Image via Complex Original
What makes SoCal an awesome place to work out? Well, pretty much everything. “I've lived in all regions of the U.S., and in terms of the perfect environment for fitness, it's hard to beat California,” says Adam Bornstein, the founder of Born Fitness and a Santa Monica resident. “No place makes it easier to find a class, feel comfortable in a gym, or just do your thing outdoors. There's something for everyone, and no ‘bad’ season when you just don't feel like going outside.”
Here’s how to make the most of all that the lower half of the Golden State has to offer in terms of year-round fitness.
Take Your Traditional Workout Outside
In Southern California, it is perfectly acceptable to drop and do a set of pushups at the beach, or to fire off some squats in your local park. No one will give you a second look. “I love that everyone is outside and active,” says Camille Leblanc-Bazinet, the 2014 CrossFit Games champion, who trains in San Diego. “It’s so much better than being stuck in the gym.”
SoCal itself is basically a giant outdoors gym. Everyone knows it, so you don’t need to feel self-conscious. Just join them. It’s so much easier to squeeze out that last set of crunches when you’re out in the sunshine.
Layer – Just a Little Bit
There are many times when you’ll think that you could never need a long-sleeve shirt when its 85 degrees outside. Still bring one. Or maybe it’s cloudy and you throw on a hoodie. Sneak a t-shirt on underneath. The weather is mild, but the sun is everything here. If it sets or gets covered by clouds, you’ll probably be a bit chilly in a t-shirt. If it peeks its way out on a cloudy day, all of a sudden you’ll be hot. Basically, the weather jumps all over the place.
And yes, we do realize that these “temperature swings” are nothing like the ones that the rest of the country has to deal with. Says Bornstein, “There's really only one season: warm and comfortable. I've lived in Santa Monica for four years and I can think of one day—literally one day—where it dropped below 60 degrees during the daytime.” So, when you’re slightly chilly and are putting on that long-sleeve shirt in the morning, remember that cold-weather brethren in the Midwest are running in actual jackets.
Don't Forget the Sunscreen
A gray start to the day does not mean it’s going to stay like that all day. Mornings are often misty and cool, but they can turn hot quickly. You can still get a nasty sunburn even when it’s cloudy out. So spare your Aloe plant and hit the sunscreen first.
Go During Off Times
Just like the Sunday gym rush in colder-climate places, on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, SoCal’s beaches, boardwalks, and trails are packed. The same goes for the daily sunset hours. “I like to work out outside in the early morning and late afternoon mainly because it is cooler and more quiet,” says Leblanc-Bazinet. If you can swing it, get your workout in during the morning or sneak out during the day on a weekday. Wherever you’re headed will probably not be empty, but you’ll be a lot less frustrated by the sea of people.
Take Advantage of the Food
Californians, true to the stereotype, take great pride in smoothies and health-food stores. Throw in from acai bowls and fish tacos and you’ve got the perfect pre- or post-workout snack. “Pre-workout, I’ll often have a greens and protein smoothie with whey protein, kale, spinach, banana, coconut, and chia seeds,” says Bornstein. “Yes, it's an L.A. thing to drink, but it's nutrient-packed, easy to find and digest, and tastes awesome. Then I love having fresh sushi after I train. Promise me SugarFish sushi after a workout, and I'll even train you for free.”
And, of Course, Remember All of the Many (Many) Activities You Can Do
You want to go for a hike in February? No problem. A surf session in December? It’s 60-degrees out—go for it. "I grew up in Minnesota, where you spend six months of the year stuck locked indoors unless you don’t mind running with icicles hanging off your Nikes,” says Sean Gregory Smith, a San Diego surfer and basketball player. “When I moved to Southern California I was given one of the most profound gifts nature could offer: a perfect climate to stay active and stay healthy. Every day of the week I either surf, do SUP (stand-up paddleboarding), shoot hoops, take a bike ride, or go on a hike. I also like to go to the local park and do yoga under the trees overlooking the beautiful ocean.” There are a million sports and activities that you can do outside in Southern California, so mix it up—living here is the ultimate in cross-training.
