May Wellness: Healthy Choice and Outdoor Fitness at 48 South

May is finally here, and in Sioux City, that usually means we’re officially trading our heavy coats for yoga mats. There’s something about the way the light hits the Southern Hills this time of year, everything is that specific, electric shade of "early May green"—that makes staying inside feel like a missed opportunity.

If you’re looking to shake off the winter rust and get moving, May is the perfect window. The Missouri River breeze is still cool, the humidity hasn't quite claimed the afternoon yet, and the days are stretching out just long enough to fit in a workout after the 9-to-5 grind. Here’s how to make the most of the season in Siouxland.

The Morning Flow: Starting Small

You don't need a boutique gym membership or a dedicated studio to find a little headspace. Wellness starts with how you interact with your immediate surroundings. If you have a balcony, a patio, or even just a spot by a large window, ten minutes of stretching at sunrise is a total game-changer.

The natural light we get in this part of town during the spring is incredible—it’s crisp, bright, and the best way to wake up your brain and reset your circadian rhythm without needing a second pot of coffee. Rolling out a mat and focusing on your breath while the rest of the city is still quiet creates a sense of "home" that goes beyond four walls.

Local Trails & Outdoor "Gyms"

If you’re tired of the treadmill or the fluorescent lights of a traditional weight room, we have some of the best natural "stair climbers" in the state right in our backyard. Sioux City’s geography is unique, and May is when it really shines.

• Southern Hills: Just wandering the neighborhoods around Southern Hills Drive offers enough elevation change to get your heart rate up. It’s perfect for "interval walking"—pushing yourself on the inclines and recovering on the flats.

  
  

• The Riverfront at Chris Larsen Park: For a flatter, more meditative walk, jog, or bike ride, head downtown. The paved trails along the Missouri River are perfect for clearing your head after a long day. There’s something deeply grounding about watching the current while you move.

• The Woods at Stone State Park: If you really want to disconnect from the digital world, a quick trip to the north side of town feels like a total escape. The trails are lush right now, and the rugged terrain of the Loess Hills offers a serious workout that hits muscles you didn't know you had.

May in Siouxland is beautiful but notoriously short. It’s that fleeting moment before the heat of July arrives, so try to get out there and enjoy it while the breeze is still cool and the hills are this vibrant. Whether it’s a full yoga session on the riverfront, a hike through the Loess Hills, or just a quick walk around the block to clear your mind, your body (and your spirit) will thank you.

Happy May, Sioux City! Let’s make it a healthy one.