The Santa Monica Stairs on Entrada Drive
A few weeks ago I was in California on some Fat Man business. My host suggested we take a drive to the Santa Monica Stairs. I had no idea what that was, but he said it was one of the most grueling workouts in Santa Monica. From what he said it reminded me of the myriad of steps/stairs located around NYC.
He pulled up at the top of the stairs and told me he’d meet me at the bottom. I was not dressed in any workout attire but decided to do it anyway. I must have seen about 10 different people going up and down the steps. Some panting like if they just ran a marathon, others barely able to lift their legs to get to the next step. All I did was go down them to Entrada Drive and felt the sweat beads building on my forehead. It was like a never-ending stair climber, but outdoors with great scenery.
I’ve read that people drive for miles just to get the burn that the stairs deliver. Next time I’ll be doing a few more sets. The video didn’t do the stairs any justice, since it made it seem like it was only two flights. But believe me, it was A TON more.
Have you been to the Santa Monica Stairs? Walked them? Barfed? Let me know.
They sound very interesting, but I have never been to them. I am glad you made it though. Great job! It must of been a good experience I would think. For me my legs are the least worked muscle in my routine. I guess I should do some stairs once in a while. haha. Nice Article!
Stairs rock. I climb em, sprint em and have yet to barf.
oh, by the way, the stairs I use here have 185 steps and they vary in incline. ONe section is great for going two steps at a time and they’re spread out, so it’s like an extended uphill lunge. Another section is quite steep and is great for sprints.
they’re called the Royal Glenora Stairs here in Edmonton
I’ll need to hit those up if I am ever in Canada!
Treadmill workout; cramped room, noisy machine, no fresh air. Stair workout; nice scenery, fresh air, people watching so you can’t slow down! I’ve discovered that the reason I couldn’t ever maintain a workout routine is because I was always trying to get my workout on a treadmill… that was horrible. I think working out is always much more enjoyable outside; its actually possible to enjoy something like a hike or jog through the neighborhood on a nice day! (to some degree, haha)
I love outdoor exercise, although sometimes I am self-conscience about working out in front of people.
Looks like a good workout. I used to try and climb stairs at a building I worked but as it didn’t have showers – I could not really work that in to my exercise routine. 🙂
Stairs have always kicked my butt, even when in the best shape of my life I would be wiped out by stairs.
They sound like fun. Man the stats you could play off on those babies… I’m also a geek (can you tell).
I’m not following…
Wow. Way to go!
I totally understand your pain…although I haven’t been to CA, I did face a pretty nasty set of stairs when I was running in an unfamiliar area. I saw them and figured it would be no big deal–by the time I got up the stairs I wanted to pass out. But hey, they are a great full body work out.
What was the area called?