For most of us, holidays are a time to kick back and indulge in all things that are bad for our health - too much sun, too many cocktails and a lot of ice-cream. But there’s a handful of people out there who like to maintain their usual level of fitness during a vacation - this post is for you guys.
Surprisingly, staying fit on holiday doesn’t mean you have to sweat in the hotel gym or dodge inflatables in the pool whilst swimming laps to get your daily workout in. With magnificent National Parks, a thriving coastline and a well-documented fitness scene, Florida is one of the best places in the US to discover new means of exercise. Here are a few of our favourite ways to stay fit in Florida whilst enjoying the stunning natural scenery and making the most of your experiences.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
This fairly unknown activity is making its way to the forefront of the water sports scene and is proving a huge hit with the Florida locals. It’s one of the finer ways to explore Florida’s extensive waterways and colourful coastline, and is certainly not as easy as it looks. It takes a master of balance and upper arm strength to perfect this sport, but it’s worth it when you get going. Wind your way through the dense mangrove forests of the Florida Keys or head to the Gulf Coast to catch a glimpse of turtles and dolphins in the tropical turquoise waters. For a more urban experience, try Biscayne Bay and take in the towering skyline of Miami from a whole new angle.
Visit Theme ParksBelieve it or not, visiting theme parks is one of the best ways to get a workout in, and it’s one the kids will approve of too! Orlando is home to the best and biggest theme parks in the world and visitors can walk an average of 13 miles in just one day when exploring these huge attractions. Bring the buggy if you have young children, this amount of excitement and walking in one day is sometimes too much for little feet to handle.
SnorkelingSnorkeling is a great way to get active and cool down in the heat whilst discovering Florida’s fascinating tropical marine life. If you’re a strong swimmer, go for the ‘no fins’ option and really get those legs working. For an experience that is totally unique to Florida, head to Crystal River and get up close to the elusive manatees that inhabit the waters. The John Pennekemp State Park is without a doubt the most famous snorkelling spot in Florida, and rightly so. This natural coral reef is teeming with beautiful, colourful marine life and even features a reconstructed Spanish shipwreck making it the perfect home for thousands of species.
Outdoor YogaFind your inner peace with a yoga class in the beautiful outdoors of the Sunshine State. Yoga classes are widely popular throughout all of Florida but Miami is the best place to head for outdoor classes that are totally free. Classes are open to people of all ages and abilities and are also a great way to get chatting to the locals. Make your way to Bayfront Park in Downtown, South Pointe Park in South Beach or Kennedy Park in Coconut Grove to tone those muscles.
Explore the EvergladesThe Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness in the entire US and offers a whole host of outdoor activities to enjoy. Apart from the obvious hiking and biking routes, the Everglades provides countless opportunities to get out and soak up that Floridian sun. If you don’t mind getting your feet wet, try ‘slogging’ and explore off-the-beaten track to discover Florida’s rarer animals. With 99 miles of waterways intersecting the Everglades, do some canoeing or kayaking for the chance to spot the famous American alligator during your work out.
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