It’s no secret that we’re big fans of Houston.
After all, we’re based here! But we also love our city because it’s got a ton of things going for it—one of which is Samir Becic. It’s been almost 4 years since HFR founder Samir Becic was named “Fitness Czar” for the City of Houston! What better way to celebrate the anniversary than with a series of healthy living recommendations for Houstonians?
Mayor Sylvester Turner proclaimed Samir with the official title on November 1st, 2018 following 16 years of Samir’s dedicated service (starting with Mayor Lee Brown in 2002) to make the city a healthier and fitter place to live. In honor of our founder and his tireless work to make the city a healthier place to live for the past 20 years (as a volunteer and 4 years as “Fitness Czar”), we’ve decided to share some of our favorite healthy Houston recommendations- to see all of our top picks, click here.
Houston has a multitude of fun activities to do by yourself or with family and friends, but who doesn’t love activities you can do for free? We have ten activities you can do in Houston for free that will keep you healthy and fit! You are guaranteed a great time participating in any of these activities!
- Warrior Yoga: Warrior Yoga is the practice of traditional teachings and yoga while also mixing ancient warrior traditions. This yoga class teaches specialized poses, alignment, breathing techniques, meditation, and functional fitness. Many have found that taking this class has improved their mental, physical, and emotional challenges from Warrior Yoga’s ability to tap into your power and potential! If this sounds like something for you, classes are available at Levy Park at 6 pm!
- Skating: Whether you’re rollerblading, roller skating, or riding a skateboard, skating is a fun activity that will get you out of the house and enjoy the outside air! Memorial Park has many patrons who go to Picnic Loop for a fun day of skating! Skating is also something that can be done with family and friends!
- Zumba: Zumba is a great way to get your body moving and your heart pumping! Hosted on Mondays at Evelyn Park, Zumba classes mix low and high leveled exercises, using cardio and muscle conditioning that will work on your balance and flexibility!
- BON Running Club: BON Running Club, hosts a group run at Little Woodrow’s on Tuesdays! This running club is free and open for all stages of runners, from beginners to advanced! They believe that running clubs should be relaxed and focused on fun and fitness! If this sounds like a good running club for you!
- Biking: Houston has amazing public parks with amazing biking trails! To name one, Memorial Park has multiple trails that are bike friendly! Bayou Wilds is one biking trail that is very popular amongst mountain bikers, but bikers are more than welcome to ride on the Picnic Loop trail!
- Tai Chai: Tai Chai is a traditional Chinese practice that utilizes meditation techniques that work to harness energy to the body and to the mind. Tai Chai has been shown to reduce stress and assist with flexibility and balance! If you are interested, they host classes at Discovery Green on Saturdays!
- Pilates: Pilates has become such a popular way to get active! Pilates can also be done anywhere at anytime! From the comfort of your own home, at a pilates studio, or outside at Discovery Park! Join a Pilates class at Discovery Park and get fit while getting fresh air and meeting new people in the Houston Area!
- Ballroom Dance: Get your dancing shoes on and head to Baytown Community Center! Every third Friday of the month, they host free dancing classes open to all, no matter your dancing level! This class is great for a fun night out and keeps your heart rate up and your body moving!
- Body Barre Workout: Wednesdays at Levy Park, they host a Body Barre Workout! This works out your whole body! Combining yoga, pilates, core strengthening, and ballet! Barre is meant to tone, sculpt, slim, and strengthen the muscles of your body by using bodyweight exercises!
- HIIT: Hosted at Discovery Green on Wednesdays, High-Intensity Interval Training is a phenomenal way to keep active and break a sweat! This is a full-body workout that will build your strength and endurance!
