Tag Archives: Fitness

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Running in New York

Couple running on Brooklyn Bridge

Running has always been a popular way for New Yorkers to stay fit, and there are so many different routes to choose from. Whether you are seeking a classic run through the heart of the city, or a leisurely jog through meadows of wildflowers, here are some areas to consider if you have been looking for a few new running routes in New York.

Sunken Meadow State Park
The Sunken Meadow State Park boasts a wide range of topography, as well as incredible views out over the Long Island Sound, with Connecticut in the distance. There are several trails to choose from here, including the 3.7 mile Sunken Meadow Loop Trail, the two-mile Greenbelt Trail, or simply just running along the three-mile beach.

Joggers in Central Park

The Central Park Loop
For those who want an easily accessible run in the heart of Manhattan, but away from traffic, the Central Park loop is idea. The scenery that you will see within the park is varied enough to be interesting throughout the run, which stretches out for just under ten kilometres, and there will also be easy access to facilities, from restrooms to water fountains, as well as many other runners to provide you with some extra motivation.

The East River Run
The East River Run is the route to take if you are hoping to catch some gorgeous city views along your way. This run starts off at the top of Central Park, before going over the RFK Bridge to Randall’s Island, and then returning back again. This is a long run, measuring just over 16 miles, but there are ways to cut it short, such as by skipping Queens. The route itself is great as it avoids a large amount of traffic, meaning that you will be able to maintain a steady stride throughout.

The Five Bridges Run
The Five Bridges Run is another long route, measuring just under 17 miles. This route will take you to so many places around the city, and will have you crossing five bridges, including the Manhattan Bridge, the Williamsburg Bridge and the Brooklyn Bridge. Alternatively, you can shorten the route to just two bridges, the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan Bridge, which takes the journey down to just over three miles. While this is a great route for those who want to see more of the city, it does take you through some heavily populated areas, so you are best doing this run early in the morning if you want to avoid large amounts of traffic, both road and foot.

Prospect Park, Brooklyn

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Prospect Park
For those who enjoy running in parks, but find Central Park too busy, Prospect Park in Brooklyn is your next best option. The route stretches out for just over three miles, and takes you past some of Brooklyn’s most popular landmarks, from the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Arch to the Grand Army Plaza.

Fitness and physical activity is such an important part of staying healthy, and New Yorkers have long since recognized this. From the greenery of the Sunken Meadow State Park to the skyscrapers of Manhattan, these are some of the best running routes in the city.

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Great Arizona Spa Destinations

Hyatt Hotel, Arizona

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Arizona is home to some of the finest spas in the country, with Phoenix, Scottsdale, Sedona and Tucson being four of the main spa hot spots in the state. While Arizona’s dry and hot climate has its advantages in a spa setting, the state has also long since attracted some of the most talented alternative healers from around the world, making it the perfect location for both traditional and innovative spas to set up shop.

Canyon Ranch, Tucson
Situated in Tucson’s Sonoran Desert, Canyon Ranch is a luxurious, world-renowned destination spa that offers up everything from wellness programs to healthy gourmet meals. The spa building itself measures around 80,000 square feet and boasts over 40 treatment rooms. The spa places a strong emphasis on fitness, with over 50 different classes held on a daily basis, and also has a highly rated medical program, with a focus on alternative treatments, such as acupuncture. From the kitchen demonstrations at lunch time to a session on an underwater treadmill to a rejuvenating full body massage, this spa really does seem to provide it all.

The Centre for Well Being, The Phoenician, Scottsdale
The Phoenician’s Centre for Well Being offers a results-driven spa menu, with the owners usually spending months testing out different treatments, ensuring that they provide visible results, before offering them to their guests. The 22,000 square feet spa building has 24 treatment rooms, and there are a wide range of fitness classes on offer, as well as some other unique services. Herbologists are on site to chat with guests about their diet, while a biomechanics session will help to pinpoint what is wrong with your body, as well as how to fix it.

Golden Door Spa, Scottsdale
Measuring 33,000 square feet, Scottsdale’s Golden Door Spa at the Boulders has its original location in California and has managed to perfectly combine elements from here with native treatments and ingredients from Arizona. The spa in itself, with its curved white walls and bright and airy interior, is a pleasure to spend time in, with a delicious café that serves up healthy spa cuisine in both indoor and outdoor dining areas. For those unsure about which treatments to opt for, the spa’s signature treatments will never disappoint, and feature everything from a Cleansing and Releasing Massage to a Desert Sage Detox.

Alvadora Spa, Royal Palms Resort and Spa, Phoenix
Old fashioned indulgence is the focus at the Alvadora Spa, with the entire spa set up to make you feel as though you are in a traditional Mediterranean paradise, complete with balconies, gardens and fountains. Rather than using ingredients from the desert like the other spas in Arizona, the Alvadora Spa opts for Mediterranean ingredients in their treatments, such as orange blossoms and grapeseeds.

For those who want the ultimate in spa indulgence, you will not go wrong with a visit to Arizona, where there are so many incredible options to choose from. Each spa will have their own areas of specialty whether this may be a focus on overall wellness or an emphasis on native ingredients, so be sure to take a good look at each one before making your decision.

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Where to Workout in Los Angeles – OROGOLD Reviews

Santa Monica Beach and Pier.

Los Angeles is blessed with an almost endless choice of gyms and fitness centers, making a good workout extremely convenient. However, for those of you who prefer something slightly different, Los Angeles provides some great workout opportunities on its many beaches, mountains and hiking trails, as well as some unique sports and fitness classes.

Runyon Canyon
Runyon Canyon is one of the most popular workout destinations in LA, thanks to its breathtaking views of the Los Angeles skyline. There are multiple routes to choose from, including steep paths for those who want to really push themselves, and slow but steady climbs for those who want to take it slightly easier. The great thing about Runyon Canyon is that you can workout at your own pace, whilst breathing in the fresh mountain air at the same time, taking advantage of the free yoga classes provided by top instructors if you so desire. You can even bring your dog along to workout with you, stopping off at the dog park along the way.

YOGAqua
LA is known for its many fitness innovations, especially ones involving yoga, and YOGAqua is no exception. The sessions are held in Marina Del Ray, and involve participants swapping their yoga mats for paddle boards. After a 15 minute paddling instruction session, you will be ready to practice your yoga moves out on the water. Managing to perfectly align yourself on the board whilst the gentle waves are bobbing you around may seem like a challenge, but will only help to improve your overall balance, making your in-studio yoga sessions seem like a breeze!

Hoopnotica
Hoopnotica was established to reignite the hula hoop craze, and has turned into a great workout session. Held weekly at a couple of different LA venues, the hour long class makes use of hula hoops to help you burn between 400 and 600 calories per session. Classes begin with simple stretches, using the hula hoop as a tool, continuing on to an aerobic workout which loosens your hips and tones your core.

Santa Monica Steps
The Santa Monica steps, located in a quiet neighborhood, was once a simple set of stairs that ran down from the Santa Monica Canyon. Now, it is a popular workout location for those who want to swap their indoor treadmill for some exercise in the fresh Santa Monica air. The steps are free to the public and are open 24/7 throughout the year, making them convenient for people who have other obligations and need to workout at more unconventional hours. If Santa Monica is too far to travel for a workout, LA has plenty of other great staircases that you can head to, such as the Beachwood Canyon Stairs, the Culver City Steps and the Pacific Palisades – Castellammare scenic city stair walk.

Incorporating some variety into your workout routine will definitely make it more enjoyable, and you will find yourself looking forward to it in a way that you never used to. Whatever your interests may be, you can be almost certain that LA will have a workout that is perfectly suited to you.