Needing to shed those last 10 pounds or start dropping your first thirty? Why not skip the gym and lose weight, Island-Style.
On any given day, from daybreak until moonlight, you will find a runner, a walker, a yogi, a paddle boarder, a beach cruiser, and a kayaker on Balboa Island. There are many different ways to get in shape and reach your goal weight by enjoying all the activities the Island has to offer.
Pilates/Yoga: Balboa Island Pilates is located on Marine Ave. and puts the fun back into exercise. Their intimate studio features state of the art Pilates machines and Pilates mat exercise too. They are currently offering a discount on their Toezies socks when you check into their studio via Yelp. If you are new to the studio, your first class is only $15. Pilates is great for toning your core muscles and strengthens your arm and leg muscles too.
Paddle Boarding: SUP is the lingo used around the Island for Stand Up Paddle. Its the new craze in Newport and the local bikini shop, The Persimmon Tree offers SUP rentals via Island Paddle Board. They rent by the hour, but offer discounts for longer rentals. Your first hour is $25, while 3 hours is only $50. Tour Newport Harbor and view the outside of Balboa Island on your very own paddle board. Certified instructors offer both group and private classes. Paddle Boarding requires balancing, using your core muscles, so it is definitely a workout even though you might not feel it until the next day.
Kayaking: Get those arms in shape! Newport Beach Boat Rentals offers kayak rentals for $18/hr single and $25 an hour if you want to go tandem. The Cobra Kayak is a super-stable platform and ideal for beginners. There are many dolphins and sea lions so you might get up close and personal with one on your kayak. Go to their website and you can print a coupon that is good for $5 off rental during the weekdays.
Running/Walking/Stretching: Balboa Island is nearly 2.5 miles in its entirety from Bayfront to Bayfront so not only is it a great workout, but one of the most beautiful ones too. Walking and running are perfect ways to get fit while going along the bayfronts and the canal. You can take breaks and stretch along the cement wall, do some yoga moves on the sand, or bring some weights with you and do a full body workout. A brisk jog in the morning is popular on the Island. Famed Angels player and legend Reggie Jackson used to jog those 2.5 miles every morning.
Beach Cruising: Although you cant ride your bike on the Bayfront, you can still take your bike through the side streets and on the Island Ferry. Many people that live on the island own their own beach cruiser, but there are many bike rentals on the Balboa Peninsula like Bike Religion, Easy Street Bikes and Seaside Bike Rentals that offer stellar deals on beach cruisers by the hour and by the day.
