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This gym, worthy of Hercules, houses a monster selection of free weights, cardio equipment, treadmills, lifecycles, elliptical machines, and Stairmasters. An array of classes including: cardio kickboxing, spinning, yoga, and low impact options as well. The club also has a full service salon and spa, a cafe and an indoor pool. What did it for me was the childcare center. They have a tube maze, computers, tons of toys and more. In addition to a lap pool, there is an awesome slide and fountains for kids. |
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MommyDocs.com is a pediatric informational website for moms, by moms (and doctors). On this website you'll find podcasts, videos, health Q&A, a blog, and so much more. You can even submit questions regarding your children to the docs! In addition, Dr. Jamie and Dr. Rachel host live web chats discussing all sorts of topics, and encourage moms to join in the lively conversation. LINK |
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categories sports, fitness & activities Outdoor Exercise
categories sports, fitness & activities Outdoor Exercise |
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| Outdoor Exercise |
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Belle Haven Marina Georgetown Washington Pkwy
Alexandria VA 22307
703-768-0018
Belle Haven Marina is located just south of Old Town Alexandria, VA. This charming marina is owned by the National Park Service. It serves as a great parking lot for those who wish to ride or run the Mount Vernon Trail. For boating enthusiasts, the marina offers dry docks, wet slips, rack spaces and ramp fees at reasonable prices. Waiting lists can be long, sign up early and expect to wait. For the nautical beginner a sailing school is offered. You might want to head to Old Town Alexandria for lunch. I have heard the restaurant is marginal.
C&O Canal
Check attached website
The 184.5 mile long Chesapeake & Ohio Canal is located along the north bank of the Potomac River, starting in Washington, DC and ending in Cumberland, MD. The canal was built between 1828 and 1850. In 1971 the canal became a National Historic Park. Today, much of the canal has been drained of water and reclaimed by the forest. However, the canal's towpath remains a favorite of hikers, joggers, and bicyclists. Before you start out on your epic journey, I strongly recommend trying some shorter trips to prepare yourself. The towpath is not paved (the surface is typically clay and crushed stone), so it is a bit rough. Therefore, you will need to build up some calluses on your butt before starting out (no joke). The first 20 miles is the most heavily used and is a good place to practice. Info courtesy of BikeWashington.org.
Capitol Crescent Trail
Trail runs from Georgetown & Bethesda
The Capital Crescent Trail (CCT) is a rail trail project running though the Northwest D.C. Area. On weekends, it is a VERY popular spot for local cyclists and rollerbladers. During weekdays, bike commuters use the CCT to travel between Downtown DC and the Northwest Suburbs. The southern 7 miles between Georgetown and Bethesda has a 9-foot wide asphalt surface and is in excellent condition. The northern Georgetown Branch extension provides a crushed gravel surface for the final 4 miles between Bethesda and Silver Spring. The two trails are connected by a brand new tunnel located under downtown Bethesda. Information courtesy of BikeWashington.org.
Carderock Recreation Area
Check attached website
Montgomerty County MD
Carderock Recreation Area is located on the Potomac River about 1 mile west of the Capital Beltway (near the American Legion Bridge). This little known recreation area is a great place to park your car and explore the C&O Towpath by bike. Downtown Washington DC is an easy 10 mile ride east on the unpaved towpath. Only 3 miles west is the majestic Great Falls. Information courtesy of BikeWashington.org.
Fairfax County
Check attached website
Fairfax County VA
A veritable cornucopia of outdoor options for kids and adults. Many of the offerings have been highlighted through DC MetroMommy. The attached link provides an overview of all the resources and activities that are made available through Fairfax County.
Gravelly Point
Accessible via the Northbound lanes of the George Washington Pkwy
Alexandria VA
If you have ever departed from National Airport via GW Parkway, you have probably seen Gravelly Point. My husband first introduced me to this unique parking area. It has now become my favorite starting point/parking destination when I am bike riding or rollerblading in DC. Kids and adults of all ages will love the incredible view of the numerous incoming and outgoing flights that leave National Airport. Gravelly Point is a mecca for bike riders, family picnics, league sports, kite flying and boaters. Sitting at the north End of Reagan National Airport, Gravelly Point provides easy access to the Mt Vernon Trail, downtown DC and Roosevelt Island.
Great Falls Park
9200 Old Dominion Drive
McLean VA 22102
703-285-2965
Outstanding views and hiking trails. This is an amazing park. There is a multitude of activities to choose from including: biking, boating, camping, falls viewing, horseback riding, fishing and more. There are nominal fees for park services. Noteworthy, while this is a breathtaking park, it can a bit dangerous in some areas. You might want to avoid bringing an active toddler to the park.
Mount Vernon Bike Trail
Check attached website
Fairfax County VA
Nearly 18 miles long, the Mount Vernon Trail follows the Potomac's Virginia shoreline from Roosevelt Island to the Mount Vernon Estate. The trail surface is paved. Due to its age, it is not up to current design standards in some areas. In some spots, the trail is narrow and winding. On nice weekends, expect a high traffic volume. Expect wonderful views of the Potomac and DC monuments. There are several great sights along the way, including GW's Mount Vernon home, Old Town Alexandria, Arlington National Cemetery, and the local's favorite Gravelly Point. I have done this trail and absolutely love it! If you are bringing kids, head over to Gravelly Point watch the planes landing at National Airport. This is a fun day with age appropriate kids or just hubby.
Rock Creek Trail
Montgomery Ct to DC - Check website
Information courtesy of BikeWashington.Org. Maryland's 14 mile long Rock Creek Trail is a collection of paved multi-use paths through southern Montgomery County. Urbanized trail that follows a mainly wooded route along the Rock Creek stream valley. The trail provides a nice traffic-free route between Rockville and the Bethesda/Silver Spring business districts. Despite the trail's convenient location, it does have a number of problems. Many sections are narrow and winding. Since the terrain is heavily wooded, debris often covers the trails. As a result, the trail is not the most efficient route for commuting. The trail also suffers from an extreme lack of directional signs. In a number of places, it is very difficult to determine the "main" trail route. Expect to take a couple of accidental side trail detours when you first ride this trail.
Stroller Strides
Check website for DC Metro locations
Washington DC 20001
888-224-6288
The goal of Stroller Strides is to get women out there and exercising as soon as medically possible. Members meet at parks and in malls. The program provides structured exercise coupled with an opportunity for new moms to join a community of women that are going through the rollercoaster ride of parenting a newborn. Feeling isolated, tired and completely overwhelmed (what new mother isn't?) with motherhood, this is great place to start your journey back to the real world. Classes run from 55 to 75 minutes. This is a total fitness program that incorporates power walking and body toning with the use of a stroller. Classes range in price. Ten classes cost $100.00 or $10.00 a session.
The National Mall
Check attached website
Washington DC
In DC, this spot is the grassy national Mall area between the Lincoln Memorial and the US Capitol. Here you can find free on street parking right next to all the major tourist sites. As you can imagine, these spots fill up real fast. Therefore, your best option is to get there before the tourist attractions open at 10am. If you have small kids, then this may be your best bet for parking. Note, once you have parked the crew, there are endless paths throughout the monuments and Tidal Basin to explore. I have always loved to hop on a bike and make my way around the Lincoln Memorial over to the Jefferson Memorial. If you are feeling adventurous you can continue down to the Georgetown Waterfront. The path takes you along the Potomac and it is wonderful!
Theodore Roosevelt Island
Accesible - Northbound lanes - GW Pkwy
VA
As you make your way across the footbridge that leads you over the Potomac River onto the island, you feel as though you are going down the rabbit hole. You are transported to a different time and place. Gone are the busy highways, bridges and humanity that surround this sanctuary. Enter the vision of Theodore Roosevelt, US President and renowned conservationist and naturalist. Little ones fancy themselves Robinson Crusoe as they explore the wooded trails and come upon a statue/monument that is dedicated to our 26th President. And just when you think you are lost forever, you find yourself at the river's edge looking over to the Georgetown Waterfront. It makes for a fun excursion. Parking available off the GW Parkway. Check the web for more info.
W&O Trail
Shirlington, VA to Purcellville, VA
I love this trail. For bikers, runners and walkers you could take the trail from start to finish. If you are on rollerblades, I found it best to start at the Sterling, VA entrance off Rt. 28 and take it West toward Leesburg. The views cover the spectrum from urban to downright rural. There are some beautiful sites, sounds and even smells on this trail. Check out North Carolina Barbeque. Its righ on the trail on Ashburn Road in Ashburn, VA. It is an old general store that offers a wonderful break for weary travelers. Noteworthy, the length of the trail is 45 miles. Most of the trail is literally off the beaten path, where little traffic can interfere with your leisure time. I think this is an exceptional trail for little ones in tow. If you are taking Junior, plan on a short trip that allows for easy parking and pit stops☺ |
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