My Newport Beach Rocky Workout

Everyone who knows me knows that I can not stand the gym.

Can't stand it!

Sweaty people on sweaty machines, along with the smell of dirty socks and rubber mats is not my idea of an invigorating workout. This is why I love Newport Beach and all of its natural wonders. Remember Rocky IV when he had to fight "The Russian?" There was no gym in that winter wonderland. No ... he had to go hardcore in the freezing snow, chopping wood and running at high altitude. Well, there are plenty of ways to work out in Newport without setting foot in a gym.

Here is what I like to do to workout and avoid having a sweaty guy rub up against me (which is okay, but just not at the gym). 

Crystal Cove State Park 

Let's get those thunder thighs to let off some lighting! I like hiking up and down the winding trails of this state park down to the Beachcomber Cafe. Then running or walking up and down the beach (it's pretty small, so you can do it). If you have a gold bikini and tons of braids you get extra points for channeling your inner Bo Derek. Don't laugh, I've thought about it once or twice.  After my long hike and run I like to grab a mimosa at the Beachcomber ... for the Vitamin C. It's a little reward for the big workout, giving me an incentive to hike back up that hill to my car. Don't be lazy and take the shuttle. The shuttle is for the weak.

Balboa Island 

The Island consists of North and South Bayfront and Little Balboa Island which is 2.6 miles, and it includes bridges and ramps. A great path for running or a brisk walk. I try to do this at least three times a week. It also makes for great people and house watching. Not that I like to peer into people's windows. But hello? You are living in a fishbowl when you live on the bayfront. Just don't stop at and buy a hippo cookie. You are what you eat, remember. Everybody likes hippos at the zoo, "how cute," they say, but nobody wants to take one out for a romantic dinner. 

Yogaworks Newport Beach 

This is my church. I go here every Sunday and try to go here every other day of the week. They offer classes in yoga, pilates and bar. I like this studio because it is very open and has ocean views. Take a class before dark and you can watch the sunset as you stretch out into cobra or before bowing your head for downward facing dog. It also smells like fresh air, not sweaty socks. Also girls and guys of all shapes and sizes and ages go here, so there is no look-how-big-my-muscles-are type gloating going on. I'm sure Jesus wouldn't mind that I "om" instead of pray. At least I'm burning calories while being grateful. 

Stand Up and Paddle

In Newport Harbor you can rent these surfboard-type boards where you stand up and paddle with a canoe paddle. Crazy! But thanks to my yoga experience, it was easier than I thought. It's all about balance. And thank goodness for the grip tape which offers great traction so there is no slipping off the board. It's a great way to get your arms and legs in shape while enjoying the harbor. "Yo Adrian!, Look at me! I'm paddling! And I'm standing up!"

Paddle Boats

This is fun for those who like to "sit one out". Yeah, whatever! You are still getting a workout sitting down. You must move your legs if you want to move the boat. You are the Skipper and you better hope your sidekick is paddling too or else you will be stuck with numb legs the rest of the day. There are two different sizes—two adult or four passenger boats that you can rent. Seats are adjustable so you can lounge back and take a break, sunbathe after your workout. I suppose that's what they call "The California Workout." You can't do that in Ohio. 

Goldenrod Footbridge

The footbridge is great, but what I am talking about is the stairs. This is not Philadelphia where Rocky ran up those stairs and threw up his fists in a goal post stance (although I did go to Philly and run up those stairs and everyone rolled their eyes at me like I was the biggest tourist), but a rather steep staircase that goes from the Bridge down to Bayside Park. Climb those puppies and your thighs will be begging you to get back on the paddle board. Start with the stairs and jog across the footbridge then down the steep road to the beach, then climb that steep road again. Look at that! I just made up a training session and I'm not even a certified trainer. 

Riding Bikes on the Peninsula 

This is a foreshadow. That means I haven't actually done this yet, but plan on writing a story about it in the near future. It should be hilarious. Why? Because I haven't ridden a bike since I was like nine years old. That's because I moved to Beverly Hills and who the heck rides a bike there? I'm ready to get back on the banana saddle again and try one of the more popular workouts in Newport. Stay tuned!