Skip the Gym! Three Ways to Get Fit in the Fresh Air
Tired of the treadmill? One of the many great things about living in New Orleans is that by the time April rolls around, the warm weather has returned, and it brings cool new opportunities to get fit outside.
Get EleVated: Rooftop Yoga
What do you get when you pair lululemon athletica with the New Orleans W Hotel? Serious cool. The two have teamed up to offer EleVation: A Rooftop Yoga Series. The event features a revolving list of New Orleans’ most popular yoga instructors, musicians, DJs and bands doing their thing at one of the city’s hippest outdoor locale’s.
The Scene: Moonlight reflecting off of the pool. The lively beats of local musicians. One of the best views of the city. What could be more inspirational for a twilight yoga session?
When: Every Thursday evening, 5:30-7:30 pm
Where: The rooftop WET deck of W New Orleans
Att-en-tion! New Orleans’ #1 Boot Camp
Fitness Challenge Boot Camp, the fun yet demanding four-week fitness boot camp consistently ranked as the city’s favorite, provides a high-intensity workout in a supportive team environment.
The Scene: The sun rising over the lush palms of City Park. You breathe in the cold, fresh air as you and your fellow recruits work up a sweat, burning serious calories before the rest of the city is even awake.
When: Year round (upcoming series: April 1-April 27, April 29-May 25, May 27-June 22)
Where: City Park
Be an Ironman (or woman): New Orleans’ Spring Triathlon
For local endurance junkies, the Ochsner Ironman is the ultimate test. Like triathlons everywhere, it joins the best of outdoor exercise: swimming, biking and running; but unlike other triathlons, the Ochsner Ironman traverses one of the most visually stimulating (and, thankfully—flat) cities in the U.S.
The Scene: New Orleans’ fittest braving a grueling trifecta under the April sunshine: a 1.2-mile swim through Lake Ponchartrain, a 56-mile bike ride along the lakefront and into the depths of Bayou Sauvage and a 13.1-mile run along City Park and Esplanade Avenue, coming to a triumphant finish in the French Quarter.
When: April 21 (Race begins at 6:45 am)
Where: South Shore Harbor Marina
Fitness Fanatic: Nolan Ferraro
Personal Trainer, Pilates Instructor, Wellness Coach
Owner and Operator, Salire Fitness and Pilates Studio and Fitness Challenge Boot Camp
Our motto is “100% movement, 100% percent of the time,” said Nolan Ferraro of the consistently popular Fitness Challenge Boot Camp he founded in 2009. “After Katrina, I wanted to serve a greater population of our community; not everyone can afford personal training.”
Ferraro’s boot camp is famous for its camaraderie, bolstered by little touches like the occasional treats of espresso and bagels that make an appearance at the Saturday camps. “You know,” confided Ferraro. “I met my wife at boot camp.”
Gawk-Worthy Gear
FITS Sock Co.
Massey’s Outfitters, $14.99
Unlike cotton, the merino wool of FITS socks won’t retain moisture, so you’ll be high and dry no matter what a spring workout throws your way.
Toms Polarized Sunglasses
Massey’s Outfitters, $148
The oversized, polarized lenses keep your eyes safe from both UVA and UVB rays. The vintage butterfly angles keep you looking chic under the sun.
Did You Know?
Recent research suggests that outdoor exercise might beat a trip to the gym in terms of health benefits. A 2008 Scottish Health Survey found that outdoor physical activity had a 50 percent greater positive effect on mental health than a gym workout.
by Annie Bleeker