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Top 4 Ways to Get Fit in Seattle this Spring

Where to work up a sweat in and around Seattle

By Seattle Mag April 18, 2016

A collage of pictures of people doing various sports.
A collage of pictures of people doing various sports.

Sponsored by Coors Peak

Seattle is one of the fittest cities in the U.S.—we ranked eighth in a recent poll by the American Fitness Index that looked at how the 50 largest metro areas stack up in terms of preventive health behaviors and the amount of community resources that support physical activity. With our ample opportunities to get outside, our walkable neighborhoods and our countless fitness studios, Seattle’s stellar ranking comes as no surprise.

Herewith, four fitness suggestions for where to run, bike, catch a CrossFit class or work on your balance and flexibility. And mark your calendars for Tuesdays in May: Seattle magazine and Coors Peak have teamed up for a series of free, low-impact fitness events, where you’ll have the opportunity to work up a sweat, then enjoy a post-workout Coors Peak, an all natural, gluten-free beer made from California brown rice and Pacific Northwest hops. Must be 21+ to attend events featuring Coors Peak.

1. Run our city’s many trails

No matter what kind of run you’re seeking, you’ll find something to suit your needs here. Seattle Parks and Recreation provides an excellent overview of the various runs around town, broken up by synthetic tracks, scenic trails in parks and paved roadways. If you’re looking for stunning views along the water, run along Elliott Bay and make a pit stop in the Olympic Sculpture Park to take in the impressive art. For a jaunt down undeveloped pathways through a wooded ravine, go with Cowen Park in Ravenna. Lace up your sneakers on May 24 and join Seattle magazine + Coors Peak for a run on the Burke-Gilman Trail, led by Brooks Running and culminating with an after-event celebration at the retailer’s Trailhead store in Fremont. It’s free to participate with RSVP – learn more here. Must be 21+ to attend the celebration.

2. Hop on a bike and ride around town

Whether you’re riding a beach cruiser down Alki’s boardwalk, or traversing hilly trails on a mountain bike, cycling is a solid, thigh-busting workout. This regional trail map from King County provides a complete list of all the trails to tackle, including the 24-mile Interurban Trail Loop between Seattle and Everett, but consider trekking along the 33-mile route on Bainbridge Island, site of the annual Chilly Hilly biking event in February. And on May 17, PUBLIC Bikes on Capitol Hill will lead a 30- to 40-minute ride to Volunteer Park for 30 people (biking experts and novices alike), beginning and ending at its shop along Pine Street. Cool down with a post-ride Coors Peak gluten-free beer. Must be 21+ to attend. RSVP here.

3. Test your strength with a CrossFit session

If you’ve never tried CrossFit, it’s worth giving it a go.The high-intensity group fitness program includes elements of weightlifting, gymnastics, running, rowing and more to sculpt your body and increase strength and endurance. There are multiple locations throughout Seattle and on the Eastside where you can sign up for a class. On May 10 from 6 to 8 p.m., make your way to Northwest CrossFit’s Interbay gym for an intense, all-fitness-levels workout where you’ll squat, lunge and lift ’til you break a serious sweat. Your reward: a cold Coors Peak and healthy snacks at the studio. Sign up now. Must be 21+ to attend.

4. Stretch and find balance with yoga

According to the American Osteopathic Association, there are a slew of health benefits associated with yoga. Namely, increased flexibility, improved respiration and energy and even stress reduction. There are several different yoga styles–this beginner’s guide explains all of them. New York-based Strala Yoga, founded by model turned yoga instructor Tara Stiles, opened its Seattle studio in 2014 along Elliott Avenue W and is hosting a free all-levels yoga class on May 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. You’ll end your calming session with a cold Coors Peak. Must be 21+ to attend. Find out more here

 

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