In this edition of “Fitness in the Keys” we will talk about all the places in and around Islamorada where you can exercise. Staying fit has never been so accessible. Working out these days doesn’t just mean pounding the pavement or lifting heavy weights in the gym. There are dozens of ways and places to exercise in the Florida Keys. Whether you are a gym rat, an outdoor enthusiast, a group exercise addict, a sunshine lover, or prefer to stay indoors and air conditioned, Islamorada has something to offer for everyone. No matter what your preference, finding a way to get your blood flowing, your heart pumping and your endorphins releasing at least 3 times per week is key to living a long and healthy life.
If traditional fitness methods are not ‘your thing,’ find an exercise that engages your body and your mind so that your focus is on more than just getting a workout. Trying new movements not only trains your muscle fibers, but also your brain and your nervous systems ability to execute that movement. Try a group exercise class or find a partner. The energy of the group or a partner can help motivate you to push a little harder.
Dedication and routine are keys to a good fitness program. A healthy and balanced diet also plays a huge role. Nutrition will be a focus of an upcoming feature, so stay tuned. Remember to be safe. If you are new to exercise, start slow and seek professional advice from the trainers and coaches at your facility. Most importantly, have fun!
Here is a list of places to work out from Key Largo to Grassy Key.
Gyms/Fitness Centers
Mac Gym – MM 106 – Free weights, machines, group exercise classes, boxing ring www.mackgym.com
Froggy’s Fitness Center – MM 92 – Free weights, machines, group exercise classes, personal training www.froggysfitness.com
Mariners Wellness Center – MM 91 -Free weights, machines, group exercise classes, personal training www.baptisthealth.net/en/facilities/mariners-hospital/wellness-center/pages/wellness-center.aspx
Islamorada Fitness Center – MM 86 – Machines, free weights, group exercise classes, personal training www.islamoradafitness.com
CrossFit
Crossfit Key Largo – MM 101 – Crossfit, Unloaded, Crossfit Kids, Yoga, Tae kwon Do,Tai Chi www.cfkeylargo.com
I am Crossfit Upper Keys – MM 92 – Crossfit, Boot camp, Crossfit Kids, Racquetball www.iamcrossfit.com/locations/i-am-crossfit-upper-keys/
Yoga/Pilates
Key Largo Yoga North – MM 99 – Vinyasa, Hatha, Gentle, Flow, Yin www.keylargoyoga.com
Key Largo Yoga South – MM 91 -Vinyasa, Hatha, Gentle, Flow, Aerial Yoga www.keylargoyoga.com
Paddle 88 – MM 88 – Beach Yoga and Pilates, SUP Yoga and SUP Fitness –www.paddlethefloridakeys.com/
Pilates in Paradise – MM 103 & MM 88 – Pilates www.pilatesinparadise.net/
Parks
Founders Park – MM 87 – Olympic Swimming Pool, Masters Class, Swimming lessons, Fitness Park, Jogging/Walking, Exercise track, Tennis, Basketball, Athletic fields, Beach www.islamorada.fl.us/founders_park.asp
Key Largo Park – MM 100 – Athletic Fields, Tennis, Volleyball, jogging/walking track, Skate Park, Jacobs Aquatic Center www.monroecounty-fl.gov/facilities/facility/details/Key-Largo-Community-Park-249
Harry Harris Park – MM 93 – Athletic Fields, Basketball, Swimming Beachwww.monroecounty-fl.gov/facilities/Facility/Details/250
Long Key State Park – MM 67 – Hiking, Jogging, Swimming, Kayak, Paddleboard www.floridastateparks.org/park/Long-Key
Pools
Founders Park – MM 87 – Olympic Swimming Pool, Masters Class, Swimming lessons www.islamorada.fl.us/founders_park.asp
Jacobs Aquatic Center – MM 100 – 25m Swimming Pool, Lane swimming, Masters classes, Kids pool, Swimming lessons www.jacobsaquaticcenter.org/
Trails
Florida Keys Overseas Highway Heritage Trail–located along the Overseas Highway, this trail extends from Key Largo Mile Marker 106 to Layton Mile Marker 63 and furhter south into Key West. Great for biking, walking, and jogging. Some sections are very scenic and offer resting places. https://www.floridastateparks.org/trail/Florida-Keys
Pennekamp Nature Trail–located at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Mile Marker 102.5. The park maintains three nature trails in uniquely different environments. The Mangrove Trail is a loop trail on a boardwalk that allows visitors to peacefully view the mangroves and estuaries they thrive in. Another loop trail, the Wild Tamarind Trail, winds through the park’s beautiful tropical hardwood hammock, allowing visitors to view many of the area’s native hardwood species. The Grove Trail also winds through the hardwood hammock, but terminates at the Grove. https://www.floridastateparks.org/activities/pennekamp-hiking-nature-trail
Long Key State Park–has a 1.2 mile hiking trail. https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Long-Key
Anne’s Beach–located at Mile Marker 73.5 has a nice scenic walking, jogging path and boardwalk.
**Know of other ways to get your heart pumping in the area let us know. Send recommendations to info@islamoradatimes.com and we can get them added to our list.
Feature written by Seychelle-Ocean Child, Professional Standup Paddleboarder, SUP Yogi, Adventurer
I was born and raised in the Florida Keys and have always had a deep connection to the water. I am an internationally competitive SUP racer and current long distance World Record holder in SUP. I began teaching Yoga on standup paddleboards in 2013. With my extensive knowledge of the sport of SUP and 13 years studying Yoga, I have developed a unique curriculum for teaching safe and FUN yoga classes on the water. I also lead SUP Fitness and Private SUP coaching lessons for beginner to advanced paddlers, as well as lead SUP Yoga teacher trainings. My classes on and off the board are a blend of the diverse styles I have practiced and a journey to cultivate strength, energy, balance, and bliss within our bodies.
I am passionate about life, fitness, nutrition, love, and being happy. I believe that anything is possible. My mantra is “Breathe and Smile”
It is my life’s dream to share this adventure with you.
Blessings and Gratitude,
Seychelle
http://www.seychellesup.com/
