Plymouth Outdoor Fitness Options

Plymouth is home to 1,200 acres of park land, 124 miles of trails, and numerous health clubs and recreational opportunities. With an abundance of resources right outside the door, summer is the perfect time to try something new or pursue that long-standing fitness goal. From outdoor yoga and triathlon training to Nordic walking and sand volleyball, there’s something for everyone in Plymouth’s big backyard.   GROUP TRAINING The Life Time Triathlon is right around the corner, along with a whole host of outdoor races and events. Whether or not a race is on your agenda this summer, grab a workout buddy and try out a new group fitness class—because no one likes training solo.  Youth Triathlon Training On July 14, kids ages 7–14 will compete in the Life Time Kid’s Triathlon in Plymouth, a three-event race that promotes fitness and improves self-confidence. For those who want a little practice before the big day or are planning ahead for next summer, there’s a triathlon training class just for kids. $77. Thursdays, July 11–Aug 1. Ages 7–11, 4:30–6 p.m.; Ages 12–14, 6–7:30 p.m. East Medicine Lake Park, 1740 E. Medicine Lake Blvd. Register online at plymouthmn.gov.   Try a Tri with HiLife The health and fitness enthusiasts at HiLife Wellness Club in Plymouth know the power of peer motivation. That’s why they meet up every weekday at 1 p.m. for a lunch-break workout. Outdoors group exercises consist of track workouts, cross training, core conditioning and fun aerobic games. The group competes in the Life Time Triathlon July 13 and a variety of 5Ks throughout the year. Workout prices included with HiLife membership. 15705 35th Ave. N., #B; 763.557.8636; hilifewellnessclub.wordpress.com   Life Time Fitness Run Club For the ultimate runner’s high, members of Life Time Fitness in Plymouth can join the running club and be a part of a pack lead by professional personal trainers. Not only do runners enjoy the camaraderie of fellow runners, they benefit from running alongside a seasoned professional who can provide individualized tips on training, nutrition and injury prevention. Tuesday nights. Beginner and avid runners welcome; varying distances from 1.5–6 miles. clubs.lifetimefitness.com/plymouth   Family Fitness Fun This summer, gather the kids and enjoy light physical movement for the whole family at the Hilde Performance Center. Outdoor classes will include walking, jumping jacks, squats and other light activity, followed by a brief discussion of a nutrition topic and tips on living an active lifestyle. $25 per family. Ages 3 and up. Tuesdays, June 4–25; 6:30-7:15 p.m. 3450 Plymouth Blvd. Register at plymouthmn.gov.   Nordic Walking Program Enjoy the rhythm and cardio workout of Nordic walking without adding stress to your lower joints. As course instructor Linda Lemke explains, the poles used in Nordic walking not only provide stability, they encourage walkers to engage their core and work the upper body. A great sport for active seniors, injured runners or anyone looking to take the sport of walking up a notch, Nordic walking elevates the heart rate above a normal walking pace. In fact, as Lemke points out, walkers often reach a “runner’s high.” Try this two-part introduction and see for yourself. $25; equipment provided. Ages 18 and up. Tuesdays, June 4 and 11; 6–7 p.m. Parkers Lake Park, County Road 6 and Niagara Lane. Register at plymouthmn.gov.   BIKING Summer Bike Ride Take advantage of the local bike trail system this summer when you sign up for the guided trip from East Medicine Lake Beach to downtown Minneapolis. Trip includes a break for lunch and shopping. $9. Bring a helmet, spare inner tube/patch kit, water, identification and money for food/shopping. Ages 18 and up. June 15; 8:45 a.m.–2 p.m. Register at plymouthmn.gov. Outdoor Cycle Club Members of Life Time Fitness can gain confidence riding on the road and explore local bike trails as a part of the cycle club this summer. Lead by experienced instructors, it’s a good chance for any level cyclist to get some solid miles in. Varying distances. Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 8 a.m. throughout the summer. clubs.lifetimefitness.com/plymouth    ON THE WATER Stand Up Paddleboarding Explore the land of 10,000 lakes by way of the paddleboard. This increasingly popular sport involves a large surf-board-like raft, a paddle and good balance. “It has a very quick learning curve,” says Twin Cities PaddleBoard owner Jeff Given. “After 30 minutes, most people find their sea legs!” Although it’s relaxing gliding across the water, it can also be a lot of work if you want to excel. Core, upper body and stability muscles are all key to paddleboard success.   Twin Cities PaddleBoard offers private paddleboard fitness and yoga workouts to groups of four or more. Or groups can rent stand up paddleboards and have them delivered right to the lake for hours of fun. Group rentals include introductory lesson. Visit twpaddleboard.com for rental rates and contact information.   Test the waters on the emerging sport of stand up paddleboarding by attending a basic training class that covers safety and instruction on maneuvering and steering. $35. Ages 14 and up. June 21; 6–8 p.m. Fish Lake Regional Park, 14900 Bass Lake Rd., Maple Grove. Register at plymouthmn.gov.   YOGA, MEDITATION AND BEYOND Summer is here and it’s time to bring those downward-facing dogs outdoors for a little fresh air and change of scenery.   Yogastudio Mary Anderson, owner of yogastudio in Plymouth, believes in the healing power of nature. That’s why she offers classes outside during the summer months. The hour-long Vinyasa Flow class is held behind the studio and incorporates sun salutations, with attention to breath and movement. Outdoor Laughter Yoga is a 45-minute class devoted to the exercise of laughing as a means of encouraging happiness through mind, body and spirit. Outdoor Meditation is a non-religious 15–30 minute class designed to give peace. Instructors guide students through various stages of meditation, from mental body scans and breathing to silent reflections. Tabata is the perfect cardio class to compliment a yoga routine. This 30-minute, high-intensity, interval-training workout consists of short bursts of exertion followed by 10 seconds of rest. Tennis shoes are a must for this boot-camp-style class. Novices and workout veterans of all ages are welcome to attend all classes. Meditation classes are “pay-what-you-can;” yoga rates vary; Tabata prices, class schedules and multi-class packages listed online. Yoga mats are available for rent. 3900 Vinewood Ln. N., Suite 11; 763.557.8626; yogamn.com.   Life Time Fitness Outdoors Yoga This summer, members of Life Time Fitness can forego a workout at the gym for an evening in the park. On June 11 from 6–7 p.m., yoga instructors will be taking their standard yoga class outdoors to the Hilde Performance Center where they’ll be able to accommodate a larger group. All levels welcome. clubs.lifetimefitness.com/plymouth   Paddleboard Yoga If yoga on the dry hard ground isn’t enough of a challenge, try taking it to the water. Twin Cities Paddleboard offers private yogaboard classes to groups of four or more. Soak in the peaceful setting as you perform drills, strength work and yoga moves, all while balancing on a paddleboard. Enquire online for pricing and booking at tcpaddleboard.com.   LEAGUE SPORTS Sometimes the best workout happens in the heat of the game. For the team-minded athlete, sign up for one of Plymouth’s many summer leagues. Whether a traditional game of basketball or soccer is your jam, or you’d like to try your hand at bocce ball, you don’t have to leave town to get your fix.   Offerings: Basketball: 5-on-5 unofficiated league Bocce Ball: co-ed teams of 2–4 Golf: men’s, women’s, team and couple’s short game; instructional classes Open Soccer: co-rec Open Pickleball: co-rec Tennis: men’s, women’s and doubles; instructional classes Volleyball: co-rec and sand league For more information and to register, visit plymouthmn.gov.