The 5 Best Parks for Working Out

My favourite parks around the world for exercising outdoors

Travelling can stifle your wellness buzz, disrupting the balance you try so hard to maintain when you're at home. Research has shown working out outside has mental benefits that far outweigh those you get from a gym session. Big cities can feel like a concrete jungle, but the beauty of these inner city parks will surprise you. Perfect for working out, meditating or doing outdoor yoga or Pilates, visit these unexpected gems next time you're in town.

1. Stanley Park - Vancouver

Nestled right near the CBD, Stanley Park blends beautiful waterside views with luscious green forests for the perfect bike, walk or run. You'll love the totem poles, the ocean views and the hill-top cafe for a mid-run snack. I love seeing the squirrels and racoons you find in the park year-round.

2. Lumphini Park - Bangkok

Thailand's capital is hugely populated, so this green oasis is a welcome break from the hustle and bustle. Lumphini Park is one of my favourite places in the city, and houses an array of animals to keep your walk interesting yet safe; from huge monitor lizards to little turtles.  

You'll see countless exercise groups during your run or walk; from a running group who uses an air horn to warn oblivious runners of their approach, to the elderly Thais doing Tai Chi in the beautiful white gazebos. 

Aprivé Wellness Tip: Take the Sky Train (BTS) to Silom Station and you'll arrive right near the Lumphini Park gates. End your run there, and grab a freshly squeezed orange juice for 30 cents on your way back to the train.

3. East Coast Park - Singapore

When I lived in Singapore, I heard so many people complain about how hemmed-in the city felt, but it doesn't have to. East Coast Park is the perfect place to unwind, hire a bike, go for a swim or take a long walk.

Running along the east coast of the island, you'll see small sandy alcoves, palm trees and blue sky to get your outdoor workout fix. My favourite part of the park was hiring a bike and riding it the full length of the track, stopping to watch the wakeboard park as people tried their best at a new sport.

4. Central Park - New York City

You can't mention inner city parks without including the infamous Central Park, and it's the ideal place to get your outdoor workout fix while in NYC. If you prefer running on a track, head to one of the oval spaces where you can run laps. If you'd rather mix up your run, take one of the paths around the park, and cut in wherever you choose to see the duck ponds and features of the inner city oasis. If you cut in around 36th street, there are park benches and playground equipment you can use to help you stretch.

5. Royal Botanic Gardens - Melbourne

Next to the CBD, just over the river, are the luscious botanical gardens, the perfect mid-day workout spot. Join Melbourne locals and run 'The Tan,' the brown gravel track that wraps around the gardens, or make your own way through the gardens on the multiple tracks and pedestrian roads. Stop in at the café after your run, and enjoy the stunning lake views. You might even see a turtle pop up as you make your way through the park.

If meditation or yoga suits you more, you'll find plenty of grass for your practice by the lake. 

Aprivé Wellness Tip: Jump on a tram to get to the Botanic Gardens, and jump off when you see the huge Anzac War Memorial if you're not sure where to go. The Garden gates are next to the memorial.

Whether you're visiting a city on business, or you need an outdoor escape during a holiday, visit these parks for an outdoor workout. They're all luscious escapes from the busyness of the city, and an ideal way to help everyone 'live well.'

Aprivé Wellness goes to Crown Spa

Melbourne's Ultimate Indulgence: Crown Towers Aqua Retreat

Do you ever crave a mental health day, but need more than an hour-long massage? Melbourne's Crown Casino is infamous, but the Crown Towers' Aqua Retreat deserves its own fame too. Instead of rushing through a treatment at a day spa, treat yourself by booking a day at the Aqua Retreat.

I spent a day here with my sister, and we were both so impressed with the luxury and affordability of the spa facility service, we couldn't believe we hadn't done it sooner!

Spa Review: Why Crown Spa is the Epitome of Wellness

A Gym with a View

After paying to use the spa's facilities, you can head to the gym for a workout. The cardio equipment has the best view in the house, looking out over the Grecian-style lap pool, complete with towering columns. These architectural elements conjure memories of the stunning Venetian hotel in Vegas.

Aqua Retreat - Hammam & Vitality Pool

Let go, and let the whirling waters of the Vitality Pool warm you from the inside out, relaxing every muscle in your body. The rushing water gently massages you, stimulating blood flow to your muscles, preparing you for the relaxing still waters of the hammam.

Image: Crown Melbourne

Steam Room and Swiss Shower

Lie down and relax in the luscious steam room. Built to cater to even the busiest days, there's plenty of room for multiple guests, and silence is recommended by the staff. Lie down on the mosaic tiled benches, and breathe deeply as your pores are cleansed naturally. Wash off the excess moisture in the Swiss Shower as you swap your bikini for your Crown robe, and prepare to unwind in much-appreciated silence.

Crown Spa Lounge

Not the drawcard for many, but one of my favourite elements of the spa was the modern yet private lounge. Beautiful chaises are separated by a curtain, allowing you to sit and read your favourite book or the magazines provided while you sip the complimentary herbal tea. After the warmth and comfort of the Aqua Retreat, this is the perfect time for you to take a moment for yourself, close your eyes and breathe deeply. Try not to fall asleep!

Image: Crown Melbourne

At any time throughout your day of relaxation, you can book a facial or massage treatment, but it's nice to know you don't have to if you just wish to relax in your own time.

Using A Spa's Facilities - The New Day Spa Experience

Like many other wellness fans, I love day spas, particularly those in hotels, and this is one of my favourites. Paying to use the facilities of a spa is a new service many luxury spas are offering, a service that affords you a full day to pamper yourself, clear your mind, and treat yourself to a time out. It's also a fun activity to do with friends or family, and as the men's and womens' facilities are separate, it can give you and your partner both an indulgent yet individual day of relaxation.

Image: Crown Melbourne

Check in soon for another spa feature on my favourite spas from around the world!

Which Health & Wellness Articles Should you Trust?

Health and wellness is now a multi-trillion dollar industry, so everyone is jumping on board. With many unknown companies dishing out health advice to the masses, it’s hard to know who to trust. As a Physiotherapist and personal trainer, I’ve heard the crazy myths and recommendations some of these wellness writers share, ranging from odd to dangerous. These journalists are wonderful writers, but when you’re seeking out health, fitness and wellness advice, here’s how to determine if it’s from a trusted source.

1. Real health and wellness links & sources

A safe and accurate article with recommendations should have links to journal articles, or be written by a registered health professional with industry knowledge and experience. Trusted journals will be found on Google scholar, and include titles like BJSM (British Journal of Sports Medicine) and the American Journal of Sports Medicine.

2. PAIR online advice WITH an in-person consultation

Each article, even if it’s written by a health professional, should recommend you see a trained professional in addition to its recommendation.

For example: If you’re reading an article on calf pain and its soul recommendation is a massage, you should definitely be cautious. If you calf pain is originating from a DVT (deep vein thrombosis) a massage could be incredibly dangerous and even fatal. Always see a health professional in addition to reading any article.

3. Genuine Statistics

Have you ever read a health statistic that says 19 out of 20 people find…A study group of 20 people is miniscule, and advising people to behave in accordance with the results of a study including twenty people is ill-advised. If you’re taking the advice of an article that cites statics, check that they’re reliable and valid enough to influence your behaviour.

4. No Ultimatums

Health, fitness and wellness all depend on the body, and each and every one of us is different. No article should recommend you must 100% adhere to their guidelines for a certain outcome unless it’s been proven over and over again in evidence-based studies.

Eg. 'Don’t stretch before running because it causes injuries' vs. 'Don’t smoke because it will cause cancer.'

It’s clear which one of these ultimatums has been proven over and over again (For more information on how to stretch check out my newest guest post for Fitfluential)

The internet is full of health and wellness advice thanks to articles, social media and the ever-popular hashtag: #fitspo. Before you launch into a program of lunges to rehabilitate your knee pain (ouch!) check the legitimacy of your source, who wrote it and where they found their information. 

Whether you’re enquiring about weight loss, rehabilitation, injury, training techniques or training plans, always see a health professional in-person for a reliable recommendation in conjunction with anything you read online.

*This article is re-posted from LinkedIn. Read the original post I wrote here.