New year, new fitness goals, right? Like many people, we’re starting the new year with a focus on health and staying active. No matter what your fitness objectives may be, there are plenty of activities around town prepared to help you achieve them. From more traditional gym settings to unique ways of getting your body moving, these nine San Diego studios, wellness programs, and activities will help you start the new year off right.

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Activate House

Start the year on the right foot with Activate House, the San Diego fitness studio and gym located in North Park offers spin, sculpt, and yoga classes. Calling themselves a “new-age fitness studio,” AH emphasizes intentional training through movement and encourages mental balance and well-being. The sense of community the studio cultivates is accentuated with eucalyptus towels, a juice bar, and highly trained staff.

2855 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92104

Black Girls Run

Hit the pavement with Black Girls Run, a community that’s working to tackle obesity and motivate women to get out and move their bodies. Created in 2009, Black Girls Run has served the San Diego fitness scene as a resource for those looking to practice a healthy lifestyle, whether you’re an avid gym-goer or looking to start a fitness regimen. With national meet-ups already planned throughout the year, this movement is determined to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the community.

Various locations

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Body University

Regardless of your fitness level, Body University in La Mesa caters to individuals’ needs and goals. The boutique gym offers small group private training services (6-8 people at a time) and focuses solely on one-hour weight lifting sessions. Though open to all gender identities, you’ll most often find it packed with women only, which can be less intimidating for women who may be new to lifting. BU also offers body building competition services as well as customized nutrition programs and lifestyle guidance. With fitness equipment including free weights, cardio equipment, personal training, and highly trained staff, you’re sure to achieve your wellness goals.

6062 Lake Murray Blvd. #205, La Mesa, CA 91942

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CorePower Yoga

A staple in the San Diego fitness scene, CorePower Yoga offers both yoga and high-intensity strength training classes. Their newest class, Strength X focuses on helping you build lean muscles via targeted weight circuits and invigorating breath work. Five San Diego studios are hosting Strength X classes currently, and the Point Loma studio also offers scholarships to the CorePower Yoga Teacher Training program for BIPOC.

Various locations

Wheelchair Dance Organization Inclusive Dance

Wheelchair Dance Organization (WDO) Inclusive Dance is making dance more accessible for everyone. The nonprofit organization works to decrease feelings of isolation among those living with disabilities by building a community of dancers at any and all levels. The variety of dance classes offered—Latin jazz, samba reggae, hip hop, Bollywood—are free, taught by professionals, and include modifications for those in wheelchairs or other mobility devices.

The Experience Fitness and Mobility Studio

When the Experience Fitness and Mobility Studio came onto the San Diego fitness scene, they were dedicated to creating a safe space for anyone wanting to reach their health and fitness goals, regardless of identity, race, age, sexual preference, or athletic ability. The openly LGBTQ, wife-owned gym offers a place to reach your fitness aspirations. With a variety of training styles and methodology, you’ll build muscle, improve your range of motion, and eliminate pain. Beyond physical fitness, studio recognizes the inclusion of mental and emotional well-being for overall health and wellness.

1264 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92103

Madhouse Dance

Spice up your workouts with dance fitness classes at Madhouse Dance. The nightclub-inspired studio is a welcome place to try out fitness choreography and get your heart racing through movement. Daily classes include chair choreography, beginners heels, and the studio’s flagship dance cardio. These classes are only open to women, non-binary, and femme-identifying individuals. If you want to try out Madhouse Dance from home, their website also features on-demand dance workouts.

1189 Morena Blvd., San Diego, CA 92110

P.volve

In spite of its reputation as a quintessential, laid-back southern California beach town, America’s Finest City is perpetually on the move, especially when powered by pedals. With miles of coastal roadways, bike paths, and mountain bike trails, it’s no surprise that San Diego is home to a diverse cycling community with clubs and meetups for bikers of all interests and abilities. Whether riding road, trail, or somewhere inbetween, these group rides are sure to help you find your peloton—or at least your two-wheeled wolfpack.

Moment Bicycles

Old Town, Carmel Valley

Featuring shop locations in Old Town and Carmel Valley, and group rides leaving from both throughout the week, Moment Bicycles is a good option for both novice and experience riders. Early bird roadies can check out Moment’s 6:30 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday morning rides which treat riders to gorgeous views of San Diego Bay, as they make their way through Point Loma to Cabrillo National Monument, culminating in hill repeats on Tide Pool Hill before returning to Old Town.

Those looking to get off the beaten path (or for a later start) can join Moment’s mountain bike rides, which take place at 8:30 a.m. on the fourth Saturday of every month. While the route each month will vary, the ride typically leaves from the Carmel Valley location and details will be communicated through Moment’s website in advance. Moment also hosts Sunday morning rides with different routes each week.

San Diego Bicycle Club

La Jolla

If skinny tires and spandex are your style, the San Diego Bicycle Club has just the peloton for you. Organizing events since 1976, SDBC continues to host Saturday morning meetups with seven different group and distance options for road riders at all stages in their cycling progression. Elite riders can push the pace with peers in the A Group, while hardcore roadies and weekend warriors will find their cadence in the B and C Groups. The Development Groups offer new riders the chance to build skills while focusing on safe group riding dynamics and techniques like paceline rotation. Each group leaves from UC Cyclery in La Jolla and riding starts at 8:30 a.m.

No Spandex Saturday

Normal Heights

Beloved Normal Heights cycling establishment, Uptown Bicycles, may have recently closed shop, but that hasn’t stopped its former proprietors from continuing their No Spandex Saturday rides. As the name suggests, leave the lycra at home—this casual group ride is about the simple pleasures and camaraderie of enjoying the city on two wheels. Each week’s route is posted in advance on the group’s Instagram page and tends to feature a stop or two for refreshments at local favorites.

Gravelstoke

Location Varies

There’s enough asphalt in San Diego to keep even the most tenacious spinner satisfied, but sometimes the greatest thrills in life require taking the road less pedaled, which is where Gravelstoke comes in. An online hub for gravel riders, racers, bikepackers, and anyone else who enjoys adventure on two wheels, Gravelstoke hosts gravel rides and events on a monthly basis. Routes and locations are posted in advance on Gravelstoke’s event calendar and feature a mix of gravel, trail, and road riding conditions.

Fiesta Island Tracklocross

Fiesta Island

It’s often said that the simplest things in life are the best, and the best things in life are free—so why not apply that to biking, too? With no entry fees, no race numbers, and no registration, the Fiesta Island Tracklocross Association’s monthly Saturday race series has everything you want, and nothing you don’t. Starting at 9:30 a.m. the first Saturday of every month, a bike and the willingness to pedal for glory are all that is required to enter. Any type of bicycle is allowed, however “tracklocross” bikes—hybrid track/cyclocross bikes—are encouraged.

Adams Avenue Bicycles

North Park/Florida Canyon/Various

Adams Avenue Bicycles hosts multiple rides that are certain to keep even the heartiest velo fanatics busy. Drop bar banshees, gravel grinders and mountain mashers will all find something to suit their styles throughout the month. Roadie watt watchers can spin until their heart’s content each week on the Monday Smackdown road rides. Leaving from Adams Avenue Bicycles at 6:45 p.m., this ride is all about showing up and throwing down over the course of 26.88 miles before returning to the shop.

Mountain bikers and gravel riders seeking a midweek session will appreciate the DirTNR rides occurring each Tuesday night during the velodrome racing season. Riders link up at the velodrome at 5:15 p.m. before rolling out for a casual hour-long ride through Florida Canyon, returning to the velodrome in time to catch some track racing action.

Those who want to take their riding further afield will enjoy the monthly Sunday Field Trips, typically scheduled for the second Sunday of each month. Each trip will explore a different part of the county with locations and routes shared ahead of time on their website.

Awarewolf Full Moon Bike Ride

Location Varies

With the tagline, “We’re a pack. Not a mass,” Awarewolf is a collection of cyclists led by Charlie Sears and Ricardo Juarez, with the aim of increasing bicycling participation, safety and, of course, awareness, especially between riders and drivers in San Diego. In keeping with this mission, Awarewolf hosts a monthly Full Moon Bike Ride open to riders of all styles, from casual cruisers to fixed gear fanatics. The time, location and routes vary month-to-month and are posted in advance on Awarewolf’s website, but one thing is certain: when the Awarewolves are out, even the moon cycles.

SheWolves

Balboa Park

The Awarewolves aren’t the only pack of pedalers in town; the SheWolves bring their own lycanthropic flair to biking. A cycling club for women, trans, femme, and gender nonconforming riders, the SheWolves focus on fostering inclusion and allyship in the San Diego cycling scene. Thursday night group rides leave from the Bea Evenson Fountain in Balboa Park at 7:15 p.m. and end at a different bar or brewery for post-ride libations each week.

Rouleur Brewing Social Ride

North Park

Given its connections to cycling (its name is a French term for “having wheels,” and was later adopted by racers), it’s no surprise that North County beer staple and bike themed brewery, Rouleur, hosts a social ride every Thursday night from its North Park tap room. The ride begins at 6:00 p.m. and follows a 17-mile route, ending back at Rouleur for beer and refreshments.

Bonus: San Diego Bike Coalition

Various Locations

The San Diego Bike Coalition does essential advocacy work to ensure the region’s bicycling culture continues to grow and thrive by championing projects to improve cycling infrastructure, access to bike lanes, and policies that benefit riders. While the Bike Coalition doesn’t host a dedicated weekly ride, they do publish a robust monthly calendar of biking events in the area, ranging from local races to classes on safe riding skills and bicycle maintenance.

From the Marine Room, I paddle through the surf break, trying not to get knocked into the water. Once through, I stand on my stand-up paddleboard (SUP), navigating the next set of challenges: avoiding the groups of snorkelers directly in front of me, and then the flotilla of kayakers working their way from La Jolla Shores in the direction of the sea caves—each of us connecting with the ocean in our own way.

At a little over one square mile in size and reaching offshore depths of some 330 feet, the area between the shores and La Jolla Cove is technically a marine protected area called the Matlahuayl State Marine Reserve. Under the surface of the water, you might spot sea lions and seals, leopard sharks, garibaldi and other fishes, various kinds of rays, lobsters, and possibly even moray eels. Above water, winged creatures like brown pelicans and egrets dart through the skies. One of the joys of snorkeling here is when you spot a Brandt’s cormorant “flying” underwater, fishing for a meal.

Past most of the snorkelers and in front of the flotilla, I turn south and head over to where the water is more open and less hectic. After 10 minutes or so, with the leash wrapped around my ankle, I squat down and straddle my SUP. Then, I secure my paddle through the accompanying loops on the side of the board. Strapped under the SUP’s bungee webbing are my snorkel, mask, and fins. I put them on and drop into the water.

The visibility is okay, about 15 feet or so. Immediately, I see the territorial garibaldis protecting their watery turf. Juvenile ones, identifiable by the iridescent blue-purple spots on their backs, swim by. Snorkeling in the direction of the undulating grasses, I pass over a patch of sand. Down there, round stingrays hover. No bigger than a small dinner plate, they are in their element, fluttering with ease.

Above the grasses, I hover, emulating the rays. It is one of my favorite things to do while snorkeling: I simply float, using my fins only to maintain my position and avoid being pushed into the rocky underwater cliffs. As the waves roll in and back out, the green grasses shimmer in the sunlight, dancing to and fro.

Amidst it all, my body sways with the grasses, recalibrating my being for the days ahead.

Tips for Stand-Up Paddleboarding in La Jolla

• La Jolla Shores and La Jolla Cove are very busy and crowded areas. Be mindful of those around you while SUPing. Your board can cause injury to others in the blink of an eye. Be very aware that open ocean swimmers and sometimes scuba divers are out there as well. 
• You cannot SUP in the La Jolla Cove zone. Lifeguards will get on the intercom and ask you to leave the cove. As a rule, I suggest staying around the sea caves—if you’re going to pass them, go north, not toward the beach-goers in the shore break zone.
• You can rent SUPs in the village area at La Jolla Shores. Be sure to have a waterproof bag—also called a dry bag—for your phone and other valuables. 
• Do not forget to wear sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and perhaps a long-sleeved sun shirt with a hood. You get burned more quickly out on the water.

Your choice of surf break is a very personal decision. Each spot comes with its stereotypes—are you a grom, noserider, or Wavestorm warrior? From localized reefs to kooky beach breaks, the last 14 years I’ve spent surfing in San Diego have taught me that each spot truly has its own vibe.

What does your favorite San Diego surf spot say about you?

Tourmaline

The Malibu of San Diego

Dubbed as the ultimate old man spot and San Diego’s Malibu, Tourmaline is a longboarder’s heaven. If your board is smaller than 7 feet, go home. In the lineup you can find guys who have been surfing Tourmaline for the last 40+ years and show no signs of stopping. Hanging ten and gracefully maneuvering across a cruising 20+ second wave is irresistible enough for many to fight the crowds and congested streets of Garnett. Good luck snagging waves from the locals who were around to remember Jack Murphy Stadium.

The Uniform: 10ft nose rider log, Greg Noll striped swim trunks, and a nose covered in zinc

Sunset Cliffs

The Point Break

Sunset Cliffs isn’t just sunshine and sunsets. Sharks, rips, reef, rocks, and a hell of paddle out on a bigger day can make surfing here a real gauntlet. Perils aside, Sunset Cliffs is arguably one of the more consistent reef breaks in the county. Just make sure you have your surfboard repair shop on speed-dial for the inevitable dings that will riddle your board.

In the lineup, you’ll be sure to hear stories from the locals about how the waves used to be better, the beaches were less crowded, and a California burrito used to cost $7. The good ‘ole days. With the reef generating consistent waves year-round, Sunset Cliffs can boast some of the longest waves in the county.

The Uniform: 9’6 Longboard, dented like a copper Moscow mule mug, and noodle arms

Ocean Beach

The Venice Beach of San Diego

Ocean Beach feels like the most San Diego beach there is. A boardwalk with shops from another era, consistent waves, great food, lively bars, and drum circles on the beach. What’s not to love? In the water, you can find groms getting air on small waves, older guys putting their stake on the jetty, and beatniks riding the same board they did since the ’80s. Ocean Beach isn’t always the most welcoming of surf spots, so make sure to lock your car and bring your trusty self-defense weapon—or friend who will back you up in the lineup.

The Uniform: 30-year-old, beaten-up 6’5 shortboard with flame decals, tie-dye shirt, and a Rasta-colored poncho

Imperial Beach

Barrels, Burritos and Sewage Pipes

Unfortunately, the consistent pollution coming from the U.S./ Tijuana wastewater plant has caused lifeguards to keep those yellow “Sewage Contaminated Water” signs up year round. With all these hazards, Imperial Beach surfers are the ultimate lab rats—putting their lives on the line for the sake of science and shredding.

Years ago, I recall surfing in purple waves which were attributed to a “completely safe” water test from the Navy’s military lab located just up the strand. If your skin starts glowing after a surf session, visit your local hospital immediately, otherwise, head down to Palm Avenue for some of the best takeout Mexican food in San Diego.

The Uniform: 5’8 Retro fish surfboard and a bottle of antibiotics

Cardiff

Vegan and GMO-Free Waves

Locals here start their day with an acai bowl from the Cedros district, a freshly pressed vegetable juice from their neighborhood market, and a CBD gummy. Cardiff and the Encinitas region are packed with great peaks and reefs that gather surfers like moths to a flame, including legends like Rob Machado.

Paddle out just past the iconic Cardiff Kook statue and you’ll hear surfers chatting about how mid lengths are the best surfboards, becoming vegan has changed their life, wearing shoes is bad for you and surfer’s pitching their band’s latest folk album. Just remember not to drop in. Otherwise they’ll call you “The New Cardiff Kook.”

The Uniform: 6’6 mid-length twin-fin, pair of Birkenstocks, and long-hair

Pacific Beach

The College Hangout

Need a spot to surf off the hangover? Then head to Pacific Beach. In the lineup, you can hear the chattering of college students and locals (still reliving their college days) planning their night of debauchery at the local bars. PB is the land of a thousand soft tops and is not a bad place to learn if you can avoid the crowds. People will ride anything that floats here. I mean anything. Hit pacific beach first thing in the morning while the locals are still recovering from the night before.

The Uniform: 7’6 Wavestorm, cargo shorts, and Reef beer-opener sandals

Blacks Beach

San Diego’s Pipeline

If you’re up for a 20-minute hike down the cliffs, encounters with nudists, occasional rockslides and daunting canyon sets, Black’s Beach is the spot for you. Known to some as California’s Pipeline, Blacks is the ultimate big wave spot for the adrenaline junkies in town. Though not every session at Black’s is a heart-pounding, arm-deflating, battle of man vs. nature, the spot is consistently one of the best in the county.

Among the lineup you can find characters like groms working on their sponsor videos, Kelly Slater lookalikes, your friend who insists that surfing naked brings them closer to nature, and of course your friend who owns a big wave gun and daydreams about catching that perfect 15-foot wave. Keep dreaming, my friend.

The Uniform: 7’2 big wave gun, DNR bracelet, no pants

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If you have lived and hiked in San Diego long enough, eventually you’ll find yourself in a hiking rut. Heading to the same places, doing the same trails, instead of branching out and trying something new. 

That’s happened to me plenty of times. And while there is something beautiful about hiking the same routes over and over—noticing things you haven’t seen before, or seeing if you can reach a summit in a record time—it’s also important to explore. That’s the whole point of hiking, right?

A great way to explore new trails is to head to a part of the region where you don’t usually go. There are lots of trails in South County that you may not have set foot on before, and many are worth checking out.

So, here are three South County hikes to try.

Hollenbeck Canyon

This 4.7-mile, out-and-back hike takes you through a scenic canyon in Jamul with sweeping green hills on either side. Go in the spring and you’ll have beautiful views of wildflowers, and possibly a few small streams you’ll need to cross (pack a small towel and go barefoot across if you don’t want wet shoes and socks). There are a few steep places along the way, but the trail is well maintained and mostly not too challenging.

Directions: Start at the trailhead on Honey Springs Road off Campo Road.

Distance: 4.7 miles, out-and-back

Difficulty: Moderate

Dogs: Allowed

Details: Buy a California Department of Fish & Wildlife day pass for $5.66 online before you go.

Mother Miguel Mountain

This steep but relatively short climb near Chula Vista is a bit challenging, but the views from the top are totally worth it. On a clear day, you can see mountains to the east, Sweetwater Reservoir, and Chula Vista, plus the ocean and bay along with Mexico, Coronado, and downtown San Diego. The hike is best done before summer months because there’s no shade along the way, and there are steep switchbacks for part of the trail.

Directions: Start at Mount San Miguel Park on Paseo Veracruz.

Distance: 4.4 miles, out-and-back

Difficulty: Challenging

Dogs: Allowed

Details: Parking is free.

Tijuana Estuary

Forget Torrey Pines (OK, don’t forget it, because it’s also beautiful), this wide park along the ocean is way less crowded and still has beautiful views. You can hike along the US-Mexico border, winding your way around as many trails in the Tijuana River Valley as you’d like. Still perfectly pleasant as the weather gets warmer, this estuary is a great spot for bird watching and easy hiking with its flat trails. 

Directions: Start on Imperial Beach Boulevard to follow the North McCoy trail or the full route.

Distance: For the longest hike, follow the 9.2-mile Valley Scenic Route, or do the shorter North and South McCoy trails.

Difficulty: Easy

Dogs: Allowed

Details: Parking is free. A trail map can be found here.