When it comes to options for exercising and working out, it doesn’t get much better than those offered here in Santa Monica. Whether you’re looking for the traditional gym experience or something more unique, you’ll find it in this community.

Take Advantage of the Outdoors

First and foremost, you can take advantage of the wonderful weather and the beaches — as most Santa Monicans do — and go for runs and bike rides enjoying the sea air and fabulous weather nearly every single day of the year. (Sure beats running-in-place in a gym without a view.) Jogging along Palisades Park on Ocean Avenue and then down San Vicente Blvd is an experience all its own.

And if that’s not enough of a workout for you, take it to the next level by hiking up and down the stairs on Adelaide Drive — trust me: you’ll feel the burn.

There are also organized boot camps and group workouts led by trained instructors on the beach. It makes doing push-ups, sit-ups, and other calisthenics relatively enjoyable when the Pacific Ocean is merely a few steps away.

Try Eastern Disciplines

But, you don’t need to go outside to get fit, either. If yoga is your thing, there is no lack of yoga studios scattered throughout Santa Monica — YogaHop and YogaWorks are two studios right on Montana Avenue. I am a fan of YogaHop as it is a strenuous yet fun Vinyasa Flow accompanied with the latest pop music.

Try Unique Studio Offerings

And for a spin on the traditional exercise experience, there’s a unique studio called Revolution Fitness. It caters to the busy individual who wants a quick workout without all the trappings of a full gym, offering classes like spinning, Pilates, and more. You won’t find any exercise machines here, instead providing a wonderful, friendly vibe with their excellent courses. (Sidenote: Mark and Joseph, two of my favorite spinning instructors, teach here.)

Go for a Traditional Gym Environment

Get the full gym feel at a number of different facilities all over Santa Monica — Spectrum Athletic Club, Easton Gym, and Burn Fitness to name a few.

But, my favorite is Equinox on 2nd Street. It offers hard-core classes with well-trained instructors — spinning, yoga, Super Fit Bod, and Bell Ball Boot Camp are a few of the various classes offered. The staff all get to know you so it is personal and the other members are friendly and courteous. Plus, all the exercise equipment is top-of-the-line and excellently maintained.

With so many options, it’s no wonder that personal fitness is such a high priority for many Santa Monicans. There are always excuses to not workout, but there are a few less when you live in Southern California.

What do you do to keep your exercise routine fresh and exciting? Do you prefer to jog outside along the beach or to take classes indoors with others who can help motivate you? Feel free to leave a comment below!