Florida Keys Fitness
How Do You Maintain Your Shape on Vacation?

Florida Keys fitness opportunities abound on our island chain. Warm temperatures year-round make outdoor activity possible everyday.

Walking is a life long activity easily pursued in the Keys. Wearing good shoes, packing cold water to drink, and donning on a great pair of shades is important. Spreading on sunscreen and selecting a cap with a visor will add protection. Turning on your I-Pod before you head out the door will add some fun to your journey.

Favorite routes to walk are the bike trail on US1 and the old highway. In many areas of the Keys the old road parallels US1 and has little vehicle traffic. Many of our state parks also offer hiking trails.

If you hit the trails on a bike instead of on foot, choose a helmet that offers good air flow. Skateboarding helmets are not a good headwear for biking in our warm humid weather.

Windy days can be a challenge for some less experienced biker and is prevalent at certain times of the year. Going down wind on your bike is great; but the return trip home can be difficult gong into a strong wind, especially if you’re crossing some of our numerous bridges.

It is very important here to when biking or walking to carefully watch for traffic. There are many driveways, parking lots, and cross streets where vehicles driven by unaware drivers can conflict with you on the bike path. Be alert and always follow walking and biking safety rules.

Swimming and water aerobics are great ways to stay cool and yet get in some cardio activity. The tropical climate and sunshine make this an inviting way to enjoy Florida Keys fitness. Some local pools allow visitors’ day passes to enjoy their facilities.

Other water sports like snorkeling, diving, spearfishing, and kite boarding require more skill and training. Living in or visiting this water wonderland means easy access to all of these exciting adventures.

A number of community parks located throughout the Keys have basketball and tennis courts. Some also have tracks with exercise stations to make the most of your outdoor workout. Skate parks with ramps are also scatter throughout the Keys for adventuresome youth.

A few fitness centers and gymnasiums are found throughout the Keys. Most have weight training equipment as well as cardio equipment with physical trainers on staff to advise you on technique, proper form, and nutrition.

Enjoying ballroom dance at Club Baila in Islamorada or at one of our other local dance studios will keep you flexible and toned while you are have fun too.

Pilate’s and yoga studios are also popular. Stretching, toning, and relaxation are all benefits of these fitness choices.

Sailing and fishing also give you an opportunity to burn calories and work with your muscles. Great biceps, triceps, and a strong back are necessary to pull in that extra large shark or amberjack. Of course if you’ve got your own boat, poling the backcountry is a great work out for the upper arms and back.

Please remember these necessities when you take part in any outdoor Florida Keys fitness activity: plenty of sunscreen, hat with brim or visor, and a good pair of sunglasses. Come well prepared to stay fit. You will be glad that you did.