Irvine is one of the top 10 fittest cities in the American Fitness Index by the American College of Sports Medicine as well as one of WalletHub’s top 10 “Healthiest Cities in America.” Designed with its residents’ wellness in mind, the Master Plan ensures that one-third of Irvine’s land be kept open for parks, bike paths and hiking trails, which means 90% of Irvine’s population lives within a 10-minute walk of a park.
People maintain healthier lifestyles when surrounded by others who prioritize well-being. Watching neighbors cycle to work or runners on the road motivates good habits. If you already have a reliable routine, make this the year to try something new. Here are 25 options within easy reach.
STRETCH YOUR BODY AND SPIRIT WITH YOGA
YOGA SHAKTI | University Center
Rooted in ancient traditions, Yoga Shakti offers in-person and online classes for all fitness levels. From vigorous vinyasa flow to restorative rehabilitation, skilled instructors help build strength, flexibility and mobility while centering the mind to promote rest and relaxation. yogashaktistudio.com; 949‑856‑9642
COREPOWER YOGA | Woodbridge Village Center and The Market Place
Whether you want a strengthtraining workout or to boost your metabolism and build lean muscle, CorePower knows your fitness needs. With studios across the nation, workouts can travel with you. Wherever you go this year, reboot and restore or push yourself to the limit. corepoweryoga.com; 949‑851‑9642
YOGA SIX | Walnut Village Center
The studio keeps true to its name by offering six class types – from hot and powerful to slow and mindful, as well as beginner and sculpt classes. Instructors provide consistent but creative experiences for each option. Expert instructors make every pose easy to follow and understand, ensuring you achieve your goals. yogasix.com; 949‑216-6171
BIKRAM YOGA IRVINE | 680 Roosevelt
Bikram is the original hot yoga method – a proven 90-minute sequence of 26 traditional yoga postures. By working every part of the body, Bikram gives all the organs, arteries, veins, ligaments and muscles everything needed to maintain optimum health and maximum function. bikramyogairvine.com; 949‑748-7780
INCREASE THE INTENSITY
Pump up your heart rate in high-intensity interval training (HIIT) classes. If you choose to jump, squat, sprint or row, you’ll improve your cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure, decreasing cholesterol and reducing heart disease risks. By improving both aerobic and anaerobic fitness, HIIT burns more calories (between 300 and 500 per hour) and fat than other exercises and does it efficiently. Try it: OrangeTheory, BFT, Club Studio, Nike Training Studio, Stride Fitness
BOOST YOUR CORE
Pilates exercises target the deep abdominal and pelvic floor muscles, strengthening the core and improving posture. Isolated movements focus on stretching, enhancing flexibility and increasing range of motion. Introductory classes familiarize clients with state‑of‑the‑art equipment, including reformers, springboards, TRX and more. Pilates can improve athletic performance in other sports, increase your bone density and tone muscles. Try it: Co-Op Pilates, Club Pilates, Livemetta Pilates
DIVE INTO A WORKOUT
Due to its natural resistance, water creates an ideal environment for those looking for low-impact, low-risk workouts. Because water cools the joints and muscles, it reduces inflammation and rarely causes muscle soreness, allowing for longer and harder workout sessions. Irvine’s Waterworks offers several types of water aerobics classes, focusing on strength, cardio, endurance, range of motion, circulation and flexibility – all held in a welcoming and supportive environment. Try it: Waterworks Aquatics
GRAB YOUR DANCING SHOES
It’s never too late to get en pointe and learn a new dance. From ballet, hip-hop and tap to contemporary, jazz or ballroom, there’s a studio that fits every taste. Some studios provide a welcoming and nonintimidating environment designed for adult beginners. Others specialize in partner dance. Take a date or discover new friends when you hit the dance floor. Try it: M.A.D Dance, Focus Dance Center, Atomic Ballroom
BREATHE IT ALL IN
Get outdoors for Fresh Air Fitness. Irvine Spectrum Center partners with athletic brands to offer select Saturday and Sunday fitness classes on the Giant Wheel Lawn. Beyond Yoga will present a mat Pilates course designed with every age and fitness level in mind this month. Try it: Giant Wheel Lawn at Irvine Spectrum Center on Feb. 2. No cost or membership required.
GET WALKING
Never mind an apple a day … 10,000 steps a day help keep the doctor away. Try these hikes to keep fit and happy.
Shady Canyon Trail
Start at the Quail Hill Trailhead just past the roundabout on Shady Canyon Drive. Remain on the trail to Summit Park and then retrace your steps … or turn off at Bommer Preserve, hiking along Bommer Meadows. Turn left onto Nature Loop, which leads to the Cattle Camp. Take the short uphill climb that gives you a view of the campus. Then retrace your steps, enjoying the sight of elegant homes, a manicured golf course and redolent acres of coastal sagebrush along the way. 34 Shady Canyon Drive
Peters Canyon
Park on Peters Canyon Road and follow the paved walkway to the entrance to Peters Canyon Trail. Turn right and head up Eucalyptus Spur, then descend to rejoin the main trail. Turn left to the Creek Trail and enjoy hiking next to trickling water. Emerging back onto Peters Canyon Trail, continue until you reach the North Loop Trail, then either take that loop or turn around. Veer left onto Gnatcatcher, which joins East Ridge View Trail. Take the Eucalyptus Spur and head back to your car. Peters Canyon South Trailhead, Tustin
Quail Hill Loop
This easy trail is ideal for those who want to get in their steps without any hilly challenges. Adding to its charms, the Quail Hill Loop offers great views of Saddleback and the city of Irvine, while immersing the hiker or runner in the scents, sounds and wildlife of the natural habitat. While one circuit achieves about 5,000 steps, hiking the loop in the opposite direction adds another 5,000 and a whole new perspective on the environment. 34 Shady Canyon Drive
Lizard and Laurel Trails
Start at the Willow/Laurel Trailhead on the 133, just past El Toro Road. Turn right onto Laurel from the parking area, passing a pleasant meadow. The trail then winds up to a seasonal waterfall, which is dry most of the year. Continue up until you emerge from the single-track trail. Take the second trail to your right. That’s Lizard. Emerge onto Bommer Ridge. When you arrive at Willow, turn left for an easy hike back down to the parking lot. On your way down, to your left, catch a glimpse of Ghost Rock’s distinctive eyes and mouth – with tongue sticking out! 20123 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach
Buck Gully Reserve
This cool canyon, tucked into the midst of suburbia, offers tranquil hiking amid lush surroundings. You’ll feel ensconced in a fecund forest as you cross four bridges over a shallow stream. Park on Poppy Street and head down the paved trail. Continue along the main trail. At the junction with the Bobcat Trail, bear to the right. At the next junction, make the left toward San Joaquin Road. Follow the road for a mile, then turn left onto Bobcat and head back to the trailhead. 872 Poppy Ave., Corona del Mar
Crystal Cove State Park/Moro Canyon
Start at the Pacific Ridge Trailhead. Hike along Bommer Ridge, enjoying views of the beautiful blue Pacific Ocean and golden chaparral-strewn hills. Venture down Rattlesnake, turn left on West Cut-Across, left onto Moro Canyon Trail, left on Elevator, then left again on Fenceline, which rejoins Bommer Canyon. This approximately 6-mile roller-coaster route offers shade among coastal live oaks at its lowest point, though it challenges the hiker with steep ascents that exhilarate. Ridge Park Road, Newport Beach
RIDE ALONG
Women age 50 and older who enjoy leisurely rides from 10 to 20 miles will love Silver Spokes. The group is perfect for those seeking new cycling buddies or who wish to explore beautiful bike paths. These outings offer spectacular scenery and fun company for riders of all levels. Try it: Silver Spokes meets at the Irvine Civic Center parking lot on Saturdays at 9 a.m. Helmets are required. Road bikes and e-bikes are welcome. Beach cruisers are not permitted. Check meetup.com/irvine-ca-cycling-meetup-group for more information.
KICK UP YOUR GAME
Grab your cleats and hit Irvine’s Great Park soccer field. These co-ed pickup games are recommended for intermediate to highly skilled players, but the club welcomes anyone who can run and kick a ball. By providing an informal setting, pickup soccer lets you experiment with new techniques. Boost your confidence, lower your stress and build healthy friendships. Try it: Pickup soccer at Irvine’s Great Park, instagram.com/irvinesoccerpickupgamesweekly
HIT THE GROUND RUNNING
Get a boost this year with help from like-minded friends at Run OC club, which welcomes all levels. You’ll maintain accountability while discovering new routes and making friends. A little healthy competition and coached sessions will keep you on track. Try it: Run OC meets every Wednesday evening in Irvine for running, socializing and food. The club also meets in various locations around OC for runs and other events. instagram.com/runoc
SWAY, SWING AND SWEAT
Zumba’s Latin-based dance workout combines elements of salsa, samba, merengue, reggaeton and hip-hop with aerobic moves to create a fast-paced, heart-pumping workout in a social setting. Zumba improves endurance, coordination and flexibility. With experienced instructor Minh Sorci, these outdoor weekend classes are a great way to meet fun people while learning new moves. Try it: OC Outdoor Zumba with Minh Sorci at 10 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays at Meadowood Park in Irvine.
GET FIIT
Take advantage of Irvine’s beautiful parks with trainer Samantha Merrifield and fellow mom Lindsay Svidergol’s classes in Northpark. This supportive group of women will keep you motivated using weights, resistance bands and mat work to ensure a full-body workout. Be FIIT is mostly for women, but men are welcome one weekend a month. Residency in Northpark is not required. Try it: 10 Meadow Valley (gated community), six classes per week, $10 per class. Instagram: @befiit_irvine
GAIN KNOWLEDGE AND NEW FRIENDS
UC Irvine’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) offers a diverse range of classes as well as day trips to fascinating Southern California venues. Some healthy options this spring:
HEART HEALTH
Discover the latest cardiac surgical advancements, including heart valves and other technologies, and the state of minimally invasive heart valve surgery/technology from a global leader in cardiac innovation.
MANAGE YOUR HEADACHES
Understand different types of headaches, their underlying mechanisms and the latest evidence-based treatment options. Learn effective management strategies to enhance your quality of life.
ORGANIZE YOUR LIFE
Spring offers the ideal opportunity for fresh ideas to manage your life. This two-part class teaches strategies for downsizing and reducing clutter, all while remaining stress-free.
CONTROL COMPUTERS WITH YOUR MIND
Brain-computer interfaces (BCI) enable paralyzed people to connect with the outside world. Investigate various BCI and discover how they process different brain signals.
DISCOVER A NEW SKILL
The Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute offers an array of wellness-centered courses to boost mental and physical well-being while introducing you to a compatible new community. From vegan cooking techniques to tai chi, mindful compassion to maternal acupressure, these courses are designed to nourish the whole body. The institute’s knowledgeable instructors bring years of valuable experience, all in state-of-the-art surroundings. “Our community classes are opportunities to prioritize your health and well-being in the new year,” says Dr. Shaista Malik, founding executive director of the institute. “Through our evidence-informed integrative health practice – whether it’s a nutritional education cooking lesson or an empowering tai chi class – we help you nourish the whole person: mind, body and spirit.” Try it: Visit ssihi.uci.edu for updated class listings and more information.
YOUR GUIDE TO CLEAN EATING
TENDER GREENS | University Center, Irvine Spectrum Center
It’s hard to get past the winning plates that top the menu – but rewards beckon below. The Longevity Bowl presents black lentils slow-cooked with dried pears and fennel, roasted rainbow cauliflower and purple potatoes, smoked paprika lebni salad and choice of grilled salmon or roasted maitake mushroom. The Happier Vegan puts smiles on faces with baked falafel, farro salad, hummus, pasta pearls and sunflower-seed pesto – every morsel good for you.
IRVINE GRILL | Quail Hill Shopping Center
The Mediterranean diet consistently ranks No. 1 for heart health, bones and joints and preventing diabetes. The plan favors vegetables and whole grains, plus olive oil, nuts, herbs and spices; seafood is the preferred protein. Mediterranean magnet Irvine Grill offers lots of tasty options. Start with Zeytoon Parvarde, a tapenade of pomegranate molasses, walnuts, olives, olive oil and garlic. Continue with grilled Scottish salmon, herbed rice and cucumber salad.
SWEETGREEN | Irvine Spectrum Center
The motto here is “Building healthier communities by connecting people to real food.” Counter-serve restaurant Sweetgreen prides itself on plant-forward, “earth-friendly” organic salads and grain bowls but doesn’t shy away from protein. Caramelized garlic steak is new. The kale Caesar salad with Parmesan crisps and roasted chicken never gets old. Vegans flock for the Shroomami bowl with portobello mushrooms and sesame tofu. Ingredients arrive each
morning from local farmers, growers and artisans. Menu entries note calorie, protein, sugar, carb and fat content for those paying attention.
BLUE BOWL SUPERFOODS | University Center
Chia means “strength” in ancient Mayan. True to its name, chia seed is a nutrient dynamo – high in fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and protein. Blue Bowl’s chia pudding is a starring base for the design-your-own concept; superfruit acai, full of healthy fats and fiber, is another. Layer either with addons such as maple-quinoa granola, blue butter, organic goji berries and cacao nibs. Top them with matcha powder or agave nectar.
PRESSED JUICERY | Irvine Spectrum Center
The benefits of freshly squeezed juice? Limitless. Whatever you’re seeking – gut
health, immunity, hydration and recovery, detox and reset – chic wellness wonderland Pressed Juicery’s got you covered. Ever popular: orange juice and protein smoothies. Also a focus: superfoods and matcha. New favorites include the Turmeric Glow Shot, Cymbiotika Immunity Bowl and Akasha Liposomal Sea Moss Gel for hair and nails.
EARTH BOWL | Irvine Spectrum Center
New Earth Bowl touts “Earth’s best ingredients in a bowl” – you decide which ones. Bases include yogurt, sorbet and chia. Overnight Oats bowls are the way to start your day. Sorbet-based Earth Shakes, such as Wired Monkey, are huge draws, too. Mindful of sugar? Toppings include many that aren’t sweet, such as gingerhemp granola and spirulina. An engaging graphic highlighting ingredients and their health benefits – e.g., bee pollen / antiinflammatory, dark chocolate / endorphin release – covers one wall. – Benjamin Epstein
