Looking to Put Some Fun in Your Fitness Routine? Head Across The Potomac to Crystal City

If you feel like you’ve been hearing about Crystal City a lot recently, you’re not wrong! The location has been in the news once or twice since the announcement that Amazon’s new headquarters is coming to National Landing (which includes portions of Pentagon City, Crystal City and Potomac Yard.) There’s been a TON of information surrounding the cool new revitalization plans that will be coming to the area as well.  

While the future will bring exciting changes, Crystal City is already a hidden gem, offering a variety of fun events, restaurants and bars.

However, one of the best things about the area is its variety of fitness opportunities. There’s truly something for everyone in this fit city and we cover them all below so you can get your sweat on while having a good time in Crystal City!

Gyms & Classes

If you’re looking for great indoor workouts or classes, Crystal City has a little bit of everything!  Find your zen at Mind Your Body Oasis, located in the underground. It features a variety of opportunities for whatever your yogi style, and the location not only has a zen studio, but also a hot room, yoga wall, and barre room.

#FrayLife Tip: If you’re a new student, make sure to request their complimentary class! You’ll also get a $59 rate for two weeks of unlimited yoga, barre, and pilates.

Sport &Health Crystal City

Sport & Health’s Crystal City location is a great place for some more traditional fitness opportunities.  With a pool, treadmills, steppers, free weights and all sorts of other machines, there’s something for everyone.  And don’t miss out on the movie room, where you can use the elliptical or the bike while you watch the movie of the day! What better way to distract your mind from the fact that you’re working out?

#FrayLife Tip: Not sure where to start at the gym? Don’t worry – Sport & Health also offers a variety of classes including yoga, Body Pump and Zumba!

Earth Treks

If you want a little more adventure in your fitness routine, Earth Treks may be for you. With 45,000 square feet of climbing and fitness, including 400+ rope routes and boulders, there will always be a new route to take.  Test out your climbing skills and work your muscles in the process!

Races

Photo Cred: Pacers Running

5k Fridays

There is no doubt that Crystal City is an Arlington hub for the racing community, be it on foot or on wheels. Coming up right around the corner is Crystal City’s yearly 5k Fridays, hosted by Pacers. If you’re looking to start off spring with a challenge, you have the opportunity to run a 5k every Friday in April! Dozens of racers participate in these weekly events, turning the Crystal City roads into their own track for the early evening.  

#FrayLife Tip: Don’t forget to treat yourself to a post-race brew at one of the favorite local bars!

Twilighter 5k

Need a little more prep time before trying out a 5k? Start training for Crystal City’s June race, the Twilighter 5k, also hosted by Pacers! Up for an even larger challenge?  Don’t miss the Marine Corps Marathon.  

Armed Forces Cycling Classic

Finally, if you’re better on two wheels than two feet, the Armed Forces Cycling Classic might be the race for you. The route goes from Crystal City to Rosslyn and back, and it’s available to all levels of cyclist – so whether you’re novice or pro, you can enjoy this one!

#Fraylife Tip: Are you active duty, retired, or reserves in the armed forces? Compete in the Armed Forces Challenge to earn bragging rights for your branch of service.

Outdoors

Photo Cred: Northern Virginia Magazine

As the weather starts to get nicer, trying out some of the outdoor fitness opportunities is a must.  Head over to the Crystal City Water Park and the Mount Vernon Trail. As you run, bike or walk towards DC, you’re sure to find some amazing views along the way.  Head out about a mile and a half and you’ll find yourself at Gravelly Point, where you can take a break to watch the planes land or play a game of frisbee on the grass. When you’re rested up, continue along the route and you’ll have a wonderful riverside trip.  

You may be surprised to learn that you can even play an outdoor game of volleyball in Crystal City! Located on Crystal Drive, just south of 23rd Street, there are not one, but two sand volleyball courts!  Right next door you can also find a workout park with some outdoor equipment, as well as a basketball court.

Coming Soon!

Long Bridge Park is a popular running destination in Crystal City, but it’s about to get even better!

We spoke to Peter Lusk, who works for Arlington County, about the future Long Bridge Aquatics & Fitness Center that’s scheduled for a late 2020/early 2021 opening. The new center will have a 50-meter swimming pool, which will be the only one of its kind in the county!  There will also be a leisure/family-style pool including a water slide. Private swim lessons, learn-to-swim classes, and general aquatics will be offered.

“In the 50-meter pool, there will also be 1-meter, 3-meter, and 5-meter diving,” Lusk said. These boards will also be one of a kind in Arlington County! If you’re feeling more like lounging, there will also be a lazy river – and water walking if you want to take it up a notch.  

If you’re thinking it already can’t get any better, think again!  Lusk explained, “there will be an 8,000-square-foot fitness center and a 3,000-square-foot wellness room. There will also be community rooms for pilates and fitness classes, and we will be expanding our personal training program.”   

As the weather stays warm and days are long, don’t miss your opportunity to try Crystal City as your next fitness destination. And if you’re looking for even more ways to get your sweat on without hitting the gym, we’ve got you covered with some suggestions for DC.

What is your favorite way to be fit while having fun in Crystal City? Tag us on social using #DCFray and #FrayLife on so we can sweat it out with you!

Looking for other activities to stay fit? Check out 4 reasons you NEED to go to Dc Field Day.

View More Articles By Ashlee Smith

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