Yuma, AZ exercise - run, lift, and box

October 18, 2006 1:30 AM

Where is a good place to work out and run in Yuma, AZ?

I'm in Yuma, AZ for almost two weeks. Most importantly during this time, I want to get in some good running. If there is cool desert landscape or rocks to run by, that's a bonus. If not, I'll settle for not running next to a highway. I plan on running every other day between 3 and 7 miles. I'm interested in a good location to run that isn't in the boring streets. Hills vs flat doesn't matter.

Secondly, I wouldn't mind getting into a decent weight room a few times but don't want to pay $20/day type of fees.

Last, if there is any sort of mixed martial arts, boxing, muay thai, or boxing gym around here, I'd like to get in there to train a few times also. I can check the yellow pages of course, but would prefer a personal recommendation since the quality of these sorts of places can vary enormously.

posted by bangitliketmac to sports, hobbies, & recreation (3 comments total)

I didn't even know they had the interweb in Yuma.

Painted Desert.

Yuma Parks & Rec.

Yuma West Wetland Trails.

/has never been hiking in Yuma.
//generally prefers to spend as little time possible there.
///there's a chicken place built into a gas station with a funny name that has some character. what's the name? (I honestly forget.)
posted by disillusioned at 2:17 AM on October 18, 2006

I have a great friend in Yuma. She works out religiously. I will direct her to your post. It may be a while as I have to see if I have her email at work.
posted by nimsey lou at 5:00 AM on October 18, 2006

From my friend:

Do you live in the city, Foothills, or on base? If you're in the "downtown" area (or don't mind driving there) the canal has a nice hike and bike trail along it, it's decent scenery. You can start off at the park by Kofa H.S. and jog down to old town.

If you're near the base, there is a new gym over there, I can't remember the name of it but it's on 32nd Street I believe near the 4th Ave. extension.

I go to 4th Avenue gym (which isn't on 4th Ave, a fact that never ceases to amuse me). It's on 22nd Street at 3rd Avenue. I like that gym because they let you go month to month (or for a day, week, 3 months, etc.) with no contract and run frequent specials. They do have a boxing dummy and a ton of free weights in addition to ample cardio machines, cable weights, Hammer Strength machines, etc. -- something for everyone there. Plus I like the vibe. There are people of all shapes, sizes, ages, and levels of athleticism. People are friendly there but there isn't that whole Meet Market vibe like I've experienced at other gyms in bigger cities.

I'd also second the West Wetlands Trails suggestion. Great place to catch a sunset, also.

Hope that's helpful. I've been here for 2.5 years now and it's been an adjustment. My friend will post this reply to; I'd be happy to help in any way. Yuma can be a lonely, boring place until you find your groove so I'm always eager to help out newbies.

oh also, one of the attorneys in the law firm that we rent our office space from has a martial arts studio out in the Foothills. I can find out more about that ...
posted by nimsey lou at 4:49 PM on October 20, 2006