One of my resolutions/goals this year is to lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle. A sub-goal to that is to consistently go to workout classes that are life-giving for me like yoga and Zumba, but an easier (and cheaper) workout would be walking. Houston’s full of gorgeous parks and trails that are both cheap and free forms of exercise.
Houston Zoo – This isn’t a free one, but it is cheap. I tend to only go to the zoo during the winter for Zoo Lights with the family, but I might have to change that this year. Between all of the exhibits and trails I’m sure I can get a good workout strolling through the zoo. Oh, and it doesn’t hurt that it’s not that far from house.
Herman Park – This park serves as a double (and possible triple) whammy. It’s huge, there’s so much greenery and gorgeous trails and it serves as a outdoor concert venue too! Miller Outdoor Theater is located in the middle of the park and there are free shows at that theater year round. I can easily get a quick run in at the park and then reward myself with a free show.
Discovery Green – Not only is this the perfect backdrop for many family photos, but it’s going to play host to quite a few Super Bowl events next month and it’s a great place to work out. Like Herman Park it has trails and enough greenery to break up the monotony of working out at a gym. Plus there’s restaurants and watering holes around for afterwards when you need to refuel.
Midtown – I know, I know. You’re probably wondering why I would put a place that’s littered with bars on this list, but hear me out. I’ve gotten some pretty decent workouts in during bar crawls and there are about 5 of them every weekend somewhere in Midtown. If it keeps you moving and you stick to light beers or even just water, I don’t see the harm in it.
Eleanor Tinsley/Buffalo Bayou Park – This park area is HUGE! The city has recently remodeled Allen Parkway to include more parking for the park so it’s now easier to navigate the area. You can explore the bat caves near Waugh or just hit the trails at Eleanor Tinsley and work up a sweat there. Enjoy the modern art structures in the area and take in the gorgeous building that is the Federal Reserve Bank on Allen Parkway.
These locations make it easy to get those 10k steps in everyday, but what are some of your favorite places to do that? Do you have any recommendations for me? Feel free to comment below or tweet me and let me know!