The Ultimate Guide to Training Calisthenics at Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Rec Center
(The real LA training spot for anyone who wants to master bodyweight strength)
Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Rec Center.
This is my favorite calisthenics park in the whole valley. This is where I train. This is where I coach.
And if you want to build real calisthenics strength in Los Angeles, this is the spot that gives you everything you need — without a gym membership, without fancy equipment, without the noise.
This guide breaks down exactly how to train here like an athlete — and why this park gives you an advantage most people overlook.
Why Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Rec Center Is Perfect for Calisthenics
Most outdoor parks are built for recreational fitness.
This one is built for progression.
Here’s what makes it different:
✔ Stable, reliable bars
— Perfect height for pull-ups, front levers, muscle-ups, and static skills.
The bars don’t wobble or flex, which matters when you’re chasing serious technique.
✔ Open space for freestyle work
— Plenty of room for planche leans, handstands, tumbling prep, and dynamic combos.
✔ Supportive surface
—Soft sand surrounding the entire workout park. That means safer joints, cleaner technique, and more repeatable training sessions.
✔ Quiet enough to focus
— Not overcrowded like Santa Monica, Venice, or Gold’s.
You get a space where your body can actually learn.
If your goal is to level up your strength — not just casually “work out” — this is one of the best outdoor fitness setups in LA.
Why Training Outdoors Makes You Better
Indoor gyms isolate you.
Outdoor calisthenics integrates you.
Your nervous system stays sharper, your balance improves, your joints adapt naturally, and your training becomes connected — not segmented by machines.
Research shows that open-air training improves mood, adherence, and perceived exertion (Gladwell et al., 2013; Rogerson et al., 2016). That means you train harder, enjoy it more, and stay consistent longer.
Consistency + the right environment = results that last.
What Makes This Park great
Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Rec Center hits the sweet spot:
Enough equipment to train seriously
Enough space to move freely
Enough quiet to focus
Enough sun to feel alive
Plus, there is a very active fitness community that is there every day. If you’re an LA athlete who wants to actually make progress — this is your spot.
Local Tips to Train Like a Regular
Here’s what I’ve learned training here almost every day:
Best time: early morning or late afternoon
Avoid: midday during hot summer days and during rain
Bring: chalk, water, rings, and bands. Extra handstand bars are optional.
The environment is perfect if you respect it.
Ready to Train Here With Me?
If you’re serious about learning calisthenics and you want to train at the same Van Nuys / Sherman Oaks park where I built my strength:
👉 If you want a bodyweight program designed around park setups, book a consult.
References
Gladwell, V. F., et al. (2013). “The great outdoors: How a green exercise environment affects physiological and psychological outcomes.” Environmental Science & Technology, 47(16), 9936–9943.
Rogerson, M., et al. (2016). “Green exercise, health and well-being.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 13(10), 1–15.
