With the holidays approaching, many of us are starting to think of ways to mitigate all of the extra holiday treats we’ll be enjoying. Working out doesn’t have to be restricted to the same-old, stale gym routine. Take advantage of our unbelievable Southern California weather and get outside! Orange County offers endless beautiful trails for hiking and biking. If you still prefer to stay inside, you’ll find a wealth of boutique workout studios that specialize in everything from spin to training on a trampoline. There truly is something for everyone! Here are some fun (and some very unique) events for getting active in Orange County:

Cycling and Hiking OC Trails

Observe breathtaking views of the Orange County coastline and wilderness by taking a bike ride or hike through one of the area’s many trails. You don’t realize how much natural beauty is around OC until you get up close to it. You will not regret this endorphin rush.

Try: Back Bay Loop, Black Star Canyon, Shady Canyon and Turtle Rock, Top of the World Laguna, Crystal Cove State Park

Let’s Go Outside

Spin Class

If you’re not quite ready for outdoor cycling, a stationary bike is a great alternative for getting active. Spin studios offer dimmed lights, heart-pumping music, motivating instructors, and a great group energy. You’re guaranteed to have fun and challenging workout.

Try: Grit Cycle (Costa Mesa), Full Psycle (Huntington Beach and Costa Mesa), Soul Cycle (Newport Beach)

Trampoline Workout

Relive childhood and get in your cardio workout on a trampoline. 60 minutes of jumping on a trampoline to music is not only a great time, but it can be an intense cardio workout that also engages your core as you work on your balance.

Try: Bounce Society (Costa Mesa)

Pilates

Pilates is a fantastic way to strengthen, tone, and stretch when getting active. Many studios have specialized reformer machines, which assist you in moving your body weight gently with resistance as you work your muscles.

Try: Defy Gravity Studio (Corona Del Mar), Pilates Plus OC (Laguna Niguel and Newport Beach)

Defy Gravity Studio

Yoga

It’s believed that lowered stress as well as flexibility are related to your longevity. Yoga targets both. Stretch for greater flexibility in a peaceful, meditative environment to reduce stress. In addition, Yoga can help you improve your core strength and balance.

Try: Core Power Yoga (Tustin and Irvine), Ra Yoga (Costa Mesa)

Self-Defense

Use your workout time to learn to defend yourself as well. Kickboxing, boxing, and martial arts are all great options. Some studios offer self-defense classes designed to be workout.

Try: 5 Elements Combat Fitness (Costa Mesa)

High-Intensity Interval Training

Research shows that high-intensity interval training can be an effective way to burn body fat. Some HIIT programs in the area focus on muscle building and toning while enjoying the energy of group class. HIIT is an intense workout, but it is sure to pay off if you stick with it.

Try: The 12 (Irvine and Costa Mesa), Orange Theory (various locations across OC)

Orange Theory Fitness

Work Out with a Reality Star

Any fans of Real Housewives of Orange County will know that one of its stars, Tamara Judge, opened a gym with her husband, Eddie Judge. The RHOC audience has watched Tamara build Cut Fitness in Ladera Ranch over several seasons and even train there to compete in a body-building competition. Tamara still works out there and Eddie teaches classes.

Try: Cut Fitness (Ladera Ranch)

Undecided?

Not sure what activity is the best fit for you? Many studios offer a first class free or at a discounted rate and you don’t have to commit to anything until you give it a try. A great way to sample studios in your area is to join ClassPass, a membership-based service that allows you to sign up for a certain number of classes each month at numerous studios with various activities. It’s a great tool for getting active, as well as an ideal way to test out activities you never thought you’d try, and some you didn’t even know existed.

Try: ClassPass.com

ClassPass

Megan Campbell is a Realtor Associate at Class Realty Group in Orange County. Reach her by email at mcampbell@classrealtygroup.com or by phone at 949-943-9011.