Halloween candy comas are sometimes inevitable. The Kit Kats, Snickers and Reese’s peanut butter cups may come in small sizes, but before we know it, they’re all gone.
During Halloween, you may eat candy like you get paid for it, but don’t fret, you can still redeem yourself. You don’t have to rush to the gym or frantically sign yourself up for a 5k run. Any form of movement will do your body good.
Hikes
Outdoor adventures are right around the corner, and depending on where you go, they can be a good way to burn calories. If you’re more inclined to be around nature, then hikes are a good way to walk off the candy and take in some fresh air and scenery while you do so.
The hike to the Hollywood sign is both a unique tourist destination and offers a great view of Los Angeles. Located just 40 minutes from APU, across the 210 freeway, the Hollywood sign hike is less than an hour.
There are three different trails to get to the sign. According to the hollywoodsign.org, the Mount Hollywood Trail is easier than the other two and can be accessed from the Griffith Observatory.
The trail is three miles long and has a 500-foot elevation gain, according to thetrailmaster.com.
The other two routes, The Canyon Boulevard Trail and The Cahuenga Peak hike, are for the intermediate to advanced hiker. The Canyon Boulevard Trail is accessible through Griffith Park and features the iconic Adam West “Batman” caves for the TV show, normally called the Bronson Caves.
The Cahuenga Peak Trail is the most difficult of the three, because it is more rugged and less contained than the other two. It is open from 6:30 a.m. to sunset.
For more detailed information about how to get to the trails, hours and what you may encounter, visit hollywoodsign.org.
Now that you’ve hiked the bag of M&Ms; off, there’s still the Hershey’s bars and pizza you may have eaten to burn off.
Dancing
If hiking is not your favorite thing to do, and you prefer to move your body in a different way, Alhambra is home to the salsa club and restaurant The Granada.
If you like salsa music and dancing, then The Granada fits the bill. Located at 17 South First St. in Alhambra, California, the venue sits on a side street that is off the main thoroughfare.
On its website thegranadala.com, there is information about dancing lessons (which it also offers), general information and its event calendar. The three-story restaurant and club does’t just feature salsa. On weekends it offers hip-hop as well salsa on its floors.
If you simply want to learn how to dance, The Granada’s dance studio offers 25 group classes in different styles of partner dancing, including swing, salsa, ballroom and tango. Prices range from $5-$10 depending on the class.
If you’re already a dancer, then you can come for the salsa dancing on Tuesday and Friday nights and Bachata dancing on Thursday nights. For more information about The Granada, visit its website at thegranadala.com.
Explore
If nature and dancing aren’t your forte, then a candy coma also can be cured with a day of exploring. Whether by car, bus, plane or metro rail, a day devoted to exploring the cities that surround Azusa can be informative and relaxing.
Not knowing where you want to go but knowing what you want to do can be a good start. Go on curiosity and think about something you and a group of friends have always wanted to do, then do it.
You don’t have to go far – the key is to have fun! Head south to Brea, California, and explore the city center, or go out to Disneyland or the neighboring Downtown Disney to partake in the holiday festivities.
Whatever you decide to do, do it to get out of your candy coma! Thanksgiving is right around the corner.