Outdoor and Active

Stay fit in Tempe, from outdoor activities to spinning classes

There are lots of ways to be active in Tempe, Arizona. It’s a fun college town with hiking and running trails, miles of bike paths, and lots of sunshine to go around. Staying fit in Tempe just goes with the territory. Here are a few of our favorite ways to stay active, be well and eat healthy in Tempe.

Stay fit in Tempe

Go for a jog, a walk or a bike ride

Enjoy our endless sunny days by exercising outside. Tempe has a multitude of paths for jogging, walking or going for a bike ride. One of the most popular spots is Tempe Town Lake, where you’ll find concrete paths that encircle the lake. You can cross from the south side to the north shore by using the bridges at Rural Road, Mill Avenue, the Elmore Pedestrian Bridge near the Tempe Center for the Arts or Priest Drive. Visit the City of Tempe website for a map of the Tempe Town Lake area.

Tempe is home to 217 miles of bike paths, many that can also be used by runners and walkers. These include canal paths, desert trails and neighborhood routes. Popular pathways include the Western Canal Multi-use Path in south Tempe (connecting Arizona Mills mall to Price Road), the Crosscut Canal Multi-use Path in Papago Park and the paths around Tempe Town Lake. Find a description of Tempe’s completed pathways on the City of Tempe website. If you don’t have your own bike, you can rent one from The Bicycle Cellar in Downtown Tempe.

Tempe E-bike Tours
Tempe E-bike Tours

Spin classes at The Madison

Sometimes it takes a bit of distraction for me to finish a workout. That’s where The Madison comes in. This cycling studio is located at First Street and Farmer Avenue in Downtown Tempe. They have classes daily, ranging in start times from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The high-energy studio, complete with floor to ceiling bright lights that pulse with the beat of the music, features 60 bikes. Their instructors are top-notch and really know how to motivate you during your 50-minute class. You’ll embrace their tag line, Party on a Bike® because it feels more like a dance party than a workout. And, if you plan ahead, stop by the Culinary Dropout for post-workout nosh. This cool gastropub is located in the same building.

Paddleboarding (and kayaks and pedal boats too) at Tempe Town Lake

Stand-up paddleboarding is my favorite way to explore Tempe Town Lake. It’s easier than you might think to balance on these over-sized surfboards. And, it’s a great workout to boot.

Our friends at Boat Rentals of America – Tempe Town Lake rent stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and pedal boats that just happen to look like swans, dragons and ducks. They rent them hourly and in 2-hour increments. Either will give you plenty of time to see everything from Mountain America Stadium to Tempe Center for the Arts. Check the Boat Rentals of America for hours of operation, monthly specials, and more information.

Boating at Kiwanis Lake

And, speaking of boating, don’t forget that you can also rent watercraft from Boat Rentals of America – Kiwanis Lake. On Saturdays and Sundays, you can take a kayak or pedal boat out onto the lake in this community park. Check their website for hours of operation and pricing. Rentals here are in 30 minute or 1 hour increments. You could make a whole day of it — take a walk in the park, go out on the water and then follow that activity with a picnic lunch.

Kiwanis-Park_Watercraft

Yoga at local studios

CorePower Yoga offers classes that range in challenge, range and style to fit every experience level.  They are limiting class capacity so walk-ins are not allowed at this time. But, you can book classes in advance or try a class online. Their Tempe studio is located on Mill Avenue, just south of University Drive.

One Tribe Yoga & Wellness is a studio in south Tempe (at Rural and Warner Roads) that makes you feel like part of the family. They offer hot vinyasa, slow flow, yin and Ashtanga classes, along with meditation sessions and massage therapy. Classes are offered to a limited number in person and also streamed online. See the website for prices and the current schedule.

Arizona Yoga Co., located in the heart of Downtown Tempe, is a donation-based yoga studio with a suggested $10 donation per class. They specialize in teaching power vinyasa sequences that are both challenging and accessible to the beginner yogi. They are limited classes to 10 people, so pre-registration is recommended.

Phoenix Rock Gym

Go rock climbing without leaving the comfort of air conditioning at the Phoenix Rock Gym.  No experience is necessary. Just show up equipped with nothing more than your sense of adventure, and they will teach you everything. They provide all the climbing gear you’ll need to succeed. There is every level of difficulty, so whether you’re a first timer or a seasoned climber. Remember, it’s mind over matter. The staff is super helpful and will take you to greater heights! Adding this to your routine even monthly will encourage you to stay fit in Tempe by keeping your workouts fresh.

Phoenix Rock Gym
Phoenix Rock Gym

Find balance with these wellness options

True REST Float Spa 

This isn’t a spa where you walk in, get a massage, and then hop right back in your car. Instead, you can treat yourself to something unique and beneficial for both emotional and physical health. The most popular service offered by True REST Float Spa is the Flotation Therapy. You’re lay in Epsom salt infused water inside of a “Float Pod.” This allows you to feel weightless and causing your body to completely relax. Flotation Therapy boasts the ability to lower stress as well as pain within the physical body. It’s is a great option for those who live a hectic lifestyle, or simply people who wish to try something that is new and good for the mind and body.

Narande Spa

If you are looking for a spa that’s a little more traditional, the Narande Spa is perfect for you. It offers all of the traditional spa options, like massages, pedicures and skin treatments. The spa is located at Marriott Phoenix Resort Tempe at The Buttes. BONUS – anyone who gets a spa treatment gets pool access for the day. Relaxing poolside is the perfect way to extend your bliss after your spa visit.

Discover a taste of Tempe’s healthy cuisine (that isn’t boring)

Now that you’re armed with all of these fitness and wellness options in Tempe, AZ, don’t forget about nutrition. Tempe has a wealth of restaurants, many with healthy options like salads, smoothies and low-cal dishes. There are also several popular vegetarian and vegan eateries for you to explore in Tempe. If you’d rather prepare your own healthful meals or grab snacks, you can’t go wrong with Whole Foods (now in Downtown Tempe) or Trader Joe’s (with two Tempe location in south Tempe and near the ASU Tempe Campus.

What are your favorite activities that help you stay motivated? Tell us in the comments below.

Like the blog? Save it for later!

#ourtempe

Tag us in your photos @TempeTourism or use #OurTempe.

Tempe Sky Nav Open Tempe Sky Nav

Sports Newsletter

Get the inside scoop on the best sports in Tempe - straight to your inbox. We'll send you our list of local deals and activities when you do.

Meeting Planner Newsletter

Get the inside scoop on the best meeting venues, dining scene and hotels in Tempe - straight to your inbox. We'll send you our list of local deals and activities when you do.