8 Ways to Stay Fit on Your Florida Vacation #BloggingFL

In Florida swimsuit season lasts the entire year, so to help keep you in killer shape, here are a few tips to stay fit while on vacation.

1. Test Your Balance on a Stand-Up Paddleboard

Take to the crystal-clear water on a stand-up paddleboard for a workout and sweeping views of the ocean. To avoid injuring your legs during the workout, don’t forget to bring your sports shoes. If you don’t have them, you can search online for retailers who can send your sports shoes as quickly as possible. Additionally, keep in mind to look for SportsShoes Discount Codes to avoid overspending on high-quality running shoes. Additionally, if you like, you can carry your workout clothing, such as a t-shirt and shorts.

Anyway, the SUP craze is a great way to explore the open water while feeling the burn from your legs to your core and your arms, too. Open to all ages and skill levels, try a stand-up paddleboard yoga class, offered on Saturday mornings at the Marriott Stanton South Beach.

2. Play with the Kids and Hunt for Seashells

Traveling with your family? Don’t just lay on a lounge chair and watch the kids splash around in the ocean or the pool – join in on the fun! You’ll be surprised how many calories you can burn picking up seashells on the shoreline.

3. Get Lean and Strong with Yoga

Find your inner bliss and transform your body into long and lean muscles with a yoga class. Yoga classes are held all over the Sunshine State, but in Miami, there are a number of free outdoor classes. One Yoga Foundation hosts free weekly classes at Kennedy Park in Coconut Grove, Margaret Pace Park in Downtown, South Pointe Park in South Beach, North Shore Open Space Park in North Miami Beach and CB Smith Park in Pembroke Pines. While yoga can help improve flexibility, posture, and balance, it also provides many other benefits, such as self-reflection, the practice of kindness to oneself and others, and continued growth and self-awareness.

Of course, all of this is much easier to achieve if you can find comfort in the poses. There are a number of props in the market that can make you feel comfortable while you express yourself in a yoga pose. For instance, the cork yoga blocks are some of the most commonly used yoga props in class. The block made of foam, bamboo, wood, or cork, are often used as an extension of the arms, but they can also support the back, head, and hips to help the body settle into a pose.

4. Bring Your Tennis Shoes

This one may seem obvious, but don’t forget to pack your favorite pair of tennis shoes. If not for use on a real tennis court – from experience, The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club offers open clinics and round robin groups for all ages – then take the stairs instead of taking the elevator. When you’re ready to do some sightseeing, opt for a walking tour, instead of a trolley tour.

5. Hit the Beach for Bootcamp

Kick that booty into gear with a military-inspired bootcamp on the beach. You’ll feel the burn with a group of like-minded fitness junkies and enjoy the view at the same time. Classes are offered all over the state, but the Harbor Beach Marriott is famous for their “Stay Fit in Fort Lauderdale” package. The package includes one fitness class of choice, one intense beach bootcamp session and a 30-minute health and fitness consultation.

6. Turn Your Hotel Room into a Mini Gym

It’s easier than you think! Do three sets of 20 squats. Then place a chair parallel to the wall and do three sets of 20 step-ups. Hit the ground and do some crunches and push-ups. You could also include protein supplements as one of the muscle building options along with these fitness exercises. Additionally, pack a jumping rope and burn some serious calories. Throw in some jumping jacks as a throwback to middle-school gym class – and then you’re good to go!

7. Eat Fresh and Eat Healthy

The great thing about Florida, is that we have a wealth of fabulous healthy food choices. Instead of opting for the burger and fries at the pool, inquire about the fresh fish and salad options. Pack light snacks to take with you on your sightseeing excursions. Items like almonds and blueberries are easy to throw in a plastic baggy on-the-go.

8. Listen to Your Body

Finally, it’s important to relax while you’re on vacation – because that’s the point, right!? If you’re tired, then rest. Don’t feel like you have to jam pack your schedule to get everything done and uncover every nook and cranny in the town. Besides, we want you to come visit us in the Sunshine State time and time again – so there will be plenty more trips where you can explore.

This post originally appeared on the Florida Marriott’s travel blog: floridabuzzreport.com.