Ways to Stay Fit in Hawaii

     Hawaii is often thought of as being a place of relaxation and a laid-back lifestyle. However, there is so much more to do other than tanning and being lazy.

Hawaii's year-round warm climate allows for a long list of physical activities that can appeal to anyone at any fitness level to help you stay fit without being cooped up in a gym.

Beaches definitely come to mind when you hear about the Aloha state, which is home to some of the best and most beautiful beaches is the world. It is here that you can find a wide range of exercise opportunities.

You can start with a simple walk or run on the beach. Because the sand is loose and gives way when you walk on it, walking and running on the beach provides a better workout than doing the same on a sidewalk or paved path, making sure that your calves will be burning by the time you're ready to head into the water.

The potential of the water extends beyond being a great way to cool off. From swimming to surfing to kayaking and more, Hawaii's waters provide a number of fun activities to keep your stomach flat.

Depending on the activity you want to do, you will go to a certain beach. Someone who is looking at going kayaking, for example, may go to Lanikai Beach on the east side of the island of Oahu. The calm waters allow for an enjoyable ride to off-shore reef islands that endangered species like to call home.

Kayaking is a great way to build upper body strength. The motions needed to paddle through the water, especially against the current, are a sure way to test your shoulders, biceps, forearms, core, and more all at once.

Want something different? Surfing, while a completely different sport when compared to kayaking, will tone all the same muscles.

For someone who wants to learn how to surf, they may want to go to the famous Waikiki beach. Here, calmer waters and smaller waves allow the novice a safe and fun way to learn the old Hawaiian sport, and at the same time still provides great exercise.

Can't make it to the beach? Want to avoid the sand? The islands provide other great ways to get your exercise. One being great places to go for a walk or run.

In the town of Kailua, a popular running and walking route is going around Enchanted Lake. It is an easy 3-mile route through the community. There are sidewalks all around, cross-walks, and traffic is light-all amounting to a route that is safe and fun.

Furthermore, Hawaii's natural terrain gives opportunities for hundreds of amazing hikes for any experience level. Here you can find a great way to spend time as a family and make sure everyone stays fit.

The volcanic islands have made for lush green mountains and towering seaside cliffs that make amazing hikes with spectacular views-a great payoff to some exercise.

With hikes that range from being paved and short providing an easy and fast workout, to hikes whose trails follow the cliff's edge leading to a 4,000 foot drop down to the ocean, the islands' hikes can please everyone.

Hiking is a great way to get a cardio workout and to keep your blood pressure low. As you get to more difficult hikes, you can work more parts of your body. Olomana, while a short hike, provides opportunities to test upper body strength when you need to use a rope to get up and down a ledge that is only a few feet wide.

The fiftieth state's weather allows for its residents and visitors to be outdoors all year round. With countless outdoor activities, there is sure to be something for everyone.

Exercise extends so much further than being a way to lose weight and gain a nice body. There are countless other benefits.

It can help you to live longer. Getting your heart rate up increases blood flow and lowers blood pressure making a great way to fight off diseases that plague so many different people today.

Beyond the physical benefits, working out can also help you psychologically. It is a great way to rid your mind of the stresses we face every day. It offers you opportunities to think things out and feel better about them.

Hawaii provides so many different ways to gain these benefits that it is nearly impossible to get tired of working out.

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