Cool fitness-based activities to in your city

Hitting the gym day in and day out can become exhausting and frankly, boring! We have a solution: break your routine and have some fun with family and friends on the weekends. Here are some activities to try in and around Johannesburg/Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban. 

Johanneburg/Pretoria

Hiking

There are various beautiful spots in and around Johannesburg (and Pretoria) to go for an early-morning or late-afternoon hike as the sun is rising or setting. It is also an ideal activity for a fit family outing!

Here are some hiking trails to try:

• The Melville Koppies
• Klipriversberg
• Kloofendal Nature Reserve
• Delta Park
• Marievale Bird Sanctuary 
• Emmarentia Dam
• Northcliff Hill

Bounce

Bounce is one of the latest fitness trends to take South Africa by storm – it is a facility with 50 interconnected trampolines where children and adults can jump, dunk, slam, flip and kick to their heart’s content!

There are several facilities across Gauteng. 

City Rock

City rock is the biggest indoor wall climbing gym in Africa that offers various courses to children and adults. It’s a fun way to get out with your family and/or friends and still burn some calories!

Jozi X

If you’re someone who loves fun, far-from-ordinary activities that get your heart rate up, then Jozi X is the place for you! From parkour, crossfit classes, an obstacle race course, zorbing, bubble soccer and mountain boarding to slip and slides and offroad karting – we promise you won’t get bored here!

Roller skating

Who doesn’t love roller skating – it’s a great way to get active and spend some time with your friends and family! So try something different next weekend and get your skating on at RollEgoli.

Park run

Park runs are great outdoor family events as it is suited to adults and children, and you can choose whether you want to run or walk. And guess what, your dogs are welcome too! They take place at various green spaces all over Joburg and the world, usually on a Saturday morning at 8am. And best of all, it’s FREE!

PwC bike park

Not keen on running? Then get your bikes ready and head to PwC Bike Park for a morning of cycling, followed by a delicious picnic on the lawn!

Cape Town

Hiking up Lions Head

If you’re a resident of the mother city, you’re well aware of what an incredible landmark Lions Head is. So head out early on the weekend and hike all the way up for some breathtaking views. It should take approximately 90 minutes. Make sure you choose the path most suited to your fitness level and experience as some paths are not suitable for children and elderly. 

Outdoor yoga

Keen for something a little less adventurous? There are several outdoor yoga experiences taking place all around Cape Town every day so if you’re looking for something that will burn calories but not too intense, then try one of the outdoor yoga classes. 

SUP

The weather (and water) might be a little too cold right now, but if you’re looking for an adventurous activity that will have you working your core and burning calories, you should sign up for a SUP class! Who knows, you might spot some dolphins!

Outdoor gym

Hit the gym, outdoors! Get up early, take your family, hit the Sea Point promenade and work out in the fresh morning air with incredible views at the promenade outdoor gym. 

Sandboarding

Does surfing the sand dunes sound fun? Of course it does! Book your spot, grab your sunblock and hat, and hit the dunes. 

Kayaking

If you love the open water, you definitely need to try open water kayaking – a great activity for a large group of people, and a great workout too! 

Durban

Biking on the promenade

Hire a bicycle and cycle the entire length of the Durban promenade. It’s a great family activity and a great way to burn some calories while having fun!

Surf

Always wanted to learn how to surf? There are few things as refreshing and exhilarating as hitting the waves early in the morning – it’s the perfect way to kick-off an active weekend! 

Abseiling

No, that doesn’t have anything to do with your abs. Or does it? If you love adventure and adrenaline, this might be the perfect activity for you. Abseil down a 110m cliff face with a beautiful waterfall as your view. And yes, it’s a workout!

Are there any fun activities you love doing in your city to burn calories and have fun with your friends and family at the same time? Let us know on social media!

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Author: Tanja Schmitz

Founder and Editor of Fitness Magazine. You’ll find her behind her computer or on her bike, dreaming up new ways to improve or create content for you.

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