Health

4 Unusual Fitness-Friendly Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day

Practice yoga in the woods of DC or try standup paddleboarding for free on the Eastern Shore.

Take advantage while you can—before you know it, this water will be frozen over. Photograph via Shutterstock.

Each year on Memorial Day, through barbecues and picnics with family and friends, we remember those who lost their lives while serving in the US Armed Forces. But before lighting up the grill, why not celebrate by working out with a US Marine or going standup paddleboarding in Annapolis, home to the US Naval Academy? Check out these four unusual fitness-friendly ways to celebrate this weekend. 

Military Workout on Theodore Roosevelt Island
Monday at 9 AM

US Marine and Iraq War veteran Chris Goehner will coach you through a boot camp Monday morning on Roosevelt Island. Expect to train like our military men and women and to test your physical and mental endurance. Register online.


Free Standup Paddleboarding Lessons in Annapolis
Sunday at various times

If you’re spending the weekend on the Eastern Shore, check out a free demo of Paddle Core, a fusion of standup paddleboarding, yoga, and Pilates with Mantra Fit. Space is limited to seven students per 30-minute session; there are three sessions to choose from. E-mail carleen@mantrafit.com to snag a spot. 


Yoga and Hiking in DC
Saturday at 9 and 11:30 AM

The new program Yoga Hikes DC is led by Danielle Reyes, who takes a small group of yogis and hikers on 90-minute jaunts through Rock Creek Park and Dumbarton Oaks. Appreciate the woods during a brisk 45-minute hike with three 15-minute yoga breaks mixed in. Register at yogahikesdc.com


Yoga and Brunch in Columbia Heights
Saturday at noon

Yoga and brunch returns to the Dunes in Columbia Heights on Saturday. The class is taught by Mallory Hemerlein and is open to all levels, beginners especially. Bring your own mat and enjoy breakfast treats after.