If you’re like me, you’re trying to soak up every last minute of good weather before the inevitable doom and gloom of winter arrives. Luckily, living on the Hill means you have many workout options that will not only get you outside, but help keep you in shape before the holidays. Here are some to try:
Boot Camp with Jenny
Are you a Nats fan? Or have a (weird) love for running stairs? Boot Camp with Jenny is for you! Jenny, a certified group fitness instructor of 7+ years, puts on a great hour-long morning boot camp on the south side of Nationals Park. A circuit-style, full-body workout designed for all fitness levels, you’ll start your day off running stairs, doing squats, strengthening your core and breaking a sweat. I joined Jenny’s crew last week, and I was still sore two days later.
Jenny’s Boot Camp. Photo by Lauren Walens
A great group of Navy Yard and Capitol Hill residents comes out every Monday-Wednesday at 6:30am. The sessions are month-long and cost $115. Check out Jenny’s Facebook page for free, open session announcements. The October session starts Oct. 6.
GB Fit Boot Camp in Lincoln Park
Another early morning option, Gabriella runs a large boot camp on the east end of Lincoln Park. Classes are every Tuesday and Thursday from 6-6:45am, and include a variety of drills from pushups, core work, jump squats, burpees, lunges and planks. The class I attended this week even incorporated yoga and martial arts. Gabriella is good about explaining modifications, so people of all fitness levels can participate. I was also impressed that she knew everyone’s name!
GB Fit Boot Camp. Photo by Lauren Walens
Gabriella typically has four sessions a year. She’s currently in a Sept-Nov session, and will run one Jan-March. Prices range from $7.50-$10 a class depending on the package you select. Her classes are held rain or shine; she only cancels under dangerous conditions. She provides a free trial class to see if it’s your cup of tea – just be sure to contact her for a waiver form.
And if boot camp (or morning) isn’t for you…
Capital Striders Running Group
Logo courtesy of DC Capital Striders.
The DC Capital Striders Running Group has several free group run options on the Hill! James, Selena, Jessica and Lindsay lead a run group on Wednesday evenings at 6:30pm from Lincoln Park. They have several four-mile routes and welcome all paces. The same group goes for a longer run on Saturday mornings at 9am, and will usually snag breakfast after!
Live closer to Navy Yard? There’s a Tuesday night fun run led by Andy. They also run four mile routes and invite all paces. Andy usually organizes a monthly happy hour, so it’s a good opportunity to meet new people.