Where to Find Outdoor Workout Classes in St. Louis
The spring weather is finally letting us out of the house. It can lead us out of the gym, too. There are lots of benefits to spending time outside, especially if you throw in a workout while you’re at it. And even if you have an indoor routine you enjoy, it can be fun and refreshing to shake things up now and again. Whether you’re looking to go for a run, enjoy a ride, break a sweat, or find your zen, there’s an outdoor workout in St. Louis that will appeal to you and allow you to explore some of the many green spaces that the region has to offer.
RUN
Where: 1601 Tower Grove
When: Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Overview: Botanical Heights–based outfitter Running Niche hosts weekly 3-mile social events for runners and walkers. During warmer months, the route starts outside the shop on Tower Grove and winds south into Tower Grove Park, where participants circle the park’s western loop before heading back to the store. Runners are divided into groups according to pace. These range from 7- to 13-minute miles. “It’s a very welcoming and diverse group of people,” Running Niche co-owner Bob Dyer says. “No one is out there alone. Periodically, one of our shoe vendors asks to come and do a demo run where folks can take a new shoe for a spin and see if they like it.”
Big River Running Monday Group Runs
Where: 5352 Devonshire, 606 North and South
When: Mondays, 5:45 p.m.
Cost: Free
Overview: Join a group of runners every Monday evening at Big River Running’s South City and University City stores. All ages, paces, and activity levels are welcome to participate. The South City run features trails of 3 and 4.33 miles, traveling west on Nottingham and circling Francis Park before heading back to the shop. The University City run features trails of 3 and 6 miles, traveling down Delmar, Midland, and Balson, before heading back to the shop.
Where: 3157 Morganford
When: Tuesdays, 6 p.m.
Cost: $40 annual membership
Overview: This group completes a weekly 5K in the Tower Grove area. Runs start at City Park Grill on Morganford and often follow a track through the heart of Tower Grove Park. Membership includes admission to the weekly 5K, a T-shirt, post-run drink specials, race discounts, and more.
RIDE
Big Shark Bicycle Co. group rides
Where: 1155 S. Big Bend
When: Saturdays, 7:30 a.m.
Cost: Free
Overview: Hop on your road bike and join a group of cyclists for a spin through West County. The ride takes off from Big Shark’s Big Bend shop and follows a safe cycling track over moderate rolling terrain. The peloton typically pedals at a tempo of 16–19 miles per hour. “Our goal is to get a great ride in, stay efficient as a group, and help local cyclists learn how to ride in a single or double paceline without the pressure of keeping up,” says Big Shark owner Mike Weiss. Big Shark also hosts a Saturday Gravel Growl at Big Shark West, which consists of a 27-mile ride that begins and ends at the store and features sections of the Monarch Levee Trail, the Katy Trail, Busch Greenway, and the Hamburg Trail.
Saint Louis Recreational Cyclists
Where: Starting point varies
When: Multiple rides per week; see calendar
Cost: $20 annual membership
Overview: Serious cyclists can join this group for rides all over the St. Louis region. The rides, which are usually between 20–50 miles, typically unfold at a leisurely or moderate pace. Each ride is free for club members; nonmembers should join by their second ride. See website for more details and a full list of upcoming rides.
Overview: Trailnet offers a variety of rides catered to cyclists of all ability and comfort levels. This year’s slate of Trailnet Classics include the StG Grave Classic in Ste. Genevieve (April 27), the Bridge Birthday Bash at Old Chain of Rocks Bridge (May 18) the Wild Wild Ride! in Wildwood (June 2), I Scream for Ice Cream in Edwardsville (July 7), the Bottleneck Bridge in Festus (August 11), the Giro Della Montagna on The Hill (September 1), and Ride the Rivers in St. Charles (September 28). For less competitive riders, Trailnet also hosts a series of slow-paces rides that explore the history and culture of St. Louis and the surrounding region. Next up on the schedule is the Juneteenth Community Ride on June 15.
STRETCH
Where: Kiener Plaza, 500 Chestnut
When: Every Tuesday, 7 a.m.
Cost: Free
Overview: Through a partnership with the Gateway Arch Park Foundation, Citra Fitness & Movement will offer these weekly workouts at no charge May 7 through September 24. The gentle yoga practice is designed to energize and align your body and mind through movement and breath. “The location is undeniably cool,” says Citra owner Nicole Coglianese. “Our presence there gives St. Louisans another reason to visit downtown and offers tourists a glimpse into our community and the importance that St. Louis places on health and fitness.” Be sure to bring your own mat and water bottle.
Where: Lagoon Drive, Forest Park
When: Monday and Wednesday, 6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.
Cost: $15 drop-ins, 10 classes for $125
Overview: Now in her 17th year of leading classes at Forest Park’s Grand Basin, instructor Dianna Lucas’ sessions include guided meditation and visualization, intention setting, and breathing exercises. Classes are seasonal and are subject to weather-related changes. “The space itself is beautiful, peaceful, and accessible, and I am to mirror those attributes in the practices that I lead,” Lucas says. “There is a sense of community, connection, and support that I love to foster.”
Laughter Yoga at Tower Grove Park
Where: 2747 Tower Grove
When: Fridays, 8:30–9:15 a.m.
Cost: Free
Overview: Try laughing while holding a Downward Facing Dog pose. Seriously! It’s good for you! In this weekly class, leader Emma Klues encourages attendees to tap into the wellness benefits of laughing while breathing, clapping, and stretching. Laughter isn’t just a social response. This class demonstrates how it can serve as a relaxing body exercise. Sessions are held at the Roman Pavilion.
Yoga at Tower Grove Farmers’ Market
Where: 4256 Magnolia
When: Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.
Cost: Donation-based; pay whatever you can afford.
Overview: Before (or after) you visit the various vendors selling their wares at the park’s acclaimed farmers market, head to the field just west of the Roman pavilion for a morning of restorative yoga. All experience levels are welcome to join leader Kim Winn for these family-friendly drop-in sessions.
