Want to squeeze in some exercise during your visit to Austin? Opportunities abound in this city that’s regularly rated as one of the fittest in the nation! But ditch the hotel gym and get fit as you explore Austin. From the exploding pickleball phenomenon to "recovery" lounges and sunrise community bootcamps, here is how to get fit like a local while you explore the Live Music Capital of the World®.
Pickleball
If you haven't heard, Austin is a global hub for pickleball. You don’t need a membership to play; several "eat-ertainment" spots offer courts alongside healthy eats. With three locations Bouldin Acres is a popular hang for dinking and dunking, then grabbing a post-match taco from one of the onsite food trucks. For a more traditional athletic vibe, Austin Tennis & Pickleball Center is a public facility that offers numerous courts with affordable hourly rates. If you want a day-to-night spot, casual outdoor watering hole and sports bar, Pickle Hub offers the perfect Austin "fit-and-fun" vibe where you can challenge friends to a match on their pickleball courts before refueling with coffee, craft brew or something delicious from one of the food trucks on site.
Deep Eddy Pool. Credit Alexandra Reichek.
Swimming
Open all year round, Barton Springs Pool is a stellar place to take a dip and squeeze in some exercise all at the same time (and have some fun, to boot). Grassy hillsides offer a relaxing place to warm up in the sun, the natural rocky bottom makes you forget you’re in an urban setting, and the spring-fed waters stay a brisk 68º year-round. Maybe best of all: you can enjoy the view of the city skyline as you practice your breast stroke. Spring-fed Deep Eddy Pool just west of Highway 1 offers an equally refreshing place to swim, but with dedicated lap lanes.
Rock Climbing & Bouldering
Save the weight room for your at-home workout routine; head to a local climbing or bouldering gym for a fun full-body workout instead. Crux has locations in South and Central Austin and offers bouldering (climbing shorter walls sans ropes) and traditional top-rope climbing while Austin Bouldering Project (ABP) has locations on the east side and in South Austin and features tons of bouldering routes. Didn’t bring your own gear? No problem. Each location offers shoe and harness rentals (if necessary) in addition to day passes.
Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail. Credit Inti St. Clair.
Running & Walking
There’s no better way to take in the city than from the popular hike and bike trail and boardwalk that loops around Lady Bird Lake. The trail surface varies from paved to packed dirt, crosses the lake at several points via pedestrian bridges if you want to cut the 10-mile loop short, and includes sunny and shaded sections. Enjoy views of the city skyline from the trail on the south side of the lake or hop off the trail on the north side to explore Downtown Austin. Don't want to run alone? Check out our guide to Austin run clubs and join in on the fun while you're in town.
Aerial Fitness
Sky Candy is one Austin fitness studio that’s anything but boring. Specializing in aerial fitness, you can drop in for beginner classes like Intro to Aerials where you’ll get a chance to try out a variety of apparatuses, including silks, sling, and trapeze. From circus fitness classes to Lyra and acrobatics basics, you can challenge your body while learning new techniques or keep your skills honed while you’re away from your home aerial studio.
Goat Yoga. Credit @goga_atx.
Yoga
There's no shortage of great spots to hone your practice while in Austin. Black Swan Yoga continues to be the go-to for affordable, donation-based hot yoga with a high-energy "Austin" vibe (think loud music and murals). If you love cuddly creatures, drop in for goat yoga at GOGA in Bee Cave, just west of Austin. The traditional vinyasa class lasts 45 minutes and will probably feel very familiar if you’ve ever done yoga before, but instead of a quiet, serene atmosphere, there are pygmy goats wandering around, beneath, and, yes, sometimes on top of you. If you're in for a real challenge, the Power Vinyasa at Present Practice with push your pracitce to new limits in a heated, fast-paced format.
Paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake. Credit David Aguilar.
Rowing & Paddleboarding
Looking for a good core and upper body workout while enjoying time in nature? Rent a kayak or SUP at The Rowing Dock, Live Love Paddle, or any of the other companies located along Lady Bird Lake, then take to the water and start paddling! Navigate popular Barton Creek and hop out of your boat for a swim or to take your turn on a rope swing, or beat the crowds and take your time paddling to Red Bud Isle and back. Either way, you’re sure to enjoy yourself as you get a good workout.
Community Workouts
Austin is big on community fitness. Swift Fit Events hosts frequent, often free, outdoor workouts at Fareground or Republic Square. Check their schedule for sunset yoga or Texas-sized bootcamps that welcome tourists with open arms. It’s the best way to sweat with locals.
After all that activity you may want to refuel. Check out all of the places to grab a nourishing meal or smoothie on our food & drink page... or do what the locals do and reward your hard work with a stuffed breakfast taco!
Contributed by Alisha McDarris.
Alisha McDarris is an Austin-based writer who specializes in writing about the outdoors, vegan food, and sustainable travel. She is the co-founder of sustainable travel and adventure blog Terradrift.com and accompanying YouTube channel (youtube.com/terradrift) and her outdoorsy tips and tricks, plus vibrant photos of wild spaces and places, can be found on Instagram (instagram.com/terradrift).
