Working Out in the Great Outdoors
For people seeking their fitness fix outside, the greater Charleston area abounds with outdoor exercise opportunities. Some workout options are even found on or near the water and offer picturesque views in a serene setting. There are ample parks and green spaces – and even a rooftop fitness area – where you can take advantage of the Lowcountry’s warm, subtropical climate, which is conducive to outdoor exercise most of the year.
How Outdoor Fitness Boosts Mental Health
Besides the physical benefits, exercising in a natural environment can boost your mental health. According to the National Fitness Campaign, a wellness consulting firm working to build healthy communities in America, “green exercise” can lead to improved mood, reduced stress, increased mindfulness, improved self-esteem and better sleep. Even just five minutes a day of green exercise has been shown to improve mental well-being.
James Island County Park
Sarah Reynolds of the Charleston County Parks & Recreation Commission said that James Island County Park offers miles of paved and unpaved trails for walking, running, biking or skating; a 50-foot climbing wall; a team Challenge Course; a sand volleyball court; and open meadows. Pedal boat, kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals are also available. CCPRC hosts Sunrise Yoga throughout the year at rotating park locations.
Hampton Park
Located on Charleston’s upper peninsula, Hampton Park includes a 1.5-mile fitness trail and an outdoor workout station. Open from sunrise to sunset, it’s a favorite for walkers, runners, and cyclists alike.
MUSC Wellness Center Rooftop
The rooftop area at MUSC includes a track, tennis and pickleball courts, basketball, and a robust functional training zone with sled lanes, tire flips, agility stations, kettlebells, and more. Group classes like Strength Circuits and Athlete Reboot often take place outdoors, weather permitting.
Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park
Located at the foot of the Ravenel Bridge, this park is undergoing development that will include an outdoor workout area, walking path, and courts. In the meantime, the Ravenel Bridge path itself offers a high-elevation, scenic cardio workout.
Park West & Laurel Hill County Parks
Park West Recreation Complex features an outdoor track and walking trails, while nearby Laurel Hill County Park has unpaved routes for running and biking. The town is also expanding Mount Pleasant Way, a 47-mile shared-use path network.
Isle of Palms Recreation Center
IOP Rec Center offers a seven-station Fitness Court with core, squat, push, lunge, pull, agility, and bend zones. A Boot Camp class starts in March, and free beach yoga is available May–October on Tuesdays at 7:30 a.m. at the 25th Avenue access. Monthly Sea Stroll & Learn walks are also held.
Daniel Island Trails & Green Space
With over 400 acres of parkland, Daniel Island offers abundant space for outdoor fitness. The Daniel Island Trail is a scenic 1.5-mile path along the Wando River, ideal for walking, biking, or jogging.
Charleston’s Open-Air Fitness Lifestyle
These are only a sample of the outdoor exercise opportunities available locally. So get outside and enjoy some sunshine and fresh air while staying fit. Your body and mind will thank you.
Additional sources: nationalfitnesscampaign.com/news/5-ways-outdoor-exercise-benefits-your-mental-health; sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100502080414.htm.
By Colin McCandless
