With lots of people being kept people indoors and on their couches, we know that a lot of you are looking to get outside and move while staying safe, so we’ve rounded up the best outdoor workouts in Israel. Consistently ranked in the Top 10 Healthiest Countries in the world, a Mediterranean diet and plenty of movement help keep Israelis in top shape. Read on to find out how to get your workout in while staying out with the best outdoor workouts in Israel!
Yoga
Ever since this spiritual practice became a global sensation, it’s remained incredibly popular as a way to tighten up your body while expanding your mind, and yoga is booming in Israel. From soothing yin yoga classes to hardcore power yoga, there’s a practice for everyone! Lots of studios are moving outside to rooftops, beaches, and grassy hills, letting you enjoy the sunset or sunrise as you move through your flow. Some of our favorite studios and centers include Shraddha Studio in Tel Aviv, Ananda Yoga Center near the Dead Sea, and Desert Ashram deep in the Negev (offering full retreats and smaller weekend classes). Many of the Abraham Hostels across the country also offer weekly yoga classes on their rooftops, which anyone can join for a small fee. If you’re looking for an immersive experience, try this wellness tour to Masada.
Outdoor Gyms
Every major park, like Gan Sachar in Jerusalem, and most of the beaches, like Herzl Beach in Netanya, offer visitors access to free outdoor workout equipment. They include pull up bars, machines that use your weight to work your arms, padded floors for knee-friendly cardio, and low-impact equipment that mimics running. If you search for “Calisthenics Parks”, there’s a website that maps out all of the locations across Israel, or you can take yourself out on a nice walk to warm-up while you hunt for your perfect gym down the side streets of whichever city you’re exploring. And when in doubt, head to the beach! If you’re looking for more to do in Tel Aviv specifically, we’ve got a guide just for the White City.
Swimming and Surfing
No matter where in the country you are, you’re never more than 2 hours from a body of water to get your heart pumping and calm your racing mind. Nearly 300 kilometers of sandy beaches means you’ve got a lot of options if you want to hop on your board, and a scattering of alluring lakes across the land offer calmer waters inland. Some of the best surfing beaches are in Tel Aviv, but Netanya, Caesarea, Haifa, Ashkelon, and even Herzliya also have workable waves in both summer and winter. Some of the spots inland to take a dip include the Sea of Galilee, the many pools at Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, and the many, many pools that dot the country. We promise if you need some time in the water, you’re sure to find it here!
Trail Running
While hiking is a popular Israeli pastime, trail running is just starting to catch up in popularity, and has boomed thanks to the extensive and well-marked trails that cross Israel, from ultra-marathon runs on the Israel National Trail (we offer our own tips for running it) from north to south to cool jogs along the beach-side boardwalks. For those looking to get out of the city, trails that wind through the hills around Jerusalem and zigzag up Mount Hermon are also a great option, letting you enjoy scenic views while you get your sweat on. Longer trails tend to be marked with 3 bars of color, like the Golan Trail with its stripes of white, blue, and green, while single trails tend to only have one stripe that’s black, blue, red, or green, and don’t correspond to difficulty at all. We’ll see you on the trails!
Hiking
While there are plenty of trails that cross the country from north to south, with everything from easy walks to intensive multi-day treks, we’ve rounded up our top 5 hiking areas in Israel, and offer a lot more information on hiking in Israel in general on this page. If you’re looking to splash in some springs midway through your journey, climb up towering mountains for panoramic views, or stroll along a rolling coast, Israel offers all of it! Two of the longest treks are the Israel National Trail and Yam L’Yam, which can both be broken down into smaller, more manageable sections depending on what part of the country you’re starting from. Happy trails!
