Get Out Of The Gym!
Have An Adventure In Delaware This Weekend
CrossFit isn't about spending countless hours in the gym for nothing. It's about increasing your fitness so you can go do all the things you love to with ease. CrossFit ultimately leads to a happier and healthier life, but you still have to live it.
That's why as a crossfit coach I am telling you to get out of the gym. Go out and try new things. Have an adventure!
Here are a few thing to try this weekend in Delaware:
1. Go Bananas on a High Ropes Course
Only a 30 minute drive from Newark is Lum's Pond State Park, home of Go Ape's high ropes course. This two to three hour tree top adventure features zip lines, rope and wooden walk ways and other obstacles.
It's a great way to get out of your comfort zone, especially if you are afraid of heights!
2. White Clay Creek State Park
Only a few miles away from downtown Newark lies White Clay Creek State Park, by far one of the most beautiful places in northern Delaware. The park stretches into Pennsylvania and has over 3000 acres of untouched nature, including 30 miles of trails.
There are plenty of chances to put some work in outside the gym including biking, trail running and, when it snows, even sledding. You can always opt for a more casual fitness experience and hit some frisbee golf too. No matter what you do be sure to leave your cell phone in the car. Have some undistracted fun!
3. Run a 5K
These past few months we've hit a ton of running in our workouts. If your ready to test yourself to a longer run find yourself a 5k. Almost every weekend there is a race to be found somewhere, whether on roads or on trails. Races2run.com is a great resource. Otherwise you can always ask our in house running gurus Andrew and Marshall what races are coming up.
Another great chance to test your fitness is to try out The Delaware Rock gym. If you are a beginner you have to sign up to go through a course, but if you've belayed and climbed before you can go through a quick test to get started. They have climbs ranging from beginner to expert levels, with over 14 different top ropes and a whole wall for bouldering.
If you are looking to use natural rock for your climb check out Alapocas State Park in Wilmington. The park is just as close, but check for availability before you leave.
Rock climbing is a great way to test your upper body, grip strength and flexibility.
Friday night with a group of friends with nothing to do? Hit up one of the trampoline parks in Delaware. The closest one to Newark is Launch. You can schedule just a normal open time with friends or get a large group together and play dodge ball. Or if you've ever dreamed up dunking, they have a basketball hoop and a large foam pit set up so you can live out your fantasy.
6. Obstacle Race / Go Ruck
This is one adventure that many of us at CrossFit Petram can personally vouch for. Obstacle course racing a blast!
A dozen of us went together during the early fall for Delaware Mud Run. We ran, got a little muddy, conquered some obstacles. Obstacle races come in a lot of different sizes all from a single mile with only a few obstacles, to 20 miles with dozens of obstacles. It's always best to get a small group together for your first race. Find one that's close and sign up.
7. Flag football/ Adult sports leagues
If you are new in town and are looking to make some new friends adult sport leagues are the place to be. You get to relive some of your gym class favorites like kickball, indoor soccer and flag football. Afterwards there are usually a few drinks to be had at a local bar or restaurant. Don't be afraid to ask other members about it. Several of them play in outside basketball, soccer and hockey leagues.
If you are a cyclist you probably already know about bike to the bay, or as the attendees like to call it, buffet to the bay. There are fully catered rest stops every 12 miles, with distances from 20 to 175 miles you can ride. Best of all this event helps raise money for research for MS. To get registered for next year's ride just click the link below. You have plenty of time to put a team together.
If you find yourself showing up to early to class on heavy squat days and love to lift, you might not be interested in running a 5k. If that sounds like you check out some of the local weightlifting competitions around. There are USAW meets happening close by almost every month.
Find a competition 3 to 6 months out and get one of the coaches at CrossFit Petram to help you train for it. 3 of our 5 coach's have their USAW certification and can help you take your lifts to the next level. Whether you want to do some one on one sessions with them, or would like them to write you a program they can help you out!
Not every adventure has to include a ton of work. If you are looking for a way to keep your entire family active this winter check out the ice rink on the Wilmington Riverfront. It's cheap, easy to get to and a perfect date night. It's a great alternative to drinking beer or watching a movie.
Your time in the gym shouldn't be the only hours of your week that you are active. Find something that you can consistently do three or four times a month, and have some fun. Whatever you are into get out and MOVE!