˄

7.2.15

Back of woman in workout outfit going down Santa Monica stairs
  • Back of woman in workout outfit going down Santa Monica stairs
  • Profile shot of a woman in workout clothes on a blurred outdoor background
  • Back shot of a woman running
  • Split photo of a woman working out in two different poses
  • Split photo with people climbing stairs, medium shot from behind on the left and closeup of feet on the right
  • Split photo of woman working out against a stone wall, leaning against the wall and holding a drink on the left, and stretching her leg on the right.
  • Woman drinking pressed juice against a fence

    One of the many things we love about living in L.A. is that there are plenty of opportunities to exercise – and most are built right into the landscape. Lifestyle blogger Lauren Gores Ireland is showing us how it’s done at one of  favorite outdoor workout spots in the city – the Santa Monica Stairs. Follow Lauren’s outline below to make the most of this fitness hotspot, step by step!

    If there’s one thing L.A.’s mastered – it’s non-traditional workouts. Among the best? The famed Santa Monica stairs.

    The steps serve as a welcome alternative to my typical fitness routine. If you’ve ever made the trek yourself, you know it’s a thigh burner. The (approximately) 170 steps leave you feeling sweaty and accomplished. The area is usually busy, regardless of the time of day. But if you throw on a good playlist and let your mind wander free, you’ll forget about the crowd.

    There’s also something innately encouraging about the workout. I think it’s the idea of accomplishing something one step at a time – never looking back – that inspires me every time. For those of you who love feeling both fit and mindful, here’s how to master the trek…

    Note: There are two sets of Santa Monica stairs – wooden and concrete. The following photos were snapped at the wooden set.

    STRETCH:

    Spend a few minutes stretching before making the hike up, specifically focusing on your legs. The steps are certainly a bum and thigh burner, so a good stretch goes a long way.

    STEP UP:

    Begin the walk up, choosing a pace that’s comfortable for you. You’ll notice some people prefer to trek slowly, while others are nearly running. There are a couple of resting areas as you make your way up.

    HYDRATE + REFLECT:

    Once you reach the top, there’s a small lookout area where you can catch a view of the ocean (the view from the concrete steps is even more picturesque). Take a moment to hydrate and reflect.

    RUN:

    There’s a residential area where you can take a brief run (at the top or bottom). This will keep your heart rate up and make the workout more of a challenge.

    STRETCH:

    Take a few minutes to stretch again, before making the trek down. Your legs will thank you later!

    STEP DOWN:

    Begin the trek to the bottom, while controlling your pace.

    REPEAT:

    A number of people choose to take the stairs a handful of times before wrapping their workout. Each set will take you roughly 15 minutes, depending on your pace (excluding the run).

    Bottom banner image
    From our friends

    Comments


    1. 170 steps? That’s like 16 times up tinny bedroom. You sure you’ll all be ok get up……..

      Chris | 05.27.2016 | Reply
    2. Thank you for the useful info!
      Regards: George

      https://www.websst.com/

      Websst | 04.22.2020 | Reply
    3. Can do in my sleep and I am 58 years old. Normally I do 800 steps in my building.

      Edith Mendez | 01.30.2022 | Reply

    Leave A Comment


    *