The…uh, Secret? ------------------ By Jill Rudison - V.P. Health and fitness expert I get asked ALL the time what my secret to staying fit is.  People endlessly inquiry “What do you take? How do you eat? How can I lose 10 pounds quick?” Fair readers, I cannot tell you how simple of a formula losing weight and getting in shape really is.  Are you ready?  Can you handle this...more

VP Spotlight: SURFING, SUN AND SEAGULLS IN VENICE. ------- Article by Matthew Smith. Date: Thursday, February 3rd -------- While New York has had its snowiest month on record, January in Venice has been amazing. 80 degree days were the average, and the waves were coming in.  Venice locals Jimmy Valentine, Anthony "Tonan" Ruiz, and Shaun Foster took full advantage of the spectacular conditions on Thursday. 1. Jimmy Valentine (left)...more

Article by V.P. Health and Fitness expert and correspondent Jill Rudison I first linked up with Robert Mathis back in the Spring of 2009.  In addition to being a stellar friend, he is an amazing trainer and motivator.  Rob is always looking for ways to push the envelope and get me whipped into the best shape I can be in.  You can spot him torturing...more

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY: Play a game of paddle tennis or watch from the sidelines. WHO CAN PARTICIPATE: Anyone.  All ages! ADMISSION FEE:  Free to the public. LOCATION: 1800 Ocean Front Walk. Venice, CA 90291. CONTACT: Venice Recreation and Parks.  310.399.2775   310.396.6764 ABOUT: Paddle Tennis is a game that looks like a cross between ping-pong and tennis.  The court looks like a scaled down tennis court...more

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY: Skate or visit the 16,000 square foot Venice Beach Skate Plaza. LOCATION: On the Beach. 1800 Ocean Front Walk. Venice, CA 90291. About: This 16,000 sq. foot skatepark is one of the only in the world located on a beach. It features two bowls, a snake run and a street section with steps, rails and platforms. The design for the 3.5...more

The Venice Beach Boardwalk and Muscle Beach facilities are run by the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks. The Muscle Beach facilities include basketball, handball and paddle tennis courts, gymnastics and boxing areas, skate parks, Public Art walls, children's play areas, and more. Check our calendar of a event for basketball, handball, paddle tennis, bodybuilding, powerlifting and skate...more

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY: Visit, watch a show or work-out at Muscle Beach Gym.  A day pass is $10, a week pass is $50 and a year membership is $170.  Also, most of the people who work out at Muscle Beach Gym, will not mind if you ask to take a photo with them. ABOUT MUSCLE BEACH GYM: Located steps from the sand on...more

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY: The bike path that runs along the sand in Venice is 17 miles long and extends from Palos Verdes through Pacific Palisades, with a brief in-land detour. Its smooth concrete surface is great for bicycles, roller skates and skateboards alike. However, pedestrians are not allowed, so, if you want to walk then you should do it on sand. There is no...more

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY: Play handball or watch a game. ABOUT: The handball courts are one of Venice's unique features.  Played one one one or two on two, handball only requires a court and a small 61 gram ball.  The ball is swatted with an open hand against the wall and then returned, after one bounce, by the opposition.  The U.S. Handball Association,...more

Venice open from 6:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Central Surf Report: 310-578-0478 LIVE BEACH CAMS/WEATHER/SURF REPORT: http://www.watchthewater.org/beach.cfm?bid=15 Best spots to surf in Venice: 1.  Venice Breakwater 2.  Venice Pier 3. Bay Street VENICE BREAKWATER: The Venice Breakwater is an acclaimed local surf spot in Venice, located north of the Venice Pier and Lifeguard Headquarters, and south of the Santa Monica Pier. This spot is sheltered on the north by an...more