Living • Parks & Public Spaces • Things to Do
Where to Workout Outside in Downtown Houston
Not every beach body requires a paid membership, so why workout in a sweaty, stuffy gym when you can take your fitness game outside?! From bike paths to bayou-side trails, Houston’s options for exercising outdoors are both varied and scenic. So go ahead, get your butt to one of these hotspots [and keep the money you saved for happy hour!].
BUFFALO BAYOU PARK
This 160-acre park is a go-to spot for many when it comes to burning calories. With skyline views and public art galore, Buffalo Bayou Park is much more than just another greenspace.
If cycling or rollerblading is your preferred method of fitness, hop on the Sandy Reed Memorial Trail. Located on both sides of the bayou, this ten-foot wide trail provides ample space to pedal to the metal without bumping into fellow park goers.
Prefer to get your miles in on foot? Head down the Kinder Footpath for a quiet trail [no bikes allowed] that bobs and weaves along the bayou, while offering opportunities to crossover the body of water with various pedestrian bridges. PRO TIP: Get some calisthenic work in at the pull-up bars.
DISCOVERY GREEN
If you’re not a fan of hitting the pavement on foot, Discovery Green is your scene. Fitness in the Park features multiple ways to get fit for free, making the award-winning greenspace the perfect place to mix up your workout routine.
Strengthen your body and build a healthy mind, with twice a week yoga classes. Drop into the Saturday morning Hatha Yoga class for a more challenging stretch sesh, or wrap up your Tuesday with a basic vinyasa flow.
Wanna kick it up a notch? Meet FitMix Communities on the lawn Wednesdays at 6:30 PM for HIIT. This fun yet demanding training class will help you gain strength, improve endurance and leave you drenched in sweat!
For something a little more mindful and meditative, give Tai Chi a try. Led by Simone Oliver of Four Dragons Institute, this Chinese internal martial art focuses on slow movements to build a focused mind and strong body.
ROOT MEMORIAL SQUARE BASKETBALL COURT
Cardio is an important aspect of any workout regimen and grabbing a pick up game at Root Memorial basketball court is a fun way to incorporate it into your schedule. Located across the street from Toyota Center, this quaint little park features picture-worthy views of the skyline and the Root Square Heritage Lanterns — a set of 5 futuristic meets Victorian, light-emitting towers.
HIT THE POOL
As we all know, Houston takes the meaning of hot to a whole new level. For that reason, it’s no surprise that your summer calendar is likely filled with days at the pool. Our recommendation? Get the best of both worlds at Marriott Marquis by knocking out a few laps in between time spent lounging in your reserved cabana.