Your fitness goals do not have to take a vacation on the Outer Banks.
Local gyms and fitness centers welcome vacationers with reasonably priced daily and weekly drop-in passes. I know at my go-to gym and yoga studios, the regular locals are always excited to see fresh faces and meet new people in the classes. So don’t hesitate to drop in to any of the local fitness facilities and yoga studios.
We also have a lot of free ways to get your workouts in.
Multiuse Paths and Trails
No matter what town you’re in, there is a multiuse path or trail that makes walking, running, biking or pushing a stroller safe and easy, or you can do any of those activities by the ocean on the beach (though I will say that biking on the beach is easier with a fat-tire bike at low tide). With a little creativity, you can add bodyweight exercises like lunges, squats, pushups, tricep dips, planks, sprints and more. Early in the morning, before the beach accesses get busy, is a great time to do lunges up a walkway or climbs or jumps on the access stairs. Here is a list of multiuse paths and trails.
Find a Hill
The Outer Banks is obviously very flat land, so those looking to amp up their workouts often head to a hill. A popular place to walk (or run if you’re extra) in the early mornings is the Wright Brothers National Memorial. Park around back off Colington Road near the airport, and do a few laps up the circular pathways that lead up to the monument. You’ll get a great leg workout and an amazing view of the ocean and sound at the top. The landing at the top is a good place to do your lunges, squats and pushups.
The other big hills on the Outer Banks are at Jockey’s Ridge State Park. Power walking or running in the deep sand on these hills is a super-sneaky workout. No matter what your fitness level, you’ll be huffing and puffing. I suggest going early in the morning or very late in the afternoon as it gets very hot up here.
Swim
Open-water swimming is free, of course. Ocean swimming parallel to shore, past the breakers, is a great exercise. But keep in mind that it’s safest to swim with a buddy or to let someone know your plans. Swim near a lifeguard if possible, and let them know what you are doing so they can keep an eye on you. Soundside swimming is a little more complicated because the water close to shore is shallow and boating traffic can be dangerous. Outer Banks Family YMCA has an indoor pool, but it charges a fee. Some vacation rentals include access to the YMCA so check to see if yours does.
Tennis and Pickleball
There are several places to play for free on the Outer Banks. Find a list of courts of free and paid courts here and read about the pickleball scene here.
Free Summer Workouts
Several local towns and organizations offer free outdoor yoga and fitness classes. Bring a towel, mat or blanket and water. Wear sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
Corolla
Yoga in the Park
Thursdays at 7:30 a.m. (through September 4)
Historic Corolla Park, 1160 Village Lane. For ages 13 and older
Duck
Classes are also livestreamed on Facebook.
Yoga on the Green
Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. (through September 23)
Fitness on the Green
First two Wednesdays of August (6th & 13th) at 7:30 a.m.
Dynamic Flow on the Green
Thursdays at 7:30 a.m. (through September 25)
Duck Town Green, 1200 Duck Road
Nags Head
Yoga in the Park
Tuesdays at 7:30 a.m. (through October 28)
Fitness Fridays
Fridays at 7:30 a.m. (through August 22)
Kids Move More
Fridays 10 to 11 a.m. (through August 1)
Dowdy Park, 3005 S. Croatan Highway
Namaste at the Beach
Thursdays at 7:30 a.m. (through August 28)
On the beach at Jennette’s Pier, 7223 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head
About the Author Molly Harrison
Molly Harrison is managing editor at OneBoat, publisher of OuterBanksThisWeek.com. She moved to Nags Head in 1994 and since then has made her living writing articles and creating publications about the people, places and culture of the Outer Banks.
