Places for a Quick Workout Over Your Lunch Break in Downtown DSM
Looking to refuel during your lunch break? Step away from your work and try one of these places to get a quick workout in Downtown Des Moines (DSM).
5 Places to Workout in Downtown Des Moines
1. Swim laps at the Wellmark YMCA pool in Downtown Des Moines.
501 Grand Ave., Des Moines
Downtown Des Moines’ YMCA is where you’ll find the MidAmerican Energy Company Aquatic Center, home to the Prairie Meadows Pool — the region’s only indoor Olympic-sized swimming pool. It includes a four-lane pool for instructional swimming and water-based exercise.
Not into swimming? No sweat! The Wellmark YMCA offers tons of fitness classes over lunchtime like BodyPump®, H.E.A.T., barre, Pilates, yoga and more. Or take advantage of the cardio and aerobic machines, weightlifting equipment, open gym, racquetball courts, bouldering wall and 1/8-mile indoor track. If you have a few extra minutes, give the sauna, whirlpool and steam room a visit!
Of note, using the YMCA is for members only! You can try the Y for free for one week or start a membership for $65/month. Be sure to check with your employer to see if your company offers any YMCA membership perks.
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2. Try a Downtown Des Moines yoga class at PowerLife.
1717 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines | 402 E Court Ave., Des Moines
With two Downtown Des Moines yoga, barre and fitness locations to choose from, PowerLife offers classes at 11:45 a.m. and Noon to suit your lunch break workout sesh. And if yoga isn’t quite your jam, there are several class choices to align with your fitness goals. First-timers can participate in a one-week trial for just $10!
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3. Rent watercraft at Gray’s Lake Park.
2100 Fleur Dr., Des Moines
You’ll find a variety of watercraft available for rent at Gray’s Lake Park during the workday starting Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. You can choose from canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, pedal boats, row boats and sailboats — with life vests provided complimentary with each rental.
Photo Credit: Des Moines Parks & Recreation
After an excursion on the lake, snag yourself a cold drink, ice cream or other snack from the concession stand. You can spend a few minutes enjoying your lunch on the beach or consider taking your lunch on the go as you wander the 2.1-mile looped trail around the lake.
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Photo Credit: Des Moines Parks & Recreation
4. Play a game of basketball or pickleball in Downtown Des Moines at EMC Park.
701 Walnut St., Des Moines
One of the newest parks in Downtown Des Moines is ready for action during the workday! Conveniently located in the core of downtown, pop over for a pick-up game of basketball on the half-court or try your hand at pickleball. Other activities available on-site include bags, ping pong, chess, checkers and backgammon. Swings and interactive climbing sculptures also encourage children of all ages (even full-grown adult ones!) to engage in a little physical activity in the urban outdoors. The best part? Enjoying these awesome amenities at the park is free.
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5. Snag a Bcycle and go for a quick bike ride in Downtown Des Moines.
Various Downton DSM locations
With nearly 20 docking stations in Downtown Des Moines alone, grabbing a quick bikeshare has never been easier. And there are several pass options: pay $1 per minute, or $15 per hour, unlimited 30-minute trips for 30 days costs $30 or choose an annual membership for $150.
Not sure how to use the Bcycle? We promise you’ll be an expert in no time!
- Download the Bcycle App.
- Register for a new account, or login as an existing user.
- Find directions to the nearest available bike. You can choose either a traditional or electric bike.
- Purchase passes from the app.
- Unlock the bike from the app.
The bikes are equipped with small baskets on the handlebars to help tote your belongings (or your lunch leftovers!) and secure phone holders, which makes viewing directions to navigate to your destination easy-peasy.
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BONUS: Play soccer in Downtown Des Moines at the new Cohen Park's interactive ball wall.
1000 Scott Ave., Des Moines
Another of Downtown DSM’s newest parks, Cohen Park was unveiled in May 2024. Within the park is the Sutu Wall, a digital-meets-physical amenity that is the first of its kind in the state of Iowa. Park visitors can kick a soccer ball against the interactive panels and play a series of solo or group-based games. Additionally, Cohen Park also offers a half basketball court and Iowa’s first public bouldering area. Utilizing the park is free and available for all to enjoy!
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Photo Credit: Des Moines Parks & Recreation
You could also go for a walk, run, mini hike or ride your own bike at one of the many Downtown Des Moines parks or the connected trail system! Might we suggest MacRae Park, on the northern edge of Downtown? Here’s a list of more ideas and suggestions. Plus, find additional ideas for recreation and fitness during the workday in Downtown Des Moines.
Photo Credit: Des Moines Parks & Recreation
Downtown Des Moines (DSM) is a growing, vibrant community that offers the energy, sophistication, housing and attractions of a burgeoning city with a brilliant future. It’s also easy to visit with plentiful and affordable street and ramp parking options. Find event information and follow @downtownDSMUSA on Facebook and Instagram for other news, tips and events happening downtown.
Greater Des Moines Partnership
DSM USA is the regional identifier for Greater Des Moines (DSM). DSM USA is a bold statement to the world: This is a welcoming, diverse and vibrant community with affordable and accessible amenities for residents and businesses. This regional identifier is the result of significant quantitative and qualitative research.
The Partnership will champion the DSM USA message, and encourages its Investors, its more than 6,500 Regional Business Members and DSM USA Ambassadors to help share the region's story with One Voice.