Baldwin Hills stairs offer unique way to get fit for free

CULVER CITY (KABC) -- The lovely Southern California weather means there are many ways to get fit outdoors. While most people know about the Santa Monica steps, there are loads of stairs located throughout the Los Angeles area to get free exercise.

The Baldwin Hills stairs in Culver City is a great option. Once an oil drilling site, the stairs now sit on a 58-acre park.

When you first get to the mountain, you've got a choice to make - the stairs or a meandering dirt trail. If you're not really feeling it, you can drive up, park for $6 and walk down.

If you take the switchback, you go up the height equivalent of a football field, which amounts to 1 1/4 miles through a nice zig-zag trail.

If you take the stairs, you get the same elevation for just a third of a mile. But heads up - the rock stairs are like miniature walls. They are high and spaced out more than your standard staircase.

If you're fit, you can go up in about 10-15 minutes. Then, repeat, repeat, repeat.

"It's the perfect thing, you know what I mean, for fitness," said Inglewood resident Chris Kling, who has been climbing the stairs for a decade.

"I've seen people up here within a year's span lose 60 pounds," said Kling.

Tasleen Lee and her mom Corinthia hike as a family year round.

"It's really good, especially in the summer, it gets really hot so you can work up a good sweat," said Tasleen Lee.

"I think you get a good workout," said Corinthia Lee.

And like any park, there are dos and don'ts. Sorry - no dogs, cigarettes, booze or skate boards. But do bring your energy.

Once you reach the top, let your imagination run wild for a bit more of a workout - try adding push ups, ab work, dips or how about a little bit of Zumba?

Beyond the exercise, the view is spectacular. On a good day, you'll see Marina del Rey all the way to downtown.

The gate to the upstairs parking lot opens around 6:30 a.m. when it gets light, but there is plenty of street parking.

Make sure to stow those valuables and lock up before you head up the hill.