Keep Fit: Hamptons Fitness Resolutions for 2016
A strong El Nino presence is to blame for the warmer than usual temps on the East End. Luckily, that means that it’ll be easier than ever to motivate yourself to keep fit during the offseason. Below are my 2016 winter fitness resolutions:
Utilize the Ocean: We live by the ocean year-round. Take advantage! Sometimes, a quick pit stop to the Atlantic front during a lunch break is enough to mentally recharge you. But for those who need a bit of a physical boost as well, jump in! Just be sure to get properly outfitted in a wetsuit first. Join fellow like-mined individuals at the Anti-Polar Polar Paddle at noon on Saturday, January 2 at Louse Point for a leisurely 2–3 mile stand-up paddle in Accabonac Harbor. Wear your most tropical garb over your wetsuit, and bring a $20 suggested donation to benefit the East End Foundation, supporting local families in need this holiday season. The event is sponsored by Lululemon.
Sign up for a Race: The East End plays host to a number of races of varying distances throughout the year. Signing up for a race gives you a tangible goal to work toward during the long winter. Arguably the most popular, the Hamptons Marathon and Half Marathon, held every fall, is introducing a new racecourse for 2016. Traditionally held in Springs, the event is moving to Southampton Village and will benefit Southampton Hospital. Registration is now open at hamptonsmarathon.com. Stay tuned for additional information regarding the exact race routes!
Let There Be Light: Yoga is one of the best ways to combat a winter chill. During the darkest months of the year, yoga allows students to find their inner light. Yoga classes can serve a number of purposes, from providing an intense workout to offering a solid hour of relaxation and stretching. A number of East End studios stay open year-round. Try out a variety to find out the right one for you.
Hike: The East End has miles of hiking trails that I have yet to truly enjoy. This winter, I’m going to take advantage of the balmy temps and head outside more. Montauk in particular offers pristine vistas. With light traffic during the offseason, heading to The End is the perfect day trip to take in the natural beauty of the area.
Try Something New: There’s no shortage of ways to keep fit, and every year seems to bring a new exercise trend. Jump on board, even for just a class. You just might discover a favorite workout. At the very least, new routines work different muscles, further strengthening you for your preferred endeavor.
Invest in the Right Gear: I cringe whenever I hear that someone has had a pair of running sneakers for more than a year. Running shoes should be replaced every 300–500 miles, depending upon the type of wear and tear you put on them. “Dead” shoes can do more harm than good. Check out Gubbins in Southampton and East Hampton to learn more about the best shoes for your feet.
Write Your Workouts Down: I find that it’s far too easy for me to assume that I exercise more than I actually do, likely because I spend a lot of time thinking about how I should exercise. Having tangible proof and writing down my workouts will hold me accountable, as well as give me a base of my fitness level and measured improvements.
Work Out in the Morning: There’s plenty of evidence about the benefits of working out in the morning. Consider this: You set yourself up for a healthy day, and you don’t have to say no to a post-work get-together, because you’ve already enjoyed a brisk exercise.
The days started getting longer after the Winter Solstice, and summer will be here before we know it! An East End winter is the perfect locale to relax, recharge and workout. Enjoy!