How to Stay Socially & Physically Active in Cleveland

Written By: Katarina Brankov CPT at Prescription Fitness (CLE,OH) 

It’s finally summer in Cleveland…Enjoy it while you can!

Summertime is for fun in the sun with family and friends. Have you been looking for ways to stay active with others this summer? Try implementing these activities into your summer routine to supplement your training in the gym and stay socially and physically active this summer!

Explore the Beautiful Nature Trails of The Cleveland Metroparks

With over 18 reservations to choose from throughout Cuyahoga County and Hinckley Township, the Cleveland Metroparks have over 23,000 acres of beautiful nature to explore whether you want to hike, bike, or climb. They also offer the community more than 19,000 diverse recreation and nature education programs with more than 700,000 people within 48 diverse communities served by their division of Outdoor Experiences over the past three years! There are numerous walking, jogging, and running groups that meet regularly across locations all over Cleveland and Northeast Ohio if you want to meet a new friend and workout buddy. Or you can try asking your partner, child, best friend, friend, or family member to take a stroll through nature to move your body and mentally recharge. Exercising with others is not only known to be an excellent bonding activity, it also holds us accountable for how much we are showing up for ourselves and others in our life that we develop meaningful relationships with along the way. If you want to beat the worst heat and humidity of the day, try going in the morning before the sun peaks from 10am-4pm. Otherwise, just put on some sunscreen, grab your water bottle, and hit the trail alone or with a buddy. Going outdoors is vital for your physical and mental health! See maps.clevelandmetroparks.com for an interactive web map of the entire park system.

Embark on the Waters of Rivers and Lakes with Aquatic & Paddle Sports

It is said that water has healing power. Good thing you can find lakes and rivers all over our city! Take advantage of the summer weather with your friends and family and head over to the Lake Erie Shoreline or The Cleveland Metroparks for fun group activities on the water. The Cleveland Metroparks offers row boating, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, paddleboarding, paddleboating, and more for rent at several park locations. Now you can put that “row” exercise you have been working on in the gym to the test when you actually row, row, row your boat! Do you prefer to ride solo? You can try canoeing, kayaking, or paddleboarding on for size. Do you rather wish for you to meet new friends while learning something new? Feel free to join local meetups for aquatic and paddle sport enthusiasts in Cleveland as a way to stay physically and socially active this summer. These activities will not only have you outside taking advantage of the summer weather, but it will be a bonding activity that you and your partner, child, friend, or family member will remember forever. For more information on aquatic or paddle sports and other activities, check out the Metroparks website clevelandmetroparks.com/parks/visit/activities There are also numerous Cleveland area companies that offer rentals at affordable prices.

Embrace your Inner Child by Incorporating Play into your Exercise

Think about what you liked to do as a child. Was there a particular game you were drawn to? Did you play a sport for fun or competitively? Even if you think you are “too old for that” or “not in the “same shape you once were” in your youth, the fact is that making time for play is important! Playing games or sports we love is a great outlet to relieve stress from daily adult life while staying both physically and socially active! Whether you like basketball, volleyball, tennis, soccer, football, baseball, softball, frisbee, pickleball, bowling, golf, etc., find a sport that you would be excited to incorporate in your summer fitness routine to shake things up. Whether you play a pick-up game with buddies or meet new friends participating in intramural or recreational leagues, sports emphasize communication and collaboration that builds camaraderie among the group while supporting every individual to be better. Play is about having fun doing something you love and forgetting its “exercise”. Get off the sidelines and participate in a game or sport. Try hula hooping or jumping rope with the kids and see how fast you break a sweat. You will improve your physical fitness while sharing new experiences and deepening your relationship with your teenage or adult children. Consider training for an athletic event such as a 5k, organized triathlon or bike ride, or join an athletic league. If you’re not the competitive type, try checking out an exercise class like spinning, pilates, barre, yoga, CrossFit, or boot camp. You can certainly always contact us at info@prescription-fitness.com or call us at 440-552-6729 to set up an appointment if you need any additional assistance. We work hard AND play hard!

Experience Peace of Mind & Body in Nature with Outdoor Yoga & Meditation

Sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself in this fast-paced world is slow down. Be present in your mind and body. Feel your connection to yourself and the world around you. Grab a yoga mat or towel and head outside. Sit in serenity. Breathe deeply. Take in all of your senses. Hear the birds sing, smell the flowers, touch the earth, see the sunlight shining, and savor the sweet taste of the present moment. Don’t worry so much about whether you are “doing it right” just try to focus on your breath and stretching the muscles and the mind. Yoga and meditation will keep you socially and physically active this summer if you attend any of the free yoga events hosted by Cleveland organizations. All-levels and donations welcome! Such as…The Studio Cleveland at Edgewater Park Beach (16301 Lakeshore Blvd on Saturdays at 8am & 10am, Sundays at 10am), North Coast Harbor Namaste at Voinovich Bicentennial Park (800 East 9^th Street on Tuesdays 6:15-7pm), Confluence Cycle Yoga at Cain Park (14591 Superior Road on Tuesdays 6-7pm, Fridays & Saturdays 5:30-6:30pm, Sundays 12-1pm), and 121 Fitness Center for Outdoor silent yoga at Toby’s Plaza (11440 Uptown Avenue on Sundays at 11am) and for Outdoor yoga on the campus quad of Case Western Reserve University (2040 Adelbert Road or Room 150 on 11038 Bellflower Road in case of rain on Tuesdays at 12pm). See how yoga and meditation can impact your mind and body as a tool for personal growth. If you are interested, you’re in luck! One of our very own trainers will be getting her 200-hour Yoga & Meditation teacher certification in 2020. Contact us at info@prescription-fitness.com or call us at 440-552-6729 to set up an appointment with Katarina if you need any additional assistance.