Top Ways to Stay Fit in Miami

One of the most popular (and cheapest!) ways to stay in shape is hitting the streets running. There is very little equipment required, and no expensive gyms or clubs to join. With the long daylight hours here in Miami, you can fit running into your busy schedule - day or night. Most of our residential neighborhoods have sidewalks and South Beach is a great destination for a long run with plenty of people-watching opportunities. Miami is home to many road races and events, such as the Miami ING Marathon and the Tropical 5K. If you prefer running or cycling with others, you can check into a running club.

Of course, with the beautiful weather and water, swimming is a great option. It's not only great for your cardiovascular system, it really tones major muscle groups. You can always find a lake or dive into the ocean, but there are many great swim clubs throughout the Miami-Dade area where you can join others. Most clubs take swimmers of any age or skill level, but some are competitive and may get you motivated to push a little harder.

Riding a bicycle is an interesting way to explore the city and get a great workout. You can purchase an inexpensive starter bicycle at a garage sale, or make an investment in a new bike by visiting one of Miami's many bike shops. If you'd like some companionship on your rides, try a cycling club such as USA Cycling or the Everglades Bicycle Club.

With the nightlife on South Beach, dancing is a huge part of our culture! While you can sweat it out on the dance floor and get a great workout, why not try a dance class? Many dance studios offer lessons in salsa, Latin ballroom, tango, mambo, and other popular styles. There are also recreational and competitive dance clubs you can join if you're interested. If you want an even harder workout, you can find a class at a local gym that combines dance moves and aerobics in a fun way to keep you sweating and toning at the same time.

Miami has an abundance of gyms if the outdoors aren't your thing. Classes like yoga and pilates are an awesome way to keep your glutes tight and your six-pack well-defined. You won't find a better muscular workout for total-body anywhere! Classes like cardio-kickboxing and spinning keep your lungs strong and heart pumping, and will get you in shape in no time. With so many classes to choose from, look for a gym that offers free trials or a one-price system that will let you try different classes to see which gets the results you need. Sign up with a friend for a discount at most places, and you can keep each other motivated on your less-than-enthusiastic days.