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Learn how to sail, row, surf, kayak, and windsurf at the UCLA Marina Aquatic Center, where classes are designed to give locals and short-term visitors a brief introduction to new activities. Check out regularly scheduled kayak and birdwatching excursions – no experience necessary.
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Free yoga classes are offered year-round on Sundays and Mondays, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., at Burton Chace Park. Exceptions are when class is in conflict with a major event at the park. Look for the group outside by the white pergola; if the weather is bad, class may meet in the community room. Please contact the park office to confirm class is taking place: 424-526-7910 or email maria@highvibehealth.us. Bring your own yoga mat. The class is free, though donations are accepted.