mercredi, 06, avril 2016

Filed under:
The Dupont Circle

Written by
Nicola Brady

How to keep active in Washington D.C.

Get energised in the capital

Want to keep active when you're on a city break in Washington DC? We look at the activities that are on offer in the city, from paddle boarding to cycling.

Sometimes it can be hard to feel active when you’re in a city. Sure, you can spend a lot of time on your feet – strolling the city streets, finding your way between cute cafés and boutiques. But when you want to feel like you’re getting energised (and maybe burn off the calories from that café pit-stop) then you want to know where and when you can do it.

Luckily, in Washington D.C. there are plenty of spots where you can work up a sweat. And now that summer is just around the corner, there’s no better time to lace up your running shoes and see the city from a different perspective.  

Go for a run on Embassy Row

For a different view of the city, go for a run on Embassy Row. The city is home to more than 175 embassies, representing countries from all over the world. It’s a quieter spot than many of the tourist sites around the city, so you won’t find yourself dodging people every few minutes. Rock Creek Runner has a great route that starts right at Dupont Circle, which takes you past numerous embassies on a wide sidewalk. With a few hills and great views, it makes for the perfect city jog.
Find the route here

Paddle Boat in the Tidal Basin

If you want to get active but not work too hard, then a pleasant ambling session in a paddleboat is the perfect solution. The famous paddleboats in the Tidal Basin are a great way to spend an hour or two, and you get amazing views of the Jefferson Memorial, as well as the cherry blossoms in the spring.
See more here

Go Stand Up Paddle Boarding

Stand up paddle boarding (or SUP) is an activity that’s taken the world by storm over the last few years, and you can enjoy it right in the city. Renting a paddleboard will give you a great core workout as well as a unique view of the monuments, Teddy Roosevelt Island's wildlife and the Georgetown Waterfront. If you want to get adventurous, you can also tackle a combination of SUP and yoga, or relax with a twilight session.
See more here 

Go on a bike tour

Biking is an excellent way to see a city, but it can be a little intimidating if you don’t know your way around. A great solution is a guided tour with Bike and Roll, who organise guided cycling tours around Washington D.C. They run a variety of different tours, from Capital Sites to the Monuments at Night, and are suitable for all levels. If you’d rather take the city at your own pace, you can rent a bike and head off on your own.
See more here 

Take a class

Maybe the weather isn't so perfect... or maybe you want a quick blast of exercise to set you up for the day. There are plenty of fantastic gyms near The Dupont Circle, including a Soul Cycle studio, where you can take a high octane spin class with a heady dose of spirit. There's also a fitness studio in the hotel itself, which is free for the guests to use, so you can hit the treadmill or lift some weights. Don't forget to get yourself ready for action with a juice from The Juicery - you'll be energised in no time. 

Check out the website for more information about The Dupont Circle