It can be tough to maintain an active lifestyle during the hot summer months. Gyms are convenient, but not everybody’s cup of tea. Outdoor activities don’t have to be avoided during the summer, just approached strategically. Here are a few ideas on how to stay active:
Meet Me at Maynard’s:
This community walk/run is sponsored by Tucson Medical Center every Monday at 5:15p-6:45p. There is a closing ceremony after every session, and there are also discounts offered for restaurants in the area for afterwards. Registration and additional information can be found here.
Tugo Bike Share:
You may have noticed bike racks popping up around town offering rentals of yellow bicycles. These stations are provided by Tugo Bike Share, and are available at 36 locations around town. This makes it convenient to plan your route with starting and ending points peppered throughout. One great route starts at Himmel Park. Hop on the 3rd Street Bike Path through the historic Sam Hughes neighborhood, to the University of Arizona campus and tour the grounds. You can then bike to Mercado San Augustin for a quick bite and refreshment. There is a Tugo station at the Mercado if you have had your share of cycling; you can take the Street Car (here is a map of the Street Car route) back to campus and then either pick up a new Tugo on Campus, or walk back to the park. Check where all the Tugo stations are located here (the map is interactive so you know how many bikes and ports are available at each location).
Public Pools:
Get your laps in at the many public pools available throughout town. Here is a list of the pools in Tucson open during the summer (some are open year-round).
There are also swim lessons available through Parks and Recreation and the American Red Cross.
Learning to swim is an important part of water safety- here are other ways to keep people safe while cooling down at the pool.
Meet Me at La Encantada:
This is another great walk/run option available every Wednesday evening, at La Encantada shopping center (2905 E. Skyline Dr). There are two routes- a 1.5 mile walk, or 3 mile walk/run, open to all ability levels. Additional information is available here.
The Chuck Huckelberry Loop:
One of Tucson’s Gems, the Chuck Huckelberry Loop offers 120 miles of paved paths and bike lanes that tie the Rillito, Santa Cruz, and Pantano River parks to the Julian Wash and Harrison Road Greenways. There are many points around town where you can start your walk, bike ride, or run. Many starting points are near parks, shopping centers, and restaurants, making The Loop a fun way to enjoy a variety of activities. Read here for more information, maps, and resources.
Cool Summer Nights at the Tucson Desert Museum:
In addition to beating the heat, the Desert Museum’s Cool Summer Nights is a great way to fit a walk into your day. There are different activities and themes (like Packrat Playhouse, Astronomy Night, and Creatures of the Night) offered every Saturday, making it a great destination for the family. Additional information is available here.
These are just a few ideas of activities that are available to maintain active during the summer days. Are there any activities in town that you recommend? Leave a comment and share your favorite!
-Dr. Courtney