Since opening, Klyde Warren Park has become a haven for those looking to get a little slice of nature in their Uptown and Arts District experiences. But with spring in form and summer but a few months away, the need to shed any remaining winter weight looms large. Fortunately, within the 5-acre plot, you can find plenty of scheduled activities designed to keep you active, from stroller boot camp to tai chi, all for free.
We’ve rounded up the park’s offerings in this easy-to-use guide — and maybe as motivation to head over after work some time.
Monday
What: Boot Camp with Jesus Cappuccino
When: 5:30-6:30 pm
The Skinny: Got a case of the Mondays? Me neither. But if you’re feeling like you need to kick off the week in style, Jesus can help. Release the stress and any lingering effects from the first day back by bringing an optional set of medium-weight dumbbells (5-10 pounds for women, 10-15 pounds for men), a small towel and some water.
Tuesday
What: Stroller Boot Camp by YMCA
When: 10-11 am
The Skinny: Congregate with other parents and “anyone else with a stroller,” which we assume would be a nanny or a very health-conscious kidnapper for a boot camp. Bring water and a yoga mat. And a stroller, duh.
What: Dallas Insanity Group with Jimmy Nelson
When: 5:30-6:30 pm
The Skinny: If you missed Monday’s boot camp, or you’re a glutton for public punishment, then it’s same spot, same place on Tuesday for another intense workout, this time with trainer Jimmy Nelson. He’s a cast member from the Insanity workout DVD, so he probably knows what he’s doing. Bring the same dumbbells and water bottle, but preferably a new towel.
Wednesday
What: Zumba Class
When: 5:30-6:30 pm
The Skinny: Get your aerobic dance on with the YMCA. It probably won’t put as much strain on your mind or body as a boot camp, but it never hurts to just dance. Zumba is about having fun so bring yourself and a willingness to move it ... move it.
Thursday
What: Stroller Boot Camp
When: 10-11 am
The Skinny: Same deal as above — bring a stroller, some water and a yoga mat. Curiously, there’s no mention on whether you need to have a baby in the stroller. Maybe a loaf of bread would work if you’re down a baby.
What: Yoga with Bikram Yoga
When: 5:30-6:30 pm
The Skinny: Bikram Yoga gives you a chance to learn the basics of trying not to fall over with the beginner classes. No, but seriously, yoga is a good workout that everyone should try at least once. Bring a yoga mat.
Friday
What: YMCA Boot Camp
When: 5:30-6:30 pm
The Skinny: It’s the end of the workweek, and you’re probably looking to blow off some steam. Before you get a little rowdy Friday night, get in an hour of calorie burning with the Y’s boot camp. You’ll feel better about yourself and some of those drinks won’t weigh so heavy the morning after.
Saturday
What: SWEAT in the Park Boot Camp
When: 9-10 am
The Skinny: SWEAT Gym hosts an early morning boot camp for those of you who really enjoy starting Saturday with some perspiration. Whether you’re trying to sweat out a hangover or you’re just be a positive member of society, this is your ticket. As with other boot camps, bring the towel, water and dumbbells.
What: Tai Chi with the Crow Collection
When: 9-10:30 am, first Saturday of the month
The Skinny: The Crow Collection hosts this monthly gathering for practicing the ancient Chinese art of defense. We know nothing about tai chi except that Patrick Swayze practiced it in best movie of the ’80s, Road House, which means it must be the greatest form of defense ever.
What: Yoginos: Yoga for Youth
When: 10-11 am
The Skinny: The Crow Collection also hosts this weekly yoga session for the youths of Dallas to promote flexibility, strength, balance and all the other things yoga teaches you. Bring a yoga mat. You know what? Just start carrying a yoga mat everywhere you go. It’s easier that way.
What: Yoga with Dallas Yoga Center
When: 10-11 am
The Skinny: Dallas Yoga Center hosts this yoga for adults at the same time as the yoginos. Thankfully, there are rarely yoga turf wars, as everyone is too busy trying to figure out how to get their body to bend that way.
Sunday
What: Yoga with Exhale Dallas
When: 10-11 am
The Skinny: Sunday may be typically devoted to football or fundays or just not working out, but some crazy people need to get their sweat on, and for that Exhale Dallas is here to help you out. Mats are provided because, sure, why not? Bring five extra mats just in case.
Klyde Warren Park offers free workouts every day of the week, but Saturdays are particularly busy in the mornings.
Fletcher's Chocolate Corny Dog. Photo courtesy of State Fair of Texas