I just discovered the best kept secret. And it’s so amazing that I think I have to keep it that way!
Someone kindly told me about these magical stairs in Santa Monica today.
Shaded. Beautiful. Serene.
Unfortunately, I can’t tell you who… and I can’t tell you where. (So why am I writing this post, you’re thinking…?)
Well, I felt inspired, and I was hoping to share some of that inspiration with you all.
Hubby was off to a client—deep in the gorgeous hills of Brentwood—just for a couple of hours. And you know how much I love and miss the Santa Monica stairs, so any opportunity that I have to go climb them, I’m in! (Even if I already did Pilates today).
And anyway, let me think…
- Get away from the chaos of dinner time with kid and puppy
- Get outdoor exercise where it isn’t 80 degrees
- Spend quality time with hubby on drive without any nagging or whining
Umm… Yes please!
Not a bad place to get back on the horse, right? (Let’s just say Passover and Spring Break left me feeling a little… well… “off” the horse!)
So… as I was passing people on the hills and the stairs, while smelling the flowers and enjoying the fresh air, it struck me that Santa Monica is filled with beautiful people. Well, actually, LA… in fact, California, is filled with beautiful people. And I don’t think it’s because they ALL moved here to be in the movie industry. I think that the weather permits an outdoor lifestyle. And there’s something motivating about doing outdoor “activity” with a bunch of other people. Don’t you think? I specifically didn’t use the word “exercise.” Because this doesn’t feel like exercise. It feels like I’m doing something wonderful for my body and my soul. No wonder everyone looks so happy.
You might have seen on my Facebook page that a new study of identical twins highlights the extent that exercise shapes our health >> Interesting read.
Next time you’re in Los Angeles, bring your sneakers and walk up and down the Santa Monica stairs a couple of times. (Trainer, Kellie Blackburn, advises walking slowly up, skipping a step and pushing through your heels, and then lightly trot down.) Just don’t overdo it or you won’t be happy with me the next day! I’m sorry I can’t tell you where my new “secret” stairs are, but you’ll find the famous concrete or wooden ones are pretty awesome, and fun people-watching. And the view of the ocean is magical. Send me a pic of you there!
In the meantime, forget the gym. Spring is here! Go find a beautiful place to lengthen your limbs and feed your soul!
Xoxo
2 Responses
I love the stairs and finally returned to them again last week. It felt invigorating. I prefer the wood ones.
I also prefer the wood ones Linda – I think they’re a little easier on the knees. I actually like to go up one set two at a time, run to the others and then trot down. Repeat. You’re making me want to go back already!