We all know that exercise is an important part of staying healthy, but sometimes it’s not that easy! Some of us don’t have the time or don’t know how to get started. What we all need to remember are the benefits of exercising for you and your body. Exercising can lower your blood pressure, strengthen your bones and reduce your risk of heart disease and diabetes! Regular exercise can also help with depression, stress, and anxiety. Exercising outdoors is even better because you get to experience nature, which is a natural antidepressant, and sunlight provides much-needed vitamin D.
Maybe the reason you’re not exercising is because you just haven’t found the right place to get you motivated! Here in the Triangle, there are some amazing spots to get your workout in outdoors. Curious? Read through our list of the best outdoor workout spots in Raleigh-Durham below:
1. Triangle Hiking and Outdoor Group
Many people don’t realize that sites like Meetup.com have groups for exercise too! This site hosts a huge variety of athletic groups. Check out Triangle Hiking and Outdoor Group for hiking, kayaking and camping! You can also browse Meetup.com for more fitness group options.
2. YMCA of the Triangle
Your local YMCA also has lots of classes and lots of locations! With over 13 locations around the Triangle, they usually have some childcare on hand too. Check out the walking and running clubs or their adult interest groups for your local Triangle YMCA location.
3. American Tobacco Trail
With over 20 miles of trails available for running, biking, walking and more, the American Tobacco Trail runs through Durham, Cary, and Apex. Check out their website to see where the entry point locations are.
4. Triangle Yoga Club
Get your om on all spring and summer long! The Triangle Yoga Club offers various yoga classes around the Triangle area, sometimes even for free. Namaste!
5. Life Time Fitness Running and Cycling Groups
Gyms are more than just weight rooms! Life Time Fitness in Cary and Raleigh offer social running groups for all runner levels, led by Life Time Run staff. Check out Life Time Run in Cary, NC and Raleigh, NC. There is also Life Time Cycle, which includes indoor cycling programs and organized outdoor rides. Check out the Life Time cycling club in Apex, NC.
6. Lake Johnson
Lake Johnson has two main trails perfect for walking dogs, taking a run, or just enjoying the outdoors. You can fish at Lake Johnson, too! Visit their website to see the classes they’re offering this summer and check out other lakes in Raleigh.
7. Eno River State Park
Get your fill of the outdoors with a hike, fishing, or an outdoor picnic at Eno River State Park. With over a thousand acres, you could spend an entire weekend here – with a few camping supplies of course!
8. Bike Durham and Carolina Tarwheels
Consider getting your fitness in with a bike ride around Durham and the Triangle. Bike Durham and Carolina Tarwheels are 2 great cycling groups to get involved with! Open to both beginner and advanced riders, these groups organize rides of varying lengths throughout Durham and the Triangle.
The right exercise can do wonders for your body and mind. Even individuals suffering from chronic pain have found that exercise like yoga or pilates can help. For more serious injuries though, it’s important to get the right kind of help. At the Brian Center of Durham, we offer comprehensive pain management services like short wave diathermy, electrical stimulation and more. Visit our website to see how we can help!