If you are a person with an active lifestyle or would like some fun ways to get back in shape, a vacation in Colorado Springs, CO is sure to please. The landscape is stunningly beautiful. It is a photographer and sportsman’s paradise. Combine that with it’s high altitude and it is the perfect place to get in shape while having fun.
Colorado Springs is THE place to work out. Colorado Springs is home to the United States Olympic Training Center and the headquarters of the United States Olympic Committee. In addition, a number of United States national federations for individual Olympic sports have their headquarters in Colorado Springs, including: United States or USA bobsled, fencing, skating, basketball, boxing,cycling, judo, field hockey, hockey, swimming, shooting, table tennis, taekwondo, triathlon, volleyball, and wrestling. Why? Because of the altitude. The town itself is over 6000 ft above sea level and the hills around the town are thousands of feet higher. Exercise at this altitude increases the oxygen carrying capacity of the red blood cells and expands lung capacity. These effects can last long after one comes back down in altitude.
While you are there, here are a few fun places to visit and things to do:
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Get some inspiration by visiting the US Olympic Training center. It is open to visitors and gives tours.
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Take a walk around the “Garden of the Gods” Park. Be sure to bring your camera. It was named the #1 Park in the US by Tripadvisor. It has over 1800 acres of large, interestingly shaped rock formations and lots of wildlife. While there you may see Deer, Big Horn Sheep or Foxes and many of its 130 species of birds.
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Hike on Pikes Peak. At 14,115 ft in elevation it is the highest of the mountains in the Front Range of the Rockies. It towers an impressive 8000ft above the city below. You can drive most of it on good roads and there are several visitor centers along the way.
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Check out the many gyms in the area. Here is a good guide with deals from Groupon. You can do everything from hot yoga to Crossfit to bouldering in the areas gyms.
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Visit the military installations. Colorado is home to the US Air Force Academy, NORAD and other installations. Most even have tours for civilians.
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Walk or run the city’s trail system. The town has over 100 miles of trains, which is a nice way to see the town.
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Go snow skiing, snowboarding or snowmobiling. The whole area is a winter wonderland, with snow that often lasts well into the spring.
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Go whitewater rafting or kayaking. Area rivers are great for recreation.
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Go Ice Skating at Acacia Park, downtown. From November,13th to January 18th, you can skate in the park. It is a great place to learn and with all the world-class skaters that train in that city, you are sure to be entertained by some master level skaters while you are there.
Whatever you plan to do in Colorado Springs, you are sure to enjoy the trip. When you go home, you will seem to magically be able to breathe a little easier and run a little faster. Because Colorado Springs built you a better body.