To continue my post in June, I am introducing more working out options in or nearby Ann Arbor. This time, I focus on outdoor adventures and some random ideas.
Michigan is heaven for Cross Country (XC) ski lovers thanks to the enormous amount of snow we get during winter time.The Outdoor Adventure organizes XC ski trips to nearby trails. For a day trip, you pay around 30 USD and it covers all the necessary rentals, lunch, transportation and an introductory course on XC ski, strongly recommended for beginners. If you are experienced, then it might not be the right call for you ,but feel free to rent XC ski gears from the Outdoor Adventure and explore surrounding trials by yourself.
There are plenty of trails nearby Ann Arbor, for example, the Huron-Clintorn Metroparks (where you can also rent ski gear), Independence Lakes, etc.
Snow Shoeing and Snow Hiking:
Besides XC ski, Snow Shoeing--hiking with snow shoes (you can also rent it from the Outdoor Adventure!) and snow hiking--simply hiking with waterproof shoes, are also popular winter outdoor activities in Michigan. The above XC trials are all suitable for snow shoeing/hiking. In addition, some more windy trials or ungroomed trials that may not be ideal for XC skiing are still recommended for hikers. I personally prefer snow shoeing because it allows me to step onto thick and soft newly snowed trials.
Unfortunately, Michigan is very flat and henceis not the perfect destination for down hill skiers. If you would still like to go skiing, the most popular nearby ones are Nub's Nob and Boyne. Otherwise, you will have to travel much further--more than 8 hours' drive--to, for example, West Virginia. Groupons, Living Social, etc occasionally feature some more local ski resorts during winter time, for example Mt. Brighton. It's a good deal for absolute beginners.
Scuba Diving:
Want to become a certified scuba diver? Visit Huron Scuba. Michigan is too cold most of the year to go under the water, but over the summer the great lakes around Michigan provide a peaceful experience for beginners to try out. (It is more difficult to dive in the ocean because of the strong current, hence lakes are ideal to start with.)
Indoor Climbing:
IMSB is equipped with walls for indoor climbing and bouldering. Planet Rock costs a little more money than IMSB, out near Jackson and Wagner.
Martial Arts:
I am not into martial arts myself. But a classmate of mine practices Kendo and has made many friends through the UMich Kendo club. A quick search tells me there are a variety of such clubs, from Jiu Jistu to Taek won do, etc. Working out and meeting people, kill two birds with one stone!
Canoeing/Kayaking:
The beautiful Huron river runs through Ann Arbor. People love relaxing on the river over the summer. Argo and Gallup park rent boats. Rackham also organizes social kayaking social events over the summer.
Written By: Wendy Shang, U-M PhD Student in Mathematics
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