Happy and healthy with sandy toes!

We’ve all heard the famous words, “Exercise releases endorphins”. These are natural hormones that flood the body with a feel-good energy that releases stress and uplifts your mood… and I love it!

I headed down to the complimentary gym of the condo to get my heart rate up and release those amazing endorphins.
Although small, I appreciated the cleanliness as I observed what tools I had to work with. They had a few treadmills, two seated bikes and a set of free weights all stored in a compact room with a magnificent view.

As I peddled away during my warm up, it hit me… wham! I’m sitting in a tiny room with florescent lighting, and a window that happened to be showing me a much bigger, brighter, and fabulous gym… We call it the beach!

I stopped the bike and headed towards mom to see if she was up for a workout in the sand. The gym was on the 4th floor, our place sat on the 20th and if you know me well, you know this was an invite for a stair climb. Ready set go!

Once reaching mom, 2 minutes and 18 seconds later (I timed my stair climb each attempt in order to motivate a quick pace) we agreed that a beach visit would be the perfect ending to this vibrant day.

Fitness time! I’m going to break this down into some basic thoughts for a proper beach workout.

Let’s start with some rules. First off, check your surroundings to make sure you don’t put yourself or any others in danger. That appears easy today!

Next, scan the sand for any seashells that can later be made into jewelry (that I’ll be taking abroad to gift, trade or donate).

Bring liquids to keep hydrated (preferably in self designed cups).

Be aware of seagulls and/or any other flying creature that could view your head as a target.

Time to get the heart rate up! I spy I tiny bird that wants to play tag, so I sneak up…

…and the chase begins! He won.

I take a breather to practice some press handstand moves. These are much harder for me than it appears!

Back to increasing the heart rate… Tuck jumps and running in place are two great ways to do so while triggering different muscles.

I then attempted to play with the waves. I chase them, they get me. I dodge them, they get me.

Now everyone STOP! Its time for the dance portion of this work out.

Followed by a quick photo shoot requested by the photographer (my proud mom of course).

A peaceful stretch after the energetic fun seems to align the mind and body to a calm sense of completion.

The final task is sharing the sunset with your best friend. Taking each breath in appreciation for your health and happiness while having full gratitude for whats in front of you. I cheers with a smile to living in the now.