Ways to Workout During Your Vacation

Photo by Scott Alexander

Working out while you’re away from home is sometimes difficult. Luckily, Miami’s year round sunshine and ample recreational opportunities allow for a variety of workout options while you’re staying here.Whether you want to try the dip and pull up bars in Lummus park pictured above, run on the beach, swim in the ocean or just hit the gym, Miami has your options covered.

Running on the beach

The most obvious and inviting option for vacation workouts in Miami is a good old fashioned run. The beach itself is always a good option, though running on sand can be difficult. Fortunately Miami Beach has a paved beach path that begins at 5th street and runs up to 22nd, where it turns into a boardwalk that stretches all the way up to 49th street. Running the entire thing is just over eight miles round trip.

If group running is more your style, South Beach icon Robert “Raven” Kraft runs eight miles with his followers each day at 5 p.m. They meet at the 5th Street lifeguard stand and run on the sand. Not only will you be continuing a timeless South Beach tradition, but Raven gives each new runner his or her own personal nickname.

Using the pull up bars

If running isn’t your thing and you just want to do some basic dry land workouts, Lummus Park features pull-up bars, dip bars and an incline bench for sit-ups between 7th and 8th streets on the East side of Ocean Drive.

Taking a swim
The Ocean is a great place to get in some solid open water swimming. Especially during the summer – when water temperatures are regularly in the 80s – the calm waters of the Atlantic allow you to get in a rigorous workout while simultaneously enjoying Miami’s picturesque beach. An added bonus is that you can sight off the hotels on shore to see how far you’ve swam. And, more importantly, where you left your towel.

If open water swimming isn’t your thing, Miami Beach has two public pools that non-residents can use for a $10 fee. Flamingo Park pool is located in Flamingo Park on 12th Street and Michigan Avenue. The Scott Rakow Youth Center, despite its name, is open to people of all ages and is located on 26th Street and Pine Tree Drive. Lap swim hours vary, so call the pools first to check on times.

Gyms and Fitness classes

South Beach has no shortage of gyms. Unfortunately, the gyms are also all private, meaning unless you buy a day pass you won’t be able to use the facilities. That said, if you simply must get in your weights and cardio, you can purchase day passes or short memberships.

Crunch  has two locations in Miami Beach on Alton Road and Washington Avenue. A day pass there will run you $35.

David Barton Gym, located in the Perry Hotel on 23rd and Collins, features all modern gym equipment in a club-like environment, and offers access to both of the Perry’s pools. A day pass there is $25.

Equinox, a favorite workout spot for visiting celebrities, does not sell day passes. But if you purchase $100 worth of products or services from the shop or spa you are also allowed to use the gym for three days. Perfect for anyone looking to relax and work out during a weekend in South Beach.

CrossFit Miami Beach Whether you’re part of the Cult of CrossFit and need a place to get in your 20 minutes of Hell while on vacation, or you want to try something new while in Miami, Alton road’s CrossFit Miami Beach is a different kind of workout. For the unfamiliar, CrossFit is a total-body, high-intensity workout that pushes your body to max effort for a short period of time. It has you doing everything from dead lifts to shuttle runs to pull-ups to hack squats. Like a circuit training class on steroids and speed. It’s about as intense a workout as you’ll find in Miami. But be forewarned: CrossFit requires about a week’s worth of classes before you can attend a session. So if it sounds like something you want to do, get your prerequisites out of the way before you come to Miami and you’ll be welcomed with large, ripped open arms.

South Florida Boxing The iconic South Florida Boxing gym at 715 Washington Ave.  is another great option if you want a solid workout while you’re vacationing here. The former home of legendary trainer Angelo Dundee is now an all-purpose fitness center, though it still focuses on training fighters. But don’t worry, the vast majority of people who train there never intend to fight. It’s just an interesting – and historic – place to try different kinds of boxing-related workouts. So you can train like a fighter without ever stepping in the ring. 

Riding your bike

Biking in Miami Beach is tricky, as we don’t have any designated bike paths on the island. However one of the most scenic bike rides in America lies just south of us on Key Biscayne. If you have a car here, it may we worth your time to rent a bike from one of our many bike shops and take it over to the Rickenbacker Causeway for a ride.

Even if you don’t have a car, the ride across the Venetian Causeway – just West of 17th street – to downtown Miami is scenic and flat. Just always make sure to watch out for cars, as you will be sharing the road with them the whole time. That is why biking the 195 and 395 causeways is not recommended. Though scenic and tempting, the volume of traffic makes them a little unsafe.

So while some may want to spend their vacation here lounging by the pool sipping mojitos and dining out, those who need their exercise fix have an array of options. The weather here makes vacation workouts easy. And any of these options gives you a chance to maintain your workout regimen while seeing some of the best sights Miami Beach has to offer.

Related Links: Yoga For Travelers Staying Healthy On Vacation Related Categories: Miami: Travel News, About the Author: Matt Meltzer is a featured columnist at Miami Beach 411. See more articles by Matt Meltzer. See more articles by Matt Meltzer Was This Post Helpful? Please Share It With Others! Tweet

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