The Best Places to Exercise Outside in Washington, DC

With its varied architecture and low skyline , DC is a gorgeous , sunny situation to spend time outside – and put up a multitude of out-of-door spaces in which you’re able to get set . DC even ranked arespectable second placein Forbes ’ " America ’s Top Healthiest Cities , " ( whatever , Minneapolis ) . We spoke with Josef Brandenburg , father of the urban center ’s own True 180 Fitness , to learn more about how to ferment the whole city into your gym – regardless of your level of expertness .

Give yourself a scary good workout on “The Exorcist Steps”

GeorgetownThese three flight of stairs of excellently steep stairs – which were named a DC watershed in 2015 – may be one of the most intense physical exertion in the metropolis . While the staircase really is great for cardio and leg definition , you ’ll have to avoid holidaymaker and bookman who locomote along this gateway that link up Canal Rd to Prospect St. Brandenburg suggests warming up for at least five to 10 minutes before attempting to scale this official DC landmark . " Run up the steps , but walk down them , " he distinguish Thrillist . " hold out down the steps is incredibly nerve-wracking on your joints . " Bonus safety bakshish : make indisputable to turn tail with your nous face forrader .

Team up on the National Mall

DowntownSurrounded by eight memorials and more museum than you could shake a , uh , Shake Weight at ( sorry not good-for-naught ) , the National Mall is a spot where you’re able to get a truly quintessential DC experience – and get your heart charge per unit up simultaneously . From the Capitol Building to the Lincoln Memorial , you ’ll see people playing soccer , flag football game , and even volleyball . you’re able to join some of the teams ad lib , or front up teams on Meetup to procure yourself a blot ahead of time .

Ride a pony through Rock Creek Park

Adams Morgan / Woodley ParkRock Creek Park is a semi - hidden treasure within the city , supply over 32 hiking trails , include the Western Ridge or Valley Trail – plus fitness - specific point to assist you out along the manner . " There ’s an exercise area located at the Calvert St entrance that has pluck - up bar among other apparatus to habituate , " Brandenburg say . " When doing a pull - up , try not to kip , as it place more accent on your rotator cuff . " And for anyone who ’s looking to really mix up their exercise act , the common also pop the question tennis , golf , aquatic activities , and horseback riding .

Bike up (and down) the Metropolitan Branch Trail

NoMaIf you ’ve fall off from a fittingness routine , we super - recommend getting back into action on the Metropolitan Branch Trail : this lovely eight - naut mi stretch extends from Silver Spring to Union Station , and once connected the nation ’s working capital to the master line of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad . It ’s perfect for initiate because the Capital Bikeshare program has placement at both its end and start points – so if you ’re feel super - spent after biking one means , you could always just hop-skip on the Metro to get back to where you commence .

Exercise with elephants at the National Zoo

Woodley Park"Lions and tigers and bears … oh my ! " The National Zoo ’s 163 estate is loose to the public and open up 364 Clarence Day of the year , so you really do n’t have an excuse . Whether you take just to walk throughout the full menagerie , or specifically search sure area like the giant lesser panda home ground ( um , do not miss the jumbo Ailuropoda melanoleuca habitat ) , this is a peaceful , healthful means to indulge in the animal kingdom . " gamy - volume interval training is popular and extremely effective , " Brandenburg says . " However , everything does n’t involve to be an strong-growing or competitive physical exertion . Sometimes it ’s just nice to spend some timbre time walking around outdoors with some of the authoritative people in your liveliness . "

Get scandalously fit on the Watergate Steps

sou'-west quadrantKnown as the Watergate Steps , these 40 stair lead to absolutely nowhere , but do provide gorgeous views of the Lincoln Memorial and Potomac River . Though you may not have aRockymoment when you come at the top , running up and walking down a few times will have your cardio secret plan on point .

Go for broke in Meridian Hill Park

16th StreetLocated along 16th St , one of DC ’s most sought after boulevard , Meridian Hill Park is kind of an haven . The 13 - washstand cascading fountain creates this incredibly tranquil scene , which is matched by breathtaking views overlooking the city skyline . Take a deep breath and exercise in what is indicate as " a garden tantrum for an aristocrat , [ but ] open to the public , " and is candid until gloam . Brandenburg tell us that while this is a great place to spice up up running and sprinting , your muscles , ticker , and lung get fitter much quicker than your connective tissue – so careful with the sprints if you ’re just catch back into shape .

Hit the water at the Key Bridge Boathouse

Georgetown WaterfrontThe Key Bridge Boathouse allows piss seekers the choice to kayak and canoe , among other aquatic activities , while giving you a fish - eye ’s view of the memorial to boot . you may enjoy the river , which is conveniently situated in between faster upstream rapids and calmer waters downstream , no matter what your fitness level is . Brandenburg distinguish us that canoe is a great entry - degree activity , while those more skilled will go for the speeding and difficulty of kayaking – and reminds us that either way , it ’s a solid idea to always wear a lifejacket .

Find inner peace (or just a strong core) at Yards Park

Capitol RiverfrontViews of the Navy Yard make this place stand out already , but it ’s the innocent workout classes throughout the calendar week , including Zumba and sundown yoga , that really make this place shine . This is definitely a great outdoor post to get primed and/or find your zen . Plus , the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail is only a few pes away in suit structured class are n’t your thing .

Challenge yourself on the Mount Vernon Trail

Theodore Roosevelt IslandStretching from Theodore Roosevelt Island to George Washington ’s Mount Vernon Estate , the Mount Vernon Trail is one of the best ways to see the city while getting some cardio in . It connect with other trails like the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and Rock Creek , and it ’s a accomplishable lead without competing for the route . " For beginners , the destination is to complete the trail , but if you ’re more advanced , work on getting the entire round trip ( 36 mile ) done in two minute , " Brandenburg state .

Bikes in DC