November in Jacksonville is a Great Time to Workout Outside!
Have you been cooped up, avoiding the sun and heat all summer? It’s finally the perfect time to take your exercise routine outdoors! The gym, the pool, and your Peloton are great in the summer months, but now is the time for working out in our beautiful outdoor spaces. Here are a few ideas to get you out and moving:
Walking/Hiking
Doctors call it the best all-around exercise that almost anyone can do. Walking is good for the muscles, the heart, the lungs, AND the soul. My personal goal is 10,000 steps a day. And there is nowhere better than Jacksonville to walk!
· Try ANY of our beaches from Mayport to Ponte Vedra, Mickler’s, Fernandina, and beyond.
· Don’t forget the bridges! There are FIVE downtown, several over the Intracoastal, and many others – many with designated walking lanes.
· Hike the UNF trails, Spanish Pond Trail, Hannah Park, the Talbot Islands.
· And my personal favorites: Guana River Wildlife Area and The Timucuan Preserve.
Running
Runners LOVE Jacksonville! Did you know that Jacksonville boasts the only marathon that includes a beach run (The 26.2 with Donna, of course – founded by our very own mayor, Donna Deegan), and the largest 15k in the country (The Gate River Run). There are at least NINETY races a year right here in river city! Find your next race here: https://www.runguides.com/jacksonville/runs
And golfing, of course
We have 27 golf courses within 15 miles in Jax – and 14 of them are public! Why not go out and “spoil a good walk” on one of our many courses?
Kayaking
Kayaking and canoeing are excellent low-impact activities to improve cardiac fitness AND build strength and flexibility – particularly in your upper body. And Jacksonville boasts SO much wonderful water to do it in! Google your way through our many rental places around town – and kayak rivers, the Intracoastal, and even the ocean!
Pickleball
My personal favorite! And it seems everyone is playing these days. Why? Well, it’s just as active and fast-moving as tennis but many people find it more fun and more social! The court is sub-divided, so players are closer together, all levels of players are welcome at most locations, and laughter is encouraged! Come out and give it a try at one of the following locations around town: https://www.jaxpickleballstore.com/where-to-play
Whatever your preference, get outside and enjoy this beautiful weather while you work out! Let us know your favorites below – or upload a photo that I can share on social media!
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