Division I college facilities that are open to the public are an athletic-minded treat. A picture is worth a thousand words, so we took a couple shots for your edification. This is a top notch 400-meter track, what else would you expect from Duke University, right?
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We recommend this club primarily for those staying at the Millenium Hotel,
This is a decent gym, but its not overwhelmingly impressive. The best part about it is the walking distance proximity to a few hotels in the Research Triangle area. FC's amply stocked strength area is another highlight with plenty of free weights, machines, and dumbbells.
This is certainly the best public lap pool facility in Durham. As such, it can get crowded during the lunch hour with corporate, swimmers. Campus Hills makes eight lanes of 25 yard swimming available for their fish-like friends.
One of 11 locations in North Carolina, this O2 is nestled between I-40 and Highway 54 and is in close proximity to both the Research Triangle and Durham.
This is a state treasure trove of 5,577 untouched acres, 3 lakes, 22 miles of hiking trails, and 13 miles of mountain bike/horse riding paths. The park has two entrances, one off I-70 and another at the Harrison Ave. exit off I-40.
One paved access road runs down the center of the park and the trail heads and lake are visible from it. We didn't walk/jog any of the trails, so we cannot say for sure whether they're better for hiking or jogging.
215-acre Lake Crabtree is overshadowed by its much larger 5,000+ acre neighbor Umstead Park, but it still presents a fun venue for a short jog or hike for those within walking distance.
This indoor Olympic-size pool is often set up as short course. Long course is typically run only in the summer. It's a first class facility, but the location is not convenient unless you're staying in downtown Raleigh.
You know how you feel when you buy a new car? That's how we feel when we discover a new gym. This North Hills located club is an awesome sweat house and has a balanced offering of strength AND cardio equipment, classes, and a lap pool.
OPP is one of our favorites for all of Raleigh/Durham, especially during the summer months when the bubble roof is deflated and outdoor swimming commences.
Group bike rides from the Cary location store on Tuesday and Thursday nights. Rent a bike there and tag along for the fun.
The studio is only about 3-4 miles north of our recommended hotel for this area (Embassy Suites). The studio is located in the Harvest Plaza Shopping Center next to Salsa Fresh. It's five doors down from the Shops of Baileywick.
If you're looking for a community center with a health club feel, look no further. Levin JCC is tucked tucked away from street view, nestled in a lovely forest setting, and equipped to meet all your athletic-minded needs.
This yoga studio is large and airy with ample studio and change room space. The modern lobby welcomes with unique light fixtures, cool cement floors and industrial style ceilings.
This community center is an older facility that does a fairly good job updating equipment and keeping members happy. Newer Precor ellipticals and Life Fitness bikes are sprinkled among older cardio pieces.
This community-based yoga studio offers 60 and 90 minute heated Hatha yoga classes and some unheated classes as well.
Named after Duke University's popular Track and Cross Country coach, the Al Buehler trail is a 3.1 mile (5k) dirt single track that is popular with recreational runners and serves as the home course for Duke's cross country team.