Get outdoors and get active this Spring!

Get outdoors and get active this Spring!

Whether you prefer a walk on the beach or along a trail, you are inspired by other fitness enthusiasts in a gym setting, favor small group classes at a private studio or just have enough time and energy to get a workout done at home, we have got all of those bases covered.

Now that we did a little spring cleaning to our diets, it is time to think about moving our bodies more often. The weather has been beautiful lately, which always inspires me to be more active. So, what is the best method of getting and staying fit? It’s the one that you love, the one that motivates you, and the one that keeps you coming back for more.

We can’t say running is the best way to get into shape if you hate running and don’t make it past the first day.

We can’t say hiring a trainer will do it if you never show up or get bored during training sessions.

If you are intimidated by group classes, that won’t work for you either.

The best thing to do is to find a way to be active that you love and stick with it.

Even though we live in a small town, our options to lead a healthy lifestyle are endless. Whether you prefer a walk on the beach or along a trail, you are inspired by other fitness enthusiasts in a gym setting, favor small group classes at a private studio or just have enough time and energy to get a workout done at home, we have got all of those bases covered.

The options for outdoor fitness really are quite impressive in our quaint little town. These days you will see runners and cyclists out everywhere. It really is inspiring to see how active our community is. If running, biking, walking, or just moving your body outdoors is what you love to do, then here are some ideas to get you moving this spring. Just remember to grab that bug spray and sunscreen before heading out the door.

Hunting Island offers lots of options. Bicycling, hiking along one of the trails, going for a challenging run on the beach or even taking a stroll while searching for shells
Hunting Island offers lots of options. Bicycling, hiking along one of the trails, going for a challenging run on the beach or even taking a stroll while searching for shells

Check out the beautiful scenery along the Spanish Moss Trail. You can go for a run. Do some circuit training by stopping every half mile or every few minutes and doing some body weight exercises. Or load up the whole family on their bikes and go for a spin.

Head over to Hunting Island and hike along one of the trails, go for a challenging run on the beach or take a stroll while searching for shells. Yoga on the beach is also a peaceful and inspiring experience.

Try a circuit around the Cypress Wetlands trail and do some simple body weight strengthening exercises on the steps by the preserve.
Try a circuit around the Cypress Wetlands trail and do some simple body weight strengthening exercises on the steps by the preserve.

Head over to Port Royal and do a few laps around the Sands boardwalk. Throw in a few rounds of running the stairs and your heart rate will be racing. Or try a circuit around the Wetlands path and do some simple body weight strengthening exercises on the steps by the preserve.

Run through Old Point and across the bridge or along the waterfront park. Stop by the playground at the waterfront park and get a quick workout done while the kids are exploring.

If you are a military spouse, check out the Stroller Warriors, a support group of military spouses who meet around town twice a week for group runs and training. Or register for one of the local races this spring and push yourself a little harder to cross the finish line.

Maybe you aren’t an outdoorsy person and prefer to stay focused on your training around likeminded people, then Beaufort has got you covered. We are fortunate to have three major gyms in our town, along with a few smaller facilities as well. These settings are filled with equipment, personal trainers, group classes,and often childcare, which meets the needs of many young families. Many offer discounts for military members and their families, as well as discounts for students, seniors, police officers and firefighters. Options include the Omni, a locally owned and operated facility, the YMCA, a great choice for families, and Anytime Fitness, which is perfect for someone looking for a small gym with late hours. We have a few smaller gyms too that are quite impressed with what they offer, including Madness, LifeFit, which is a part of Beaufort Memorial Hospital, and the Wellness Center at the Celadon. More to come on each of these facilities in the coming weeks.

But let’s say you are intimidated by the gym. The sights and sounds don’t inspire you but make you want to run for the door instead. We are privileged here in Beaufort to have several small studios where you can take small group classes or have a one on one personal training session without fear of others watching you. The brand new Balance Boutique Fitness studio opened right in the heart of downtown, offers an array of classes to help everyone reach their fitness goals, including Barre, Yoga, circuit training, Piyo, and P90X Live. If flexibility training is what your body responds best to, then check out Artizen or One Yoga Sanctuary on Lady’s Island. Both will easily have a class to suit your schedule and needs. Pilates is also a great fitness modality and The Works Pilates studio located near downtown offers classes to tone your entire body.

Personal training is the perfect option for those who don’t really know how to get started and want a personalized plan to help them reach their health and fitness goals. While each of the gyms offers personal training packages, another option is to check out a small studio, like Michelle Gibbons Personal Training in Port Royal. Michelle offers daily small group class in barre and interval training as well as one on one sessions.

Sometimes the best workout you can do based on your needs, your family’s needs and your schedule is to do a quick routine at home. There are endless possibilities of at home fitness program that will walk you through a 21, 60 or 90-day challenge and help you get serious results. If you prefer the convenience and privacy of sweating in your own home, these options will bring you to your next fitness level with little or no equipment.

Over the next few weeks, I’m going to share more details about the facilities and studios available around our beautiful town. I’ll share features and contact info for each one, helping you get to through the first step of making a commitment to the healthier version of you.

Article by By Hannah Cordill 

See lots more of Hannah’s ideas, tips, recipes and more over on her blog at Nourish Life Fitness.

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