What could be better than a blood-pumping, heart-racing, endorphin-crushing workout? One with a sweet view. Outdoor gyms are becoming a more popular option amongst the active crowd who still wants to get their swole on in the sun.
Whether it’s on a white sandy beach, overlooking a mountain range, or simply a stop at the park on your way to work, outdoor gyms can be an affordable, convenient, and social way to get in a daily strength or sweat sesh. Here are six outdoor exercise spots to get active, socialize with your neighbors, and look at pretty sunsets while getting ripped!
1. Muscle Beach (Venice, CA)
Right along the famous Venice Boardwalk in California, you’ll find the iconic Muscle Beach, the once home gym of Arnold Schwarzenegger. Here, you’ll find burly dudes and fit femmes working up a steamy sweat at this outdoor weight room that comes complete with plenty of machines and free weights.
They often host figure and bikini competitions, and other events like arm wrestling challenges, and don’t forget to check out the Muscle Beach Walk of Fame!
Pricing: Day pass is $10, week pass is $50, 1 year membership is $200.
Hours: Monday – Saturday: 8 AM – 5 PM, Sunday: 12 PM – 4 PM
2. Tulum Jungle Gym (Tulum, Mexico)
Dubbed a “real life Flintstone gym,” this award-winning outdoor gym uses equipment entirely made of wood, bamboo, and stone. With a creative layout set on white sand beach and a beautiful Caribbean Sea backdrop, you’ll love taking one of their specialized classes or building your bis at this outside gym. Access it through the Ahau Hotel, or stop here as you stroll along the beach.
Pricing: Day Pass: $35; Week Pass: $140
Open Access Hours: Mon – Sun: 9 AM – 5 PM
3. Academia do Arpoador (Rio De Janeiro, Brazil)
This Brazilian outdoor gym is located on the eastern end of Ipanema Beach, which offers incredible views of both the mountains and the city — not to mention the ocean. The equipment is free to use, made from recycled materials, and open to the public. Maintained and managed by local volunteers, Academia do Arpoador is meant to foster a welcoming environment while encouraging an active lifestyle.
Pricing: Free!
Hours: 24/7
4. VITAL Climbing Gym (Brooklyn, New York)
Providing open-air climbing with a breathtaking view of New York’s skyline, VITAL Climbing Gym is a bouldering sanctuary. Whether you’re a first-time climber or a seasoned chalk junkie, this gym provides all the essentials. Complete with diverse climbing walls, a full weight-training area with cardio machines, and a rooftop sauna for good measure, this gym is a must-see for boulder enthusiasts.
Pricing: Day pass: $35; $145 per month for membership
Hours: Mon – Thurs: 9 AM – 11 PM, Fri – Sun: 9 AM – 10 PM, 24/7 for members
5. National Fitness Campaign Court (Various Cities)
The National Fitness Campaign is on a mission: Bring public fitness access to more than 1,000 cities. Their gorgeous outdoor gym features a “seven movements in seven minutes” program that you can easily follow to work your whole body.
The circuit training system is complete with shock-resistant sports flooring, and offers routines that are suitable for all ages and fitness levels. It’s free, always open, and located in cities across the U.S! Check to see if there’s one near you.
Pricing: Free!
Hours: 24/7
6. Tiger Muay Thai (Phuket, Thailand)
If you’re looking to improve your MMA game, you’ll love this open-air Muay Thai gym in Phuket, Thailand. The gym comes complete with punching bags and plenty of weights to help anyone become fighting fit. It also offers a weight room and classes such as yoga, kickboxing, and Brazilian jiu jitzu to appease athletes of all types.
There are several packages based on interests, levels, and budget, so pricing varies; you can even stay at one of their many villas to make it an all-inclusive fitness experience! If you’re in Phuket and want to learn to kick butt like a MMA fighter, check here to find the right package for you.
Pricing: Varies. 500 THB [$14 USD] (single class) to 134,500+ [$3,763 USD] THB (VIP training)
Hours: Mon – Fri: 6 AM – 7 PM, Sat: 7 AM – 6 PM
