Sometimes area residents want to work out while experiencing the outdoors. Area parks, sidewalks and trails give people a choice for getting outside and moving. This guide examines ways residents can take advantage of these amenities to stay healthy.

Getting started
Mark King, owner of Fleet Feet Sports in Round Rock, said when people want to know how to get started running he asks what their goals are.
“[We would ask] if they’re training for a 5K, for a half marathon; there are so many ways they can go,” he said.
However, Marks said it is just important for people to start jogging “one step at a time.”

Gear
Mark said runners should get a fitting pair of running shoes. He also recommends moisture-wicking apparel.
“These are going to make your workout experience more enjoyable, so the more enjoyable we can make it for them, the more inclined they are going to be to continue [running],” he said.
Other gear Mark recommends includes a hat, sunscreen and bottles for water.

Nutrition
Leda Molina, Fleet Feet Sports store manager, said runners should focus on nutrition while they are training and not just on the day of a race. She said Fleet Feet carries a variety of snacks with nutrition for runners.

Chance to participate
Fleet Feet Sports at 3750 Gattis School Road hosts a series of group runs open to the public. Those interested can visit www.fleetfeetroundrock.com/calendar to see upcoming dates.

Body weight exercises

Getting started
JJ Lillibridge, recreation program coordinator for the city of Round Rock’s Parks and Recreation Department, said residents can go to a local park and do a variety of “back to basics” exercises. He said pushups, situps, lunges and squats are good examples of exercises residents can complete in any park.

Equipment
Lillibridge said residents can use park benches, street curbs, trees or playground equipment as a means of augmenting their park exercises. He said residents can use a picnic table for inclined pushups or stepups, or use a playscape’s monkey bars to do chinups.

Cycling

Getting started
Jessica Romigh, founder of bicycling advocacy nonprofit Bike Hutto, said people should have a bike fitted to their body type to be comfortable while cycling. She said most bicycle shops will help new cyclists find a bike that fits.

Gear
Aside from a bicycle, Romigh said it does not take much gear to start riding.
“A lot of people getting into cycling for the first time can be put off by the clothing,” she said. “They feel if they aren’t wearing a cycling jersey and shorts they aren’t a cyclist. If you get on a bike you’re a cyclist. It doesn’t matter what you wear as long as it’s comfortable.”

Safety
Romigh recommends new cyclists stay within their comfort zones at first. She said those who don’t feel comfortable riding on the street can stay on trails. However, she said riding on the roads gives cyclists freedom to ride long distances. Romigh recommends riding with a group on the road to increase visibility and to wear bright colors and lights.

Chance to participate
Bike Hutto members are participating in a Brushy Creek Trail ride at 8:15 a.m. May 22 starting at Brushy Creek Lake Park at 3300 Brushy Creek Road, Cedar Park.