Get Fit In Austin
Posted: Monday, December 14, 2009
by Brian Talley
Austin real estate
With all of the recreational activities available in Austin, it's nearly impossible not to lead an active lifestyle. The city is filled with more than 50 miles of hike and bike trails, and endless opportunity for recreation in its many parks and neighborhoods throughout the city. Here are just a few of the many ways (and places) you can stay in shape – during all seasons of the year:
Town Lake Trail - A 10-mile loop runs from MoPac to the Longhorn Dam and back, with many shorter loops in between. The area near Auditorium Shores gets very busy in the evenings and on the weekend, so if you're looking for a peaceful run, venture east toward Longhorn Dam for a less crowded area.
Barton Creek Greenbelt – The Barton Creek Greenbelt spans 809 acres and offers a scenic 7.9-mile hike and bike trail. It can be rocky in certain areas, so this trail is better suited for runners looking for a challenge, or hikers and bikers. Along the way, you'll find cliff walls, swimming areas, and lush vegetarian. This is an especially beautiful trail in the spring when the creek is flowing. Barton Creek Greenbelt is accessible from Loop 360 and is open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The Veloway – The Veloway is a paved trail that runs for 3 miles through Slaughter Creek Metropolitan Park. It's a great place for bikers and rollerbladers, as walkers and runners are prohibited. The trail is accessible from MoPac, but is located in a secluded area so you won't hear the noise of street traffic. It's open daily from dawn to dusk.
Kayaking – Kayaking or rowing is an affordable and easy-to-learn activity that can be done throughout most of the year. You'll find several kayaking spots around Town Lake that offer kayak and canoe rental by the hour or a full day. Costs are normally around $10 - $15/hour. The Texas Rowing Center also offers classes for kayaking, canoeing, and rowing.
Swimming – The city is filled with swimming areas for kids, adults, and even those training for a triathlon or other professional event.
Barton Springs – This is perhaps the most well known pool in the city. Located within Zilker Park, it's naturally spring-fed and has a water temperature of around 68 degrees year-round. It's a great place for children and adults alike, but gets very busy during summer weekends.
Cost: $1/child, $3/adult
Deep Eddy Pool – This historic, man-made swimming pool is the oldest in Texas. It's a smaller and less-crowded alternative to Barton Springs Pool, although will still get busy on warm, summer days. It's great for adult swimmers looking for a lap pool, as well as children looking for a spot to wade. It's normally open between February and November.
Cost: $3/adult, $2/child (12-17), $1/child (11 and under)
Yoga – Yoga helps increase flexibility and tones muscles, among many other benefits. It's a great exercise for those wishing to get in shape, or runners and cyclists wanting another way to maintain their fitness. Even if you've never done yoga, it's easy to get started with the many yoga studios throughout the city. There are also many outdoor and specialty classes offered in parks and even unique places like the Blanton Art Center.
Hopefully these give you a good start to increasing your fitness level. Keep the above ideas in mind next time you're looking for something new or just want to get outdoors and enjoy the weather.
For more information on life in Austin, TX contact a top Austin real estate agent for more information about Austin homes and lifestyles.
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