Staying fit and actually enjoying it: your active guide to Ryde
When your alarm goes off each morning, and you snooze it for the tenth time knowing the lacklustre strain of the gym awaits you, it can get a bit underwhelming.
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When your alarm goes off each morning, and you snooze it for the tenth time knowing the lacklustre strain of the gym awaits you, it can get a bit underwhelming.
Post New-Year motivation, it’s damn hard to maintain the regular fitness routine, especially when you don’t even like going in for a core class at 7am.
And when you live in the concrete-jungle dwellings of the inner suburbs of Sydney like Ryde, motivation can become pretty tough to find. So we’ve partnered with Mitsubishi to bring you some more exhilarating and enjoyable fitness plans - that’ll have you excited to actually get active, and out of the house.
Places For Everyone
While the convenience of running on a treadmill is often enough to persuade you to sneak into the gym, getting outside can do wonders for your body and soul. The Bay Run is a hugely popular 7-kilometre run just near Five Dock, which loops around a scenic part of Parramatta River. You’ll find a tonne of locals walking, running and even doing yoga on the course – perfect during all times of the day.
Head a bit more west to Homebush and you’ll get a range of quality facilities leftover from the Olympics. The Aquatic Centre in particular is great for the whole family, with kids slide areas, saunas and steam rooms, as well group fitness classes and a massage area. There’s a bunch of sports camps at Olympic Park for the kids too, including soccer, cricket and basketball. Lake Parramatta and the Ryde River Walk are also fab water front spots for a run, walk or some time in the sun (you can take a dip at Lake Parramatta, too!).
A bit closer to the city, Lane Cove National Park is a perfectly serene destination whether you’re with the whole family, or just a friend or two. The Great North Walk will serve up plenty of lush scenery and local wildlife, there’s plenty of picnic break spots, and you can also canoe down the river – so pack those swimmers.
Hidden Gems
Western Sydney often cops a bit of a bad wrap when it comes to scenic walks and parks, but the Auburn Botanical Gardens is a brilliant spot worth visiting. Particularly dazzling in cherry blossom season, it’s made for a daytime walk or spot of yoga/meditation. The Wistaria Gardens in Parramatta is also another peaceful spot for a summer stroll.
If you love the outdoor vibe but prefer something a little less crowded, Edna Hunt Sanctuary in Epping is a luscious paradise you won’t believe exists given it’s location. Perfect for some solo nature time, or a weekend walk.
Grab A Friend
If you prefer some action on two wheels, grab a bike, grab a mate and head to Cooks River near Settlers Park in Ryde. It’s a 23-kilometre cruise and goes all the way to Botany Bay (if you really want to work on that cardio). There’s a bunch of great cafes and lunch spots along the way to refuel, too.
For you competitive friends, Climb Fit in St Leonards is the ideal place for some bouldering or rock climbing, all while meeting new people as well. However, if the mercury is rising, head on over to Macquarie University pools for a sneaky dip. It’s a lovely little setting and will only cost you a small entry fee.
Day Dates
While the inner suburbs do have some of the best small bars, restaurants and café scenes in Sydney, getting outdoors is an often cheap and pleasant substitute for a date night. Stroll back into the Lane Cove National Park to the Tandara part of the park, for a romantic weekend of the highest order.
Tandara is a luxurious camping area, which is even more dazzling than any glamping setup. Go for a hike or stroll through the park, and come back to a stunning main bedroom villa, fitted with a designer bathroom. After you’re all freshened up, ease back on the dreamy balcony – which is perfect for a sneaky vino at sunset (don’t worry, we won't tell your PT).
And if you really want some exciting time with your partner, head on over to the Latino Fever School of Dance in West Ryde. They offer a tonne of different classes, including a dance-exercise based course, where you’ll learn the basics of everything from Salsa to hip hop, Tango and swing over a few weeks. It’ll get you moving, and also provide a nice change to the often-dull dinner and movie combo.
Turn heads around Ryde in the new Triton today!