5 Parks in Cincinnati With A Walk/Run Trail

Welcome to our blog about 5 parks in Cincinnati that offer a fantastic run/walk trail experience! With an abundance of green space, Cincinnati has plenty of options for those looking to explore the outdoors and stay active. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just starting out on your fitness journey, these parks offer a variety of trails to suit any level of fitness. Not only do they offer a great workout, but they also provide an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenery and connect with nature. So, grab your running shoes and get ready to discover some of the best parks with run/walk trails in Cincinnati!

Mt. Airy Forest:

Mt. Airy Forest is a large, public park located in the northwest part of Cincinnati, Ohio. It is one of the largest urban forests in the United States and covers over 1,470 acres. The forest is located on a hill, which rises to an elevation of about 850 feet above sea level, and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.

Established in 1911, Mt. Airy Forest is Cincinnati's oldest park. The forest was originally purchased by the city as a source of clean drinking water, but it was soon turned into a park to provide the community with a place for recreation and relaxation. Today, the forest offers a wide range of activities and amenities for visitors to enjoy.

Some of the popular activities in the forest include hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and golfing. The park has several miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy to difficult, that offer a chance to explore the forest's natural beauty. The park also has a mountain bike trail, a disc golf course, and a lake that is stocked with fish for catch-and-release fishing.

In addition to outdoor activities, it has several picnic areas and shelters that can be reserved for group events. The forest also has a nature center, which offers educational programs and exhibits on the local wildlife and ecology.

Overall, Mt. Airy Forest is a beautiful and peaceful natural oasis in the heart of Cincinnati. Whether you're looking for a place to enjoy the outdoors, learn about nature, or simply relax and unwind, Mt. Airy Forest has something to offer for everyone.

Aunt Park:

Ault Park is a public park located in the Mount Lookout neighborhood of Cincinnati, Ohio. The park is situated on a hill and offers stunning views of the Ohio River Valley and the city skyline. It is one of the most popular parks in the city, and a beloved gathering place for the community.

The park covers over 200 acres and features a wide range of amenities and activities. One of the park's most notable features is the beautifully landscaped gardens, which offer a variety of plants and flowers throughout the year. The gardens are a popular spot for picnics and weddings, and also offer a chance to enjoy the park's natural beauty.

Ault Park also has several miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy to difficult, that offer a chance to explore the forested hillsides and enjoy the park's scenic vistas. The park also features a playground, tennis courts, a basketball court, and a soccer field, making it a great place for families and sports enthusiasts.

One of the most popular events at Ault Park is the "Ault Park Concours d'Elegance," an annual classic car show that attracts thousands of visitors from around the region. The event features over 200 classic and exotic cars, as well as food, music, and other entertainment.

Overall, Ault Park is a beautiful and well-maintained park that offers a wide range of activities and amenities for visitors of all ages. Whether you're looking for a place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Cincinnati, or participate in outdoor activities and events, Ault Park is a great choice.

French Park:

French Park is a public park located in the Amberley Village neighborhood of Cincinnati, Ohio. It covers over 23 acres and offers a range of outdoor recreational activities and amenities.

One of the most notable features of French Park is the beautifully landscaped gardens, which feature a variety of plants, flowers, and trees. The park is a popular spot for weddings, as it offers a scenic and serene atmosphere for ceremonies and receptions.

In addition to the gardens, French Park has several walking paths and trails that offer a chance to explore the park's natural beauty. The park also features a playground, a tennis court, and a basketball court, as well as a picnic shelter that can be reserved for group events.

French Park is also home to the French House, a historic building that was constructed in the early 20th century. The building is available for private events, and features a large event space, a commercial kitchen, and outdoor patio space.

Overall, French Park is a beautiful and peaceful park that offers a range of activities and amenities for visitors of all ages. Whether you're looking for a place to relax and enjoy nature, participate in outdoor activities, or host an event, French Park is a great choice.

Caldwell Nature Center

Caldwell Nature Center is a public nature preserve and educational center located in Cincinnati, Ohio. The center is situated on 126 acres of forest, meadows, and wetlands, and offers a range of educational programs and activities for visitors of all ages.

One of the primary focuses of Caldwell Nature Center is environmental education. The center offers a variety of educational programs, including guided nature hikes, classes, and workshops, all designed to help visitors learn about the local flora and fauna and the importance of environmental conservation.

The nature preserve at Caldwell Nature Center features several hiking trails, ranging from easy to difficult, that offer a chance to explore the park's natural beauty. The trails wind through forested hillsides, meadows, and wetlands, and offer opportunities to see a variety of wildlife and plant species.

In addition to the hiking trails, Caldwell Nature Center has a nature center building that features interactive exhibits, educational displays, and live animal exhibits. The center also has a bird viewing room, where visitors can observe a variety of bird species in their natural habitat.

Caldwell Nature Center also offers a variety of special events throughout the year, including nature walks, birding programs, and educational workshops. The center is a great place to visit for anyone interested in nature and environmental education.

Overall, Caldwell Nature Center is a beautiful and educational park that offers a unique opportunity to learn about the natural world in a hands-on way. Whether you're interested in hiking, birdwatching, or attending an educational program, Caldwell Nature Center is a great destination for visitors of all ages.

California Woods Nature Preserve

California Woods Nature Preserve is a public nature preserve located in the eastern part of Cincinnati, Ohio. The preserve covers over 100 acres and offers a peaceful retreat from the urban environment, with a range of hiking trails and natural features to explore.

The preserve features several hiking trails, ranging from easy to moderate, that offer a chance to explore the natural beauty of the area. The trails wind through forested hillsides, meadows, and wetlands, and offer opportunities to see a variety of wildlife and plant species. The trails are well-marked and offer scenic views of the surrounding landscape.

In addition to the hiking trails, California Woods Nature Preserve features a nature center that offers educational exhibits and programs on the local flora and fauna. The nature center also features a bird viewing area, where visitors can observe a variety of bird species in their natural habitat.

The preserve also has a picnic area and a shelter that can be reserved for group events, making it a great spot for a family outing or group gathering.

California Woods Nature Preserve is home to several unique natural features, including a stand of old-growth forest and a small stream that flows through the preserve. The preserve is also home to several species of native wildflowers, making it a popular spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts.

Overall, California Woods Nature Preserve is a beautiful and peaceful natural oasis in the heart of Cincinnati. Whether you're looking for a place to enjoy the outdoors, learn about nature, or simply relax and unwind, California Woods Nature Preserve is a great choice.

4 Reasons to Hire a Trainer

4 Reasons to Hire a Personal Trainer

Hiring a personal trainer can provide many benefits, here are four of them:

1) Customized exercise programs: Personal trainers create personalized exercise programs based on a client's needs and goals, taking into account factors such as fitness level, medical history, and any injuries or limitations. This can help to ensure that the client is working towards their goals in a safe and effective way.

2) Expert guidance: Personal trainers are experts in exercise science and physical fitness, and can provide guidance on proper form, technique, and progression. This can help to prevent injury and ensure that the client is getting the most out of their workouts.

3) Increased motivation and accountability: Personal trainers can provide motivation and accountability to help clients stay on track with their fitness goals. They can help clients to set realistic goals, create a plan to achieve them, and hold clients accountable for their progress.

4) Variety and challenge: Personal trainers can create a variety of workouts and exercises to challenge their clients and keep them engaged. This can help to prevent boredom and plateaus, and can also help clients to stay interested in their fitness journey. Personal trainers can also introduce their clients to new equipment, exercises and routines that they may not have otherwise tried.

It is worth mentioning that having a personal trainer can also help you to learn how to exercise independently, and how to continue your progress after your sessions with the trainer are over.

About JZ

Jordan Zawahri grew up with a big, loving family in the City of Akron. He attended Green High School, where he wrestled, ran both track and cross country, and dabbled in Jiujitsu/Boxing. During his high school career, he was very active both in school activities and in athletics.

After tearing his ACL in wrestling practice for the first time in 2013, he took more of a learning approach to his fitness and athletics. He worked closely with a physical therapists and strength and conditioning coach to figure out how to best maneuver an injury of this magnitude. 

After his high school graduation in the spring of 2014, Jordan fully dedicated himself to Mixed Marital Arts. Practicing 6-7 days a week, as well as coaching wrestling, all while attending the University of Akron where he studied business. His situation was solid, but he realized that if he wanted to get to the next level, that he would make to make some changes. 

In Fall of 2015, Jordan made the move to Cincinnati. He began his education at Xavier University in their Business School, and joined a very high level MMA Team in the area. Training started ramping up, and Jordan began a long stint of competing in Brazilian JiuJitsu tournaments. He went onto winning State and Regional titles in Grappling, before transitioning to full on Mixed Martial Arts competition. 

This move to Cincinnati allowed him to intern and train with the top coaches that you could get. Olympic Boxers and Coaches, World Champion/Olympic Wrestlers, NCAA Strength and Conditioning Trainers, Professional Fighters, Black Belts Jiujitsu Coaches under The Gracie Family are just a few of the accolades his trainers and teammates held. 

From 2016-2019, Jordan competed in 6 MMA Fights (5-1), two of which ending in under 1 minute, and another ending in under 2. He was the main event on three occasions, and fought for multiple championships. In his 5th Mixed Martial Arts bout, he took on the Champion of the East Coast. After 5 long, hard fought rounds, Jordan was named the B2 Welterweight Champion. 

His 6th fight in the weight class above, for the Middleweight Championship of the same organization. That fight went to a split decision, where his opponent was the victor. 

Unfortunately, injures became persistent in his career. Between 2013-2021, Jordan tore both his Left and Right Shoulder (SLAP Tears), and his left ACL twice, as well as other minor injuries. This time away from competing wasn’t waisted. He worked diligently with a team of athletic trainers and physical therapists to learn the recovery; learn how the human body works, and why certain things happen. 

These injuries allowed him to become more than just an athlete. It allowed him to focus on building up a career outside of the sport, forcing him to build an identity that isn’t just focused around being a Mixed Martial Artist. It allowed him to get his college degree, receive multiple personal training certifications, start two businesses, and grow as a human. 

All of these experiences have allowed him to offer a very wide range of training methods. He is proficient in Prehab, Rehab, Strength and Conditioning, Injury Prevention, Body Toning, and other Goal-Specific.