That said, I also don't believe in making yourself sick or slowing down your pace from over-indulging. Staying active and healthy lets me enjoy my food and continually make room for more amazing meals!
So, to that end, wanted to share some tips for fellow foodies on a budget - below are ways to get workouts in without spending hundreds on gym memberships or exercise equipment!
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YOGA (personal fav)
There are an incredible number of yoga studios in Santa Monica that offer classes by donation only - opened by wonderful people that ask only for what you can afford to pay!!! Parking is free for two hours in most of the numerous public parking structures around SM - and if you go on a Sunday, street parking is free all day! Here are just a few of the awesome studios with 'by donation' classes available...
Bryan Kest's Power Yoga
*SMPY West Studio - 1410 2nd Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401
*SMPY East Studio - 522 Santa Monica Blvd. (Upstairs), Santa Monica, CA 90401
See website for class schedules: poweryoga.com/
Bhakti Yoga Shala
*207 Arizona Ave, Santa Monica, Ca 90401 (in the courtyard at Arizona and 2nd St.)
See website for class schedules: bhaktiyogashala.com/
Yogis Anonymous
*1221 2nd Street, Santa Monica, California 90401
See website for class schedules: yogisanonymous.com
***In March 2011 only, there is also free yoga at The Americana at Brand Sundays 9-10am
Body Theory class on The Green with Michael Blanks from Lululemon Athletica every Sunday in March.
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BIKE ON THE BEACH (second personal fav) ... or Rollerblade / skate
If you live within driving distance of LA's awesome beaches, don't get stuck in a boring old gym staring out into space while going through repetitive motions on a machine! The bike paths stretch along the coast from Pacific Palisades to Hermosa Beach (at least that's as far as we've gone) - this is an amazing way to get your workout while enjoying fresh air and gorgeous ocean views! (And hugely entertaining people watching - one of my fav stops is in Santa Monica, between the pier and Shutters on the Beach - there is an outdoor 'gym' where you can catch aspiring gymnasts doing incredible things on the rings - here's one example captured on video - excuse the poor audio). Again, if Santa Monica is your starting point, parking is free for two hours in most of the numerous public parking structures - and if you go on a Sunday, street parking is free all day.
Those who have a bike/blades/skates already, awesome - this means riding will cost you nothing. Those who don't have a bike/blades/skates, there are plenty of rental places along the beach that rent by the hour or for the day - running from just $7 per hour and $15 per day upwards. Here are a couple of places to check out:
Sea Mist Rentals (conveniently located right at the start of the Santa Monica pier)
*1619 Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica, CA 90401 Ph: 310.395.7076
Perry's Cafe and Rentals
*2600 Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica, CA 90401 (south of pier at end of Ocean Park Blvd) Ph: 310.584.9306
Seven other locations in Santa Monica and Venice Beach - see website for details: perryscafe.com/ A convenient one is at the beach end of North Venice Blvd. - because you have a choice of two lots: (1) N. Venice x Pacific $3 flat rate all day in and out allowed (drops to $2 around sunset) (2) lot at beach end of N. Venice Blvd. $4 per entry. This one's not a 'cafe' location though, just a bike/skate rental stand marked "Schwinn" at far end of beach parking lot.
Tip: Free Coffee Tuesdays at Cafe locations - Enjoy a free cup of "Illy" coffee and a 20% discount on bike and skate rentals at beachside locations, Tuesdays only.
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And of course, jogging / walking / playing sports at the beach or at your local public park is also free!
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