Not all Phoenix fun comes with dim lighting and fancy cocktails. Sometimes, there's nothing better than endorphins, sunshine, and sweat. Lover of all things outdoors, The Outsider explores the more natural side of Phoenix.
When it comes to weather, Phoenicians are often considered wimps; we're either too hot or too cold. But who can blame us for being so fickle? It's not easy going from 115 to freezing.
For those feeling a little apprehensive towards a winter workout plan, we've got some tips to keep you in-shape -- and outdoors-- this winter.
Find your winter workout guide after the jump.
1. Blades of Glory
If it has got to be cold, you might as well enjoy the seasonal activities
that go with the weather, and Phoenix's Cityscape has got the iconic
outdoor ice-skating ring covered. Bring a hot date or a group of friends and carve the ice. It's a good cardio workout, but you
can stay bundled up.
Where: 1 East Washington Street in Phoenix.
Tickets: $10 including skate rentals
Hours: 3:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. until January 15th
Click here for more information.
2. Make Like a Bird and Head South
Where else can you go from Saguaro cacti to ten inches of snow in just
20 minutes? Mount Lemmon is often over-looked by the northbound
Phoenician but it offers a history-rich and retro, ski-resort
experience. Head to the top for lift rides, skiing, and mountain
dining, or stay near the base for rock-climbing, hiking, and
site-seeing. Be sure to don your favorite vintage ski suit.
Where: From Tucson, take the Catalina highway North and continue onto the Mount Lemmon Highway. It's about 30 miles to the top.
Price: Life tickets are $37 and rentals range from $15-$20. Activities vary in pricing.
Click here for more information.
3. Heat Up: Bikram Yoga
Bikram Yoga is kind of like jumping into a hot shower on a cold winter
morning, but it involves a bit more exercise than a shampoo and shave.
If the idea of breaking a sweat in a crisp winter breeze invokes feelings of dread, then hot yoga is a toasty alternative. Show off your
downward dog in a sweaty, sizzling, sauna. Try Bikram Yoga Phoenix for
a hot winter workout.
Where: Bikram Yoga Phoenix on 40 E. Camelback Road
Price: $17 for a single class; Multiple class prices starting at $65 for five.
Click here for more information.
4. Ski, Snow, & Sled
Skiing may be branded by yuppy, east-coasters and snowboarding might be
made up primarily of beach bros, but we still can't deny that both
sports are a great time. And if hitting the slops isn't your thing then
grab a sled -- or a piece of cardboard -- and find yourself a steep,
snowy hill. For winter sports in Arizona, it doesn't get any better
than Snowbowl.
Where: From Flagstaff, take Highway 180 northwest for seven miles. Turn right on Snowbowl Road.
Price: Lift tickets are $53 and rental start at $20.
Click here for more information.
5. Body Heat
If all else fails, suck it up and get your blood moving. Try an
endurance sport. It might be brutal at first, but after ten minutes of
running, cycling, or swimming, your body will be producing enough heat
to warm a studio apartment. The important thing is to dress
appropriately. Moisture-wicking fabric is a must in cold weather. You
don't want that sweat turning into frostbite. It's also important to
keep the extremities warm. This means you have to rock proper gloves,
socks, shoes, and hats. With the right equipment and a raised heart
rate, you'll start feeling like it's summer.
Where to find equipment:
Runner's Den
Bicycle Haus
Sports Chalet
