5 Ways To Workout Outdoors On The Westside

SANTA MONICA, CA — Businesses across the Westside are taking creative approaches to keep people in shape during the pandemic — replacing indoor workouts with outdoor opportunities to sweat and move.

And although companies are still offering workouts via Zoom or other video options, some fitness businesses are taking classes outside as health guidelines allow people to exercise together — but at a distance.

Keeping classes and workouts outside is a way to keep businesses going and a safe way to exercise, according to health experts. Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and Elizabeth Connick, chief of the infectious diseases division and professor of medicine and immunobiology at the University of Arizona, have both said they would avoid gyms or indoor locations for workouts due to the pandemic. Health experts also advocate that outside workouts with fewer people are better.

These local workouts provide several opportunities to stay safe and exercise outside. Check out how businesses have shifted and how you can join:

Love Yoga

When the pandemic hit, Love Yoga in Venice started offering livestream classes via Zoom, and now offers Love Yoga on Demand. They also started offering classes outside.

"Our community has been so appreciative of our outside classes," Chrissy Constable, Love Yoga Manager, told Patch. "Not only can you practice in a group setting safely, but you're also practicing facing the ocean, so it doesn't get much better than that."

Love Yoga's outdoor classes provide a great break from computer screens as people work from home. The hour-long flow also serves to support and promote mental health. It also builds community.

"I think outdoor classes are important," Constable said. "Not everyone has the attention span to stare at a screen and move through a practice, myself included. Having these outdoor classes keeps yogis practicing. Practicing with a community is a completely different experience, your energy flows differently, there's a vibe in the air, and the commitment and dedication are much more potent. When you are physically attending a yoga class, you're not just going for the practice, you're going to see and interact with like-minded people, which is necessary for our mental health."

"Bring your mask, mat, and having your own blocks is helpful," Constable said.

Love Yoga's studio is located 835 Lincoln Blvd, Venice; (310) 905-9997. Outdoor classes are held near the tennis courts at Ocean View Park, 2701 Barnard Way, Santa Monica. You can sign up for yoga at the park at loveyogaspace.com.

Rumble Boxing

Rumble Boxing is bringing a fresh take — and plenty of heat — to the Westside. Rumble is located at Santa Monica Place on the 3rd Floor near Nordstrom, bringing its unique, boxing-inspired group fitness classes to the outdoor rooftop deck.

It's perfect for any level. You don't need experience — and you'll leave feeling energized and excited to handle whatever challenges come your way next. It's a 45-minute, full-body workout designed in 10 rounds that includes half boxing using water-filled, teardrop-style boxing bags, half-strength dumbells. An instructor motivates you over a wireless, silent disco headphone set, paired with jams to keep you sweating to the beat. Each spot in class is distanced at 6-feet apart. Masks are required.

Danielle Burrell is a founding Rumble trainer and wants to bring more people into outdoor boxing.

"I think ultimately we love the boxing, we love the authenticity of boxing and the grit of boxing but we wanted it to be approachable to the normal person coming in, not wanting to feel that intimidation of walking into a real boxing gym," Burrell told Patch.

"So we wanted to bring that aspect of it, and the musicality of it so you guys are actually having fun and punching," Burrell said. "We just want to be approachable to anyone who wanted to try this sport out but not feel intimidated to spar or fight or anything like that, just make it fun but keep the authenticity of boxing at the same time."

Rumble Boxing is located at 395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica. Join a Rumble Boxing class and see the schedule to sign up.

SoulOutside

If you're ready to work hard, sweat, and push to work toward your own personal best, then SoulOutside from SoulCycle could be a great workout for you.

Stationary bikes from the traditionally indoor class are placed outside on the rooftop deck — spread out six feet apart — at Santa Monica Place for guests to clip in and pedal hard against resistance. The cycling training offers motivational moments with an instructor who guides you with silent disco jams programmed to keep your speed, resistance, and spirit high. You can even see beautiful beach views and smell the fresh ocean air.

SoulOutside is located at Santa Monica Place, 395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica or at Westfield Century City, 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles.

Barry's Bootcamp

Barry's Bootcamp has a reputation for pushing people to feel the burn with its cardio and weight training hybrid classes. The company has created new environments in the pandemic to help people complete the 50 to 60-minute classes.

Barry's Bootcamp pop-up has expanded on the Westside to locations at Santa Monica, just overlooking the beach, Venice and Century City. The location at Westfield Century City has incredible views while you start your HIIT workout. The fitness center has been transformed on the Skydeck at 10250 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles. Parking is available at Century Park West (near Gelson’s Grocery Store). Once you enter the parking structure, travel to the AMC entry point on level 2 and park.

Barry's Bootcamp pop-up is at 1500 Lincoln Blvd., Venice, just behind the brick-and-mortar location. The Santa Monica pop-up is located at 1712 Appian Way, Santa Monica. People can valet their cars at the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel. The hotel will provide a 90-minute validation. To get to the workout location from the hotel valet, walk through the hotel lobby, take the elevator to the lower level, and exit through the glass doors. Signs are available, along with front desk staff to help guide you.

CircuitWorks

CircuitWorks has everything you need to slay your workout, bringing full-body circuit and HIIT training to Main Street and even outdoor classes at the Santa Monica Pier. The company offers a big mix, including outdoor classes, limited indoor studio classes, on-demand videos and live Zoom classes.

The workout focuses on rotating from Aerobic (cardiovascular) and Anaerobic (resistance), according to the company.

Expect tons of support and resistance at this outdoor workout near the beach. You'll get the tools to push yourself and focus on strength using resistance bands and even your own body weight.

CircuitWorks is located at 2005 Main St, Santa Monica; (310) 664-1017. Check out the website for more information and the mix of classes.