Daylight saving time has passed, so getting outside and soaking up vitamin D is now more important than ever. Northern Virginia parks have spaces for anyone looking to get a quick outdoor workout in. Whether you’re stopping by while your children play or just searching for a free spot for cardio and strength training, these parks with outdoor workout equipment are for you.
Bles Park
The fitness facilities in this 124-acre park are perfect for guests looking to burn a few calories. Ninety-four acres of the park are dedicated to nature walks and hiking trails, while 30 more acres are home to soccer fields, playgrounds, and outdoor fitness equipment. The Kompan equipment also comes with signs that demonstrate how to optimize the equipment. 44830 Bles Park Dr., Ashburn
Crystal City Workout Park
Right off of the beltway in Crystal City is a small park with sand volleyball courts and outdoor fitness equipment. The outdoor fitness area includes equipment like a chest press, pull up bar, hand bike, inclined crunch bench, and more. Each machine has a sign with instructions and recommended exercises, the function of the exercise, the intensity, and the targeted muscles. 26th Street and Crystal Drive, Arlington
Gwen Thompson Briar Patch Park
This park is home to a large children’s playground and basketball, tennis, pickleball, and volleyball courts. The 5-acre park also includes a National Fitness Court, an area built to allow seven different movements with equipment like a 360-degree lunge course, plyometric box sets, pushing rings, ladders, and agility dots. The court has a corresponding website and mobile app with instructions and examples of exercises. 21660 Sterling Blvd., Sterling
Patrick Henry Recreation Center
This community center is full of fitness facilities and equipment. An indoor walking and running track, basketball, volleyball, and pickleball courts, and a full-size gymnasium allow ample opportunity to break a sweat indoors. Outside, the center is home to a children’s playground and an outdoor fitness area with multiple pieces of equipment focused on strengthening different muscles. 4653 Taney Ave., Alexandria
Potomac Green Park
This neighborhood park has several sports facilities including two tennis courts, a baseball field, and two bocce ball courts. Away from the children’s playground is a multigenerational fitness area with equipment to strengthen your core, arms, and legs. The fitness area is open to all ages, making it an ideal spot for parents and children to get active together. 20750 Marblehead Dr., Ashburn
Potomac Yard Park
Along with four pickleball, two tennis, and basketball courts, this park has a large children’s playground and interactive water fountains. The walking trails allow low intensity exercise, and the outdoor fitness equipment allows for higher intensity, strength-building workouts. 2501 Potomac Ave., Alexandria
Shirlington Park
Along 11.5 acres of land, this park includes a stream, a dog park, the Four Mile Run Trail, and an outdoor fitness area. The fitness equipment includes pull and push bars with a detailed, three-day workout plan on a large sign. Each day has four exercises and is meant to target the entire body. 2601 S. Arlington Mill Dr., Arlington
Thomas Jefferson Community and Fitness Center
Right behind the Thomas Jefferson Community and Fitness Center is an outdoor, adult jungle gym. With plenty of pull-up bars and inclined and flat benches, this park is the perfect spot for a quick outdoor workout. Along with the long list of indoor fitness facilities inside the center, there is an outdoor soccer field, a tennis court, and a children’s playground. 3501 S. Second St., Arlington
Feature image of Gwen Thompson Briar Patch Park courtesy Loudoun County Parks, Recreation, and Community Services
link