May We Be...Vigorous

VIGOROUS ˈviɡ(ə)rəs | adjective

1. strong, healthy, and full of energy. 2.characterized by or involving physical strength, effort, or energy.

The lazy hazy days of summer are approaching but that doesn’t mean YOU need to be lazy! Why not use this time to start a new exercise routine, take a yoga or fitness class, or maybe pick up a new favorite pastime. Staying active is good for both your body and mind. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends that healthy adults get at least 75 minutes a week of vigorous aerobic activity (such as running or cycling) or 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity. Combine these types of activities and double up to 300 minutes for even more health benefits. Of course, balance is important. Don’t overexert. If you’re new to exercising, start at a light intensity and gradually build up to moderate or vigorous intensity. This will decrease your risk of soreness, injury, and burnout.

Some options you might want to consider:

Swimming! (It is going to be summer, after all!) The Neptune Park Fun Zone on St. Simons Island opens to the public on May 27. June 5 is the first day for Morning Lap Swim. Passes for lap swim only are $5/day. Punch passes and season passes are also available. Find more information at glynncounty.org/1058/Pool.

Membership at The Club on St. Simons Island includes access to an outdoor pool that is heated year-round for lap swimming. Water aerobics classes are also offered. The Club offers a wide array of group fitness classes as well as yoga classes in The Clouds Yoga Centre. If you’d rather do solo work on cardio or hit the cycle studio, they’ve got rooms and top of the line equipment for that too. For more information about classes, amenities offered, and membership, visit theclubssi.com.

Other local options for adult fitness classes (or private sessions) that address core strength, flexibility, balance, or toning, include Atlantis Fitness and Pilates (atlantisfitnessandpilates.com), Omcore Yoga & Body (omcoreyoga.com), The Brick (thebrickssi.com) and The Pilates Loft (ssipilatesloft.com). There's even free Yoga at the Library.

Interested in learning tennis? The Tennis Apprentice program offered by Golden Isles Tennis teaches adult beginners the necessary basic skills that will allow you to start playing tennis quickly. They have teamed up with several great coaches to make learning tennis fun, convenient, and affordable. After completing the program, you can join beginner-level USTA league play. Rookie League is the most fun way to meet others at your level of play, make friends, burn calories, and stay active! For only $60 you’ll receive: five hours of instruction and coaching from experienced professionals, a Head tennis racquet, a one year USTA Membership, (upon joining a league within six months), and a player match party! To register, see goldenislestennis.com.

If walking, running, or riding a bike is more your speed, you’ll want to check out Golden Isles Track Club and/or Bike Walk Golden Isles. These local non-profit organizations promote fun in fitness and offer not only a community of like-minded people, but a wealth of resources and helpful information. GITC welcomes all exercise levels/speed and is comprised of members who walk, jog, run, and cycle. They offer organized “fun runs” and other activities, encourage race participation, and host the Sunshine Festival July 4 5K & 1 Mile on St. Simons Island. See detailed information and membership registration on their website at goldenislestrack.club. The BWGI website has an event calendar and helpful resources like information about trails, as well as membership registration on their website at bikewalkgoldenisles.org. Both groups can also be found on Facebook.