Running/Walking Track at Arneill Ranch Park in Camarillo

Tucked into a residential neighborhood in Camarillo is a relatively small, very low key park called Arneill Ranch Park. This is an older park surrounding by homes at 1301 Sweetwater Avenue, just west of Arneill, between Dunnigan and Rocklyn.

This particular photo of the park does not highlight the running track, but trust me, there is one. :>While I would not go out of my way to visit this park with my kids (there's a small playground and swings for the local neighborhood kids), what is particularly unique about this park is that there is a full 1/4 mile hard-packed dirt track that circles the park. Nothing overly fancy, but a great opportunity to do some track/interval training or just jogging/walking in a controlled, measurable fashion. It is quite rare to find a park with a running track like this.

The park also has some decent, fairly newish looking fitness stations around the track, as well as restrooms (these are not newish looking).

More info at www.pvrpd.org/parks/active/arneil.asp.

Tiger-Rock TaeKwonDo in Ventura, Camarillo, Ojai and Simi Valley

Tiger-Rock TaeKwonDo locations in Camarillo, Ventura, Ojai and Simi Valley are dedicated to providing a high level Martial Arts experience, with a focus on creating well rounded martial artists using Traditional Ho-Am TaeKwonDo as the foundation, then adding HanMuDo, and Gracie style Jiu-Jitsu  for a full learning experience. Students enjoy the many benefits especially when first starting:

• There are specialized classes, specific to each groups unique classroom needs, for Tiger Cubs (preschool), Juniors, and Teens & Adults.
• Students can start any time and blend into the academy with other beginners.
• New classes are forming daily.
• Annually qualified instructors are dedicated to excellence and continuing education.
• Students can move forward at their own rate and not as a class unit.

For more information, visit www.itaonline.com or contact the local Ventura County locations below:

Taekwondo Plus of Camarillo: 676 E. Ponderosa Drive (behind Ralph's) (805.987.3306)

Ojai Taekwondo Academy: 811 E. Ojai Avenue (805.646.1191)

Mike Cerminaro's TKD Plus: 5912 Telegraph Road, Ventura (805.644.4777)

Eric Oland's TKD Academy: 1794 Erringer Road, Simi Valley (805.583.4823)

George Erb Fitness Center in Camarillo

The George Erb Fitness Center is located at 231 Camarillo Ranch Road. This fully equipped fitness facility offers cardio, pilates and strength equipment, personal training, on-site child care, classes of various types including yoga, spinning and others, aquatic aerobics, Zumba, free towel service and more. No contracts; just a monthly fee. More information at www.erbfitness.com or call 805.484.3307.

Tae Ryong Taekwondo School - Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Camarillo

The Tae Ryong School of Taekwondo was founded in 1982 by Grand Master Yong Shin and has proudly served the communities of Thousand Oaks at 1746 N. Moorpark Road (805.371.8795) and Camarillo 2249 Pickwick Drive (805.388.5425).  Korean art of self defense taught to adults and children.  Visit www.trtkd.com for more information.

New location opened in early 2012 at 501 S. Reino Road, Newbury Park (805.498.5425).

New Newbury Park location

Soccer for Life Indoor Soccer Facility in Camarillo

Soccer for Life (SFL) is an indoor soccer facility located in Camarillo that offers Youth, Co-Ed and Adult competitive and recreational leagues. SFL is a member of the United States Indoor Soccer Association (www.usindoor.com).  It is located at 795 Camarillo Springs Road, Suite G, behind Camarillo Springs Its field uses the latest in Artificial Turf technology. SFL is Ventura County's only indoor soccer facility.

SFL is a soccer membership-based sports club. The majority of its members know each other. They are work colleagues, friends, relatives, and spouses. They enjoy the atmosphere and sportsmanship that SFL fosters.

SFL also offers up birthday parties...choose from dodgeball, soccer and/or flag football to liven up your party!

More information at www.vcarena.com or call 805.484.7384.

Camarillo MMA and Fitness

Camarillo MMA and Fitness in Camarillo teaches a Mixed Martial Art called The Wind Combat System which is a collaboration of conditioning, kickboxing, American Kenpo, Judo and survival skills. The Wind Combat System was created by Camarillo MMA's owners, Peter Dewindtand Cherry Dewindt. The Wind Combat System is offered to ages 2 1/2 and up. Camarillo MMA also offers a cardio kickboxing class for pre-teens and up. For more information, visit www.camarillomma.com or call 805-914-4129.

Harley's Bowling Centers - Simi and Camarillo

Harley's Bowling Centers (www.harleysbowl.com) operates bowling centers in Simi Valley and Camarillo.  Simi has 24 lanes and Camarillo has 20 lanes.  Harley's Simi and can say it is a very nice facility, clean, good amenities (food, bar, arcade) and well maintained.  We have also been to Harley's Camarillo for birthday parties and famly fun and all ages had a blast.  READ MORE HERE

There are leagues for kids ages 6 and up and for adults.  There is the popular "Atomic Bowling" with loud music and black lights.  These alleys also make great birthday venues too...try the bumper lane bowling for the little ones.  You can rent a lane for open bowling by the hour or by the game

Harley's Simi Valley is at 480 E. Los Angeles Avenue, Simi Valley (exit Madera off the 118 freeway) (805.526.4212).

Harley's Camarillo is at 305 Arneill Road, Camarillo (Ponderosa Shopping Center, behind 99 Cents Store) (805.482.0747)

Swords Fencing Club

Founded in 1997, SWORDS is the largest fencing club in California with 12 locations in the greater Los Angeles. SWORDS is an official US Fencing Association club. Our primary focus is Épée fencing, but other weapons are welcome.

SWORDS offers quality fencing training from beginner to the National Team levels. Group and private lessons are offered. Ventura County and adjacent area locations include (as of December 2011) Calabasas and Camarillo, generally through community park and recreation programs.

Visit www.swordsfencingstudio.com for more information and links to local programs.

Twin Dragons Martial Arts in Camarillo

Twin Dragons Martial Arts first opened in March 2009 and has since relocated to 1270 Avenida Acaso Unit G, Camarillo.  Twin Dragons offers instruction in Hapkido/Taekwondo, Beginner/Intermediate Jiujitsu, Kungfu, Mauy Thai, Street Defense and Strike-zone cardio for ages 5 to 95!

Twin Dragons owner Darryl Gallardo has lived in Camarillo for 30 years and has been training in martial arts for 24 years. Darryl is a certified 2nd degree blackbelt under the United States Hapkido Federation and World Taekwondo Federation.

Twin Dragons participates in community enrichment programs and is focused on supporting locally owned businesses and keeping kids off the streets by offering various kids' programs.

No contracts, no registration fees, flexible packages, family/group discounts and additional free incentives for students are available!

For more information, visit www.twindragonsma.com or call 805.216.9834.

From Conejo Joe:  When I first saw the Twin Dragons logo I thought it was pretty cool.  They put some thought into it.  From the Twin Dragons website: "The guardians of life have long been an attraction for Instructor Darryl Gallardo and it only seemed right that they would become the logo for his martial arts school. While the image of these twin dragons so fiercely protecting the hourglass between them is beautiful, it is the meaning of the image which makes it so appropriate. The hourglass is a symbol of passing time and therefore a symbol of the fragility and preciousness of life. The red sand is symbolic of another symbol of life, blood. The guardians hold the hourglass tenderly, with the tips of their claws, while they turn a fierce threat toward anything or anyone who might threaten their delicate ward. Instructor Darryl believes in protecting that which is precious ... family, friends, love and life. He extends his protection to all those who walk through his doors and invites everyone to learn methods of protecting themselves and their family."

101 Running Tribe in Ventura County

The 101 Running Tribe is a running club for all levels and abilities located in Ventura County. Its mission is to encourage and welcome new runners into amazing sport and help experienced runners reach their full potential. We realize that running should be fun and not something you "have to do." The Tribe hosts organized runs on the track and certain evenings/mornings in Camarillo and Ventura. Visit www.101runningtribe.com to learn more and join!

LA Workout in Camarillo

LA Workout is located at 192 Camino Ruiz in Camarillo and offers machines, free weights, cardio equipment, classes, cycling, pilates, personal training, snack bar, yoga, nutritional counseling, chiropractic care, massages, child care and more. Visit www.laworkout.com or call 805.482.2582 for more information. Open 7 days per week, including child care!

Camarillo Kenpo Karate

Camarillo Kenpo Karate (596 Mobil Ave, Suite E) is a United Kenpo Systems school. Bryan Hawkins, Director of United Kenpo Systems™, was privileged and honored to learn as one of the protégés taught by Grandmaster Ed Parker. As a long-time private student of Mr. Parker’s, Mr. Hawkins is considered to be one of the foremost authorities of American Kenpo in the world today. Classes for 4 years through adult. Self-defense for women classes. Visit www.camarillokenpo.com or call 805.910.7787 for more information.

Way of the Orient Martial Arts Academy in Camarillo

Way of the Orient Martial Arts Academy has been serving Ventura County for over 25 years, specializing in teaching Taekwondo & Hapkido. All instructors are certified by the United States Hapkido Federation and the World Taekwondo Federation.  Classes for kids, teens and kids.  Also teach self defense classes.  Located at 487 Calle San Pablo, Suite A, Camarillo.  More information at www.wayoftheorient.com or call 805.388.1047.

Panther Martial Arts Center in Camarillo

Panther Martial Arts Center is located at 315 Arneill Road, #A103, Camarillo.  Master Eddie Urbistondo has been training Martial Arts for over 28 years. He holds a 5th Dan Black Belt in the art of Taekwondo and an advanced/instructor level ranking in Southern Praying Mantis Kung Fu. Master Urbistondo is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and was honorably discharged. While in the Marines, he taught hand to hand combat to Navy and Marine Corps Security forces. He has been a four time California State Taekwondo Champion and Armed Forces Taekwondo Champion. Master Urbistondo is the founder of Close Quarters Combat Taekwondo and Panther Street Defense. He has cross trained in Kali, Brazilian Jiujitsu, Aikido, Hapkido and Judo.

The center provides classes and lessons for all ages and levels in Tae Kwon Do, Qigong, Jook Lum Southern Praying Mantis, Kickboxing, etc.  For more information visit www.panthermac.com* or call 805.384.2378. *HMM, THIS WEBSITE IS NOT FUNCTIONING AS OF 1/20/10 BUT I DO BELIEVE THEY STILL ARE IN OPERATION.

Camarillo Yoga Center

Camarillo Yoga Center is located at 5800 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 127, Camarillo.  The Center offers a full range of yoga services, including adult classes, pre-natal yoga, baby yoga and infant massage, active childbirth classes, kids yoga, yoga for cancer, ballroom dancing classes and much more.  Visit www.camarilloyoga.com or call 805.484.8810 for more information.

24 Hour Fitness Locations in Ventura County

24 Hour Fitness (www.24hourfitness.com) has 5 locations in Ventura County. Here's the rundown:

Thousand Oaks - Sport, 2595 East Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks (805.777.7300) has Basketball Court, Cardio Equipment, Circuit Training, Coin Collect Lockers, Free Weights, Group Cycling, Kids' Club, Pool, Pro Shop, Sauna, Steam Room and Whirlpool.

Camarillo - Sport, 453 Carmen Drive, Camarillo (805.482.2444) has Basketball Court, Cardio Equipment, Free Weights, Group Cycling, Kids' Club, Pool, Pro Shop, Sauna and Steam Room.

Simi Valley Agassi - Sport, 1352 Madera Road, Simi Valley (805.520.3440) has Basketball Court, Cardio Equipment, Circuit Training, Coin Collect Lockers, Free Weights, Group Cycling, Kids' Club, Pool, Pro Shop, Sauna, Steam Room, Sun Deck, Tennis, Volleyball and Whirlpool.

Simi Valley-Tapo - Active, 2350 Tapo Street, Simi Valley (805.520.3269) has Cardio Equipment, Circuit Training, Coin Collect Lockers, Free Weights and Kids' Club.

Channel Islands - Active, 1651 Victoria Avenue Suite 160, Oxnard (805.988.6000) has Functional Training Room, Kids' Club and Pro Shop.

Body Temple Gym - Camarillo

Body Temple Gym at 3316 Maya Linda, Unit B in Camarillo is a 24 hour, 7 day, 7000 square foot gym that offers Precor, Life Fitness, Star Trac, elliptical machines, stairmasters, treadmills and recumbent bikes, along with strength training equipment with Hammer Strength, Icarian, Cybex, Bodymasters, Flex, Olympic & Ivanco free weights and more. 

This is a gym for people who really want to work out.  I have visited this gym and there is a LOT of equipment there.  They do not have aerobics, spinning, pilates, etc.  This is a gym that is geared towards and well stocked for strength training and fitness.  That said, they do have a popular fitness "boot camp" there along with personal trainers that really know what they are talking about!

For more info visit www.bodytemplegym.us or call 805.484.5553.

Channel Islands YMCA - 2 Ventura County Locations

The Channel Islands YMCA (www.ciymca.org) is an association of 7 YMCA branches serving Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. The Channel Islands YMCA is a charitable organization providing programs based upon Christian principles to men women and children of all ages, races, religious beliefs and economic status to develop and enrich the spirit, mind, and body.

The Camarillo Family YMCA at 3111 Village at the Park Drive (805.484.0423) provides access to health and wellness information and activities for all ages. The Camarillo Family YMCA- Hiji Center has a wide variety of adult and senior programs, including aquatics, aerobics and cardiovascular exercise, weight and strength training, yoga, basketball and volleyball leagues, triathlon training and more!

Expanded family and youth programs include: Family Fun Nights, Parents' Night Out, World of Wonder events, The Zone (for kids ages 9-12), summer camps, sports leagues, Youth Wellness classes (such as tumbling, hip-hop dancing, judo, and more), and child care programs. The new facility now affords the popular Adventure Guides programs a place for large gatherings both indoors and outdoors.

The Aquatics Center at the Camarillo Family YMCA provides instructional swim programs for all ages, ability levels and interests. Youth and adult lessons are offered year round as well as special classes for those with physical limitations. More info at www.ciymca.org/camarillo/about.html.

Located along one of the most scenic stretches of the California coast line, the Ventura Family YMCA at 3760 Telegraph Road (805.642.2131) has been serving the city of Ventura for 120 years. The YMCA got its start on September 30, 1887 with a house that was purchased on the corner of Santa Clara and Oak Street. Today, the Ventura Family YMCA has grown with an expansive 6,000 facility members and provides childcare to over 200 children in its after-school programs. A 3,000 square foot natatorium was added with two heated indoor pools allowing an aquatics program to flourish and serve 5,000 children annually. More info at www.ciymca.org/ventura/about.html.

Sterling Hills Golf Course - Camarillo

Sterling Hills Golf Club, located at 901 Sterling Hills Drive in Camarillo, is a public golf course with a private club feel. The 18-hole championship course was designed by Robert Muir Graves and Damian Pascuzzo and features an excellent practice range and putting green. The 12,000 square-foot clubhouse has a well-stocked Golf Shop, full bar and restaurant, and is available for wedding receptions, banquets, and golf outings.  For more info visit www.sterlinghillsgolf.com or call 805.987.3446.

Diaz Human Performance: Elite Training - Camarillo

Diaz Human Performance (dhp) offers a wide assortment of science-based training programs, including fitness makeovers, gait evaluation and correction, VO2 max and anaerobic threshold assessment, nutritional planning, sport specific strength training, speed and agility training, marathon and triathalon training programs and coaching, heart rate monitors and other training gear. 

dhp is located at 1612 Ventura Boulevard in Camarillo.  For more information, visit www.diazhumanperformance.com or call 805.484.1347.