Hit the ground running
Get a boost with help from like-minded friends at Run OC club, which welcomes all levels. You’ll maintain accountability while discovering new routes and making friends. A little healthy competition and coached sessions will keep you on track.
Try it: Run OC meets every Wednesday evening in Irvine for running, socializing and food. The club also meets in various locations around OC for runs and other events. instagram.com/runoc
Grab a paddle
Pickleball & Wellness Collective brings together Irvine residents for fun, fitness and connection through one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. The group meets biweekly at local parks, offering a laid-back atmosphere where most participants are beginners. Organizer Zack Elkhayat welcomes newcomers by teaching basic techniques, explaining the rules and creating a friendly space where everyone can learn and play together. His vision is to grow the collective into a wellness community by partnering with local businesses to offer perks such as samples, discounts and giveaways.
Try it: Pickleball & Wellness Collective meets biweekly at parks across Irvine. Paddles and balls are available to borrow. For updates, follow @Pickleball
AndWellnessCollective on Instagram or Facebook.
Ride along
Women age 50 and older who enjoy leisurely rides from 10 to 20 miles will love Silver Spokes. The group is perfect for those seeking new cycling buddies or who wish to explore beautiful bike paths. These outings offer spectacular scenery and fun company for riders of all levels.
Try it: Silver Spokes meets at the Irvine Civic Center parking lot on Saturdays at 9 a.m. Helmets are required. Road bikes and e-bikes are welcome. Beach cruisers are not permitted. Check meetup.com/irvine-ca-cycling-meetup-group for more information.
Kick up your game
Grab your cleats and hit Irvine’s Great Park soccer field. These co-ed pickup games are recommended for intermediate to highly skilled players, but the club welcomes anyone who can run and kick a ball. By providing an informal setting, pickup soccer lets you experiment with new techniques. Boost your confidence, lower your stress and build healthy friendships.
Try it: Pickup soccer at Irvine’s Great Park, instagram.com/irvinesoccerpickupgamesweekly
Sway, swing and sweat
Zumba’s Latin-based dance workout combines elements of salsa, samba, merengue, reggaeton and hip-hop with aerobic moves to create a fast-paced, heart-pumping workout in a social setting. Zumba improves endurance, coordination and flexibility. With experienced instructor Minh Sorci, these outdoor weekend classes are a great way to meet fun people while learning new moves.
Try it: OC Outdoor Zumba with Minh Sorci at 10 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays at Meadowood Park in Irvine.
Get FIIT
Take advantage of Irvine’s beautiful parks with trainer Samantha Merrifield and fellow mom Lindsay Svidergol’s classes in Northpark. This supportive group of women will keep you motivated using weights, resistance bands and mat work to ensure a full-body workout. Be FIIT is mostly for women, but men are welcome one weekend a month. Residency in Northpark is not required.
Try it: 10 Meadow Valley (gated community), six classes per week, $10 per class.
Instagram: @befiit_irvine
