Alternatives to the FIT (that won’t Break the Bank)
Photo by Shreveport Times
If you’re like me and you have a love/hate relationship with the gym—meaning you love to say that you’re “going to the gym,” but hate going to the gym—you may be looking for more interesting ways to stay in shape (or, at least, work up a sweat). Here’s a few—less arduous—options in the region:
1. 318 Climb: An indoor rocking climbing place out on American Way, inside Shreveport Indoor Soccer. Great for beginners that have no clue what they’re doing! They’re open every day of the week and decently cheap. They also offer lessons if you want to make it a regular exercise option.
2. Risen Rock: Another indoor rocking climbing place in Bossier. It is (obviously) religiously affiliated but it’s a slightly bigger gym if that interests you!
3. Hot Wheels Skating Palace: There’s the one in Shreveport on W. Bert Kouns and the one in Bossier on Old Minden Road. The Shreveport one is only sporadically open, but the Bossier one is open for a few hours every day of the week. Sometimes they do theme nights to attract older crowds (although, I don’t endorse consuming liquor while strapped onto wheeled platforms).
Photo by AirUCenLA
4. Air U: The indoor trampoline park out on Ashley Ridge Blvd. Look, if you think jumping on a trampoline over the age of 13 is easy, then you’re either super in shape or have never jumped on a trampoline before. It’s exhausting, but it’s a decent way to kill a Saturday afternoon and get a bit of exercise. More importantly—they’re open every day of the week and have decent rates.
5. Holiday Lanes: Bowling alley out on Old Minden Road. They’re open every day of the week and offer themed nights and leagues. If you’re looking to indulge your inner 70-year-old, you may think about joining a bowling league. If you’re looking to indulge your inner 12-year-old, the glow bowling is actually pretty cool.
6. Bayou Axe Throwing Co: Throwing an axe is not as easy as it sounds. You go in thinking you’re Paul Bunyan, only to realize that you’re Steve Urkel. While you have to be 18 or older to participate, and it’s a bit pricey, it’s totally worth the experience at least once. Located on Barksdale Blvd. in Bossier City.
7. Splash Kingdom: There’s no better way to exercise than to carry around a 20lbs worth of snacks on a 97 degree day in August—while also trying to survive the waterslides of death. The waterpark only operates from the middle of May to the beginning of September. So, it is mainly closed during the school year, but a few students sticking around over the summer may have a chance to hit it up in August. The park is technically on W. 70th, but it is only a 20-ish minute drive on I-20.
8. Walter B. Jacobs: The most calming option for exercise ever. A Caddo Parish-owned nature park in Blanchard, it’s located on Blanchard Furrh Rd and is about a 40-minute drive from the College. They’ve got an educational center and a basic rehabilitation facility for local wildlife. It’s small and older than some of the more updated places in Shreveport-proper, but it’s quiet and safe, with nature trails that they allow dogs on! It’s open on every day of the week except Mondays and Tuesdays and has free admission.