Keeping Fit in Montauk
It’s no secret that the Hamptons, and Montauk in particular, is famed for its nightlife. But on the opposite end of the spectrum, the East End has also become a hotbed for fitness-minded individuals, with summer popup studios, innovative outdoor classes and Montauk’s natural beauty a playground for the health-conscious vacationer. Here’s a roundup of how to stay fit on The End:
The ever-popular SoulCycle has opened in Montauk for the summer, occupying the former Montauk Movie (aka Cinema Cycle) at 15 South Edgemere Street. This location joins three other Hamptons locations—Water Mill, Bridgehampton and East Hampton. For more information, visit soul-cycle.com.
Hike (or ride!) the trails. Montauk is home to a number of state parks, including Shadmoor State Park, Camp Hero State Park and Montauk State Park, each providing ample opportunities to hike, run and get fit outdoors. For an added adventure, the Montauk Bike Shop offers guided, off-road bicycling tours of Hither Woods, a state park covering 3,000 acres. If walking the greens is more your speed, Montauk Downs State Park features a top-ranked 18-hole golf course.
Located at 183 Edgemere Street, The Surf Lodge offers a series of fitness-minded activities, including yoga, barre and popup studio classes. Well + Good has recently launched Surfside Salutations, a three-part event series, at The Surf Lodge. The event kicked off with a bootcamp class with Adam Rosante in June; followed by yoga with Heather Lilleston on July 11; and will next offer Dance Cardio with Anna Kaiser on August 22.
“The Hamptons and Montauk specifically has grown into a wellness playground,” says Alexia Brue, co-founder of Well + Good. “The Surf Lodge, as we all know, is known for its nightlife, however they are also really into wellness.”
The day-long Surfside Salutations at The Surf Lodge include the headlining fitness classes, in addition to a healthy brunch, raw food facials and paddling on Fort Pond with Paddle Diva.
“In choosing the fitness headliners, we wanted to work with incredible, inspiring teachers who have a Hamptons connection. And we also wanted to feature different fitness modalities…August will be Anna Kaiser, the legendary dance cardio instructor who works with everyone from Kelly Ripa to Shakira to Sarah Jessica Parker. She has an East Hampton studio and home,” says Brue. For more info, visit wellandgood.com/surfsidesalutations.
And, of course, there’s perhaps the most iconic Montauk activity—surfing. Rent a board at one of the many local surf shops, or grab a lesson at Ditch Plains. CoreysWave (coreyswave.com) teaches at the famed Montauk spot. And instructor Evelyn O’Doherty (eveltnodoherty.com) leads a women’s only camp on Fridays and Sundays out of Main Beach Surf & Sport in East Hampton.
As we head into the final half of summer, take advantage of the long days and warm weather to stay physically and mentally fit, being mindful of allowing yourself time to breathe.
“Our tips for balance: Don’t over-schedule your Hamptons day,” continues Brue. “All week long, we live by a to-do list, and iCal appointments and deadlines, and it’s super easy to replicate that on weekends (when your body needs to rejuvenate) by making dinner reservations, booking fitness classes, etc. So, on the weekend, leave a window for chilling out in a hammock or just riding your bike to the beach.”