Top 5 Outdoor Workout Spots in Atlanta
With fall in full swing, Atlanta’s weather has been on point. And much like the popping colors of the turning leaves, this is the perfect time of year to turn your attention to outdoor workouts (see what I did there?)
As a trainer, I’m all about hitting the weights. But there are countless benefits to taking your sweat sesh outside whenever possible.
Exercising outdoors is statistically proven to provide you with a greater feeling of revitalization, increase your energy levels, lower stress, and beyond. It has also been associated with an increased feeling of enjoyment while working out when compared to being in a gym. Not to mention, you can save a few bucks by putting your gym membership on hold while the weather is compatible for outdoor workouts.
To help you get motivated, here are my top 5 favorite places to exercise outdoors in ATL.
Some of these may seem a little obvious to you, but hear me out!
I’ve got some unique locations and reasons as to why these made the list:
PIEDMONT PARK
Why: Varying type of terrain to work with which helps provide tons of workout options. Photo: Excel ATL
Perfect For: Cardio, 5k/10k training, plyometrics, workouts of any pace/tempo
Top Workout Recommendations: Lunges, crunches, tricep dips on stone walls/stairs, push ups, pull ups, field sprints
Bonus: Views for DAYS! Great selfie opportunities with the amazing ATL skyline behind you. You might even experience an Atlanta celeb siting. The stars love to frequent the park when taking breaks from filming. Last but not least, there’s even bodyweight workout equipment in Piedmont Park near the running loop.
BREWERIES
Why: Why not? If you haven’t already, you’ve got to hop on this new brewery + fitness trend. Photo: Access Atlanta
Perfect For: Anyone who wants to get a workout in while having a good time in a cool environment
Top Workout Recommendations: Beer yoga, bicep + hammer curls (AKA raising your beer to your mouth)
Bonus: You want to go to happy hour but you also really want to stay committed to your workouts. This is your solution! One caveat here – the yoga sessions aren’t always outdoors, but if it’s a beautiful day the breweries do tend to hold class outside. If you want a guaranteed outdoor experience while having fun and getting your sweat on, a great alternative is goat yoga. Yes… it’s really a thing.
THE ATLANTA BELTLINE
Why: It’s only the trendiest spot in all of ATL.
Perfect For: Cardio, 5k/10k training, plyometrics, workouts of any pace/tempo
Top Workout Recommendations: Biking, running at any pace, lunges, tricep dips on stone walls/stairs, push ups
Bonus: Working out on the Atlanta Beltline is like the social media of exercise. You’re bound to run into a familiar face or two along the way. Plus it’s a great opportunity to immerse yourself into the local artist scene. It’s impossible to miss all the incredible art installations and spray painted murals along the BeltLine.
Photo: TripSavvy
STONE MOUNTAIN
Why: Depending on your goals, both the trails around the mountain and the gradient of the granite mammoth are great for hitting different heart rate levels throughout your workout. Photo: Brittany Nicole Dixon
Perfect for: Trail run training, cardio, fast-paced walking
Top Workout Recommendations: Up-hill sprints, inclined walking, trail running, speed jogging
Bonus: It’s one of Atlanta’s most famous landmarks. Heading to Stone Mountain for a workout is a great reason to revisit the beautiful grounds or mark it off your in-town tourist list.
THE CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER & NATURE PRESERVES
Why: Way down yonder on the Chattahoochee, you’ll find tons of different ways to exercise. You have both land and water options to work with.
Perfect For: Hiking, trail run training, cardio, fast-paced walking
Top Workout Recommendations: In the warmer months, hit the water for kayaking canoeing, paddle boarding, and even paddleboard yoga. In the cooler months, hike alongside to the river on a number of trails to choose from..
Bonus: Just reiterating the fact that you have both land and water options to choose from, which is a big differentiator from other outdoor workout spots we’ve looked at in this article. The Chattahoochee River and Nature Preserve is another staple that’s accessible from countless locations throughout metro Atlanta, making it convenient to get to no matter what part of town you live in.
Photo credit: Instagram @SacredHeartYogi
A great thing about all these locations is that they’re geared toward any level of fitness experience. Beginners can hit these spots and forget about fearing the dreaded judging eyes of the gym. Moderate-level exercisers can kick their #fitnessgoals up a notch. Experts can continue doing what they do best while enjoying different scenery and challenges along the way.
There you have it. Time to get those outdoor workouts in before winter brings the next Snowpocalypse.
Just one more thing before we say adieu. Don’t forget to bring your trainer along for the fun in the great outdoors!
Learn more about Bryan: His former days in the NFL, his extensive background in physical excellence, and his new gym opening up in 2018 – MiscFit Atlanta.
About the Author
Learn more about Bryan: His former days in the NFL, his extensive background in physical excellence, and his new gym opening up in 2018 – MiscFit Atlanta.
Photo by Anna Akpele : annaakpeleart@gmail.com
