3 Weeks of Workouts in Denver

Castle Rock’s Mini Incline

Going to a new city and need to find a new gym and network of workout buddies: scary or exciting?

For me, that’s pretty damn scary, but I also found excitement in this little project I did, so wanted to share.

Here’s what 3 weeks of workouts in Denver looks like. Technically it’s in and around Highlands Ranch, and varied workouts because I don’t have my Houston fit fam at SPENGA. This is also to show you that you don’t need a gym membership to get a good workout in — you can find it pretty much anywhere, and that you can try out a few gyms with a free class here and there, which I tried to highlight free gym classes in Highlands Ranch below.

Day 1: Philip S. Miller Park: Known to locals as the “mini incline” in Castle Rock, this is 200 steps up one time at the Colorado incline, which is tough for a newbie. For my first day, I walked up and trail ran down x3 (2.25mi), did 60 bench pushups + 60 bench dips.

Day 2: Rush Cycle: Here your first class is free if you sign up online. The class was led by Payton who had incredible energy and Jason actually came with me and took advantage of a free class for his first cycling class. Note: the Highlands Ranch Rush Cycle is now closed, but there are a few others in the area.

Day 3: barre3: I am no stranger to asking for free stuff, so I messaged them and they gave me

barre3 Highlands Ranch – mention me for a FREE class!

a free class! Class taught by Stephanie, the studio owner, and I loved the vibe here. “Don’t be afraid of the shake.” You can actually try barre3 in Highlands Ranch and mention me (Jayme) for a FREE class – or message me and I’ll go with you, because I am now a happy member here! 

Day 4: Today I had sore legs and a slight hangover from the Old Dominion concert at Red Rocks so I did a quick 3-mile walk around Highlands Ranch Outdoors trail system (Marcy Gulch Trails) and called it a day. It is still crazy to me how much “free” and open space there is in Denver and Highlands Ranch to get a good hike or walk with a gorgeous view.

Day 5: Daniel’s Park Trail: 4.5-mile hike with views of Colorado Front Range. This is Denver’s Mountain Park in Douglas County, where we live and the trails and options are endless.

Day 6: Did the mini-incline in Castle Rock (see Day 1) with Jason before the Broncos game!

Day 7: barre3 again (again, don’t forget to mention me for a FREE class)

Day 8: Did a simple run/walk around the neighborhood

Hiking Daniels Park in Colorado

Day 9: Waterton Canyon: A beautiful walk/hike along the South Platte River. Along the way you’ll see wildlife, biking, fishing and get a healthy dose of Colorado fresh air.

Day 10: Roxborough State Park: Sunday morning hike along Carpenter Peak Trail, this is a short drive southwest of Denver and provides beautiful scenery. You must pay a park entrance fee or buy an annual pass, which we did. “With close to 4000-acres, Roxborough State Park is filled with dramatic red-rock formations, distinct plant communities and a variety of wildlife ranging from black bears to mule deer. Enjoy hiking, wildlife viewing, trail running, photography, bird watching or one of our many programs and events. Whether you are new to the outdoors or an experienced outdoor enthusiast, Roxborough State Park has an opportunity for you,” their website states.

Day 11: barre3

Day 12: RTR Pilates (Rock the Reformer Pilates, via ClassPass): I found this via ClassPass, which is a a premiere reformer Pilates studio that offers group Pilates classes in the DC, Bethesda, McLean, and Highlands Ranch, Colorado areas. I didn’t love this class or setup, but that just shows there’s something different for everyone. Plus, I have a 3-class rule before deciding if like/don’t like a gym or studio.

Day 13: LFT Fitness (Live for This Fitness, via ClassPass): I found this jackpot of a Highlands

Coach Barry and The Blonde Side at LFT in Highlands Ranch/Littleton

Ranch/Littleton gym via ClassPass and have now become a member, I love it so much! For starters, it’s hard AF. It’s a tough workout – similar to CrossFit, but not. The gym is known as the “boom room” and there is a extreme sense of community here, which is great for being new to a city. I’d HIGHLY recommend you check this spot out – mention me (Jayme or The Blonde Side) for a FULL WEEK OF CLASSES FREE.

Day 14: barre3: Now my typical workouts each week consist of 1-2 classes at barre3 Highlands Ranch, 3 classes at LFT and at least 1-2 days outside in the Highlands Ranch trail system or hiking with Jason!

Day 15: Compass Fitness: I found this via ClassPass and the class I took was called Russian Roulette. I actually loved this gym – it was hard, fun and you were in and out. The only downfall, it was a bit too far from our house, so wasn’t an ideal gym on the regular, but if you’re near this spot, check it out!

Day 16: Garden of the Gods: Here we did some casual hiking bc I wasn’t as prepared but definitely plan to be back. “Garden of the Gods Park is a registered National Natural Landmark. Imagine dramatic views, 300′ towering sandstone rock formations against a backdrop of snow-capped Pikes Peak and brilliant blue skies. This world-class Visitor & Nature Center and museum is the most visited attraction in the region with all new interactive exhibits,” the website states.

Jason and I tried Rush Cycle in Highlands Ranch

Day 17: LFT 

Day 18: barre3

Day 19: LFT

Day 20: Row House in Highlands Ranch: Again, I took advantage of their first class free, and signed up for the Body class, which is the only class they offer that uses dumbbells (I used 3lb and 5lb weights) and Troy was a great instructor!

Day 21: Rush Cycle: Again, the Highlands Ranch location has closed but there are others nearby.

Shop some of my favorite workout spots:

lululemon is definitely one of my favorite places to get workout and “errand” clothes.

I wear the Adidas Ultraboost for most of my workouts/runs and couldn’t recommend them more. Or I love the Reebok CrossFit Nano for my LFT workouts or lifting weights (they are too stiff for me to run or do a lot of cardio in).

Carbon38 is also a favorite for workout and athleisure clothes.

I always have my water bottle with me (even when I’m not working out!).

And you can shop a ton of my favorite other spots here.