What do you do to stay fit?
I would definitely consider myself an outdoorsy girl. I’ve always led a pretty active lifestyle, and have always preferred exercising outdoors surrounded by nature and sunshine. Not only is it for my body but so much for my state of mind. I want to be healthy and in the best shape possible especially as I age. I always say that age is just a number. It is so true! But I want to keep engaging in things that push me and bring me happiness.
A couple of years ago I was diagnosed with osteoporosis. Unfortunately, before I started treatment I broke both wrists and had to have surgery. So I’ve been forced to take it easy while my body healed. I’m finally feeling stronger and getting back to all of the things that I love. While it was certainly very frustrating recovering from my injuries, it was such a reminder that health is everything. So here’s to good health and happiness!
HORSEBACK RIDING
Few things make me happier than riding my horse, I pinch myself every single time that I am with him. Riding is a great form of exercise that strengthens your entire body from your legs, butt, core, and arms. It’s considered an isometric exercise which means you use specific muscles to stay in certain positions. It also develops a sense of balance and coordination. But most importantly for me is the mental health aspect. When I’m riding I am instantly less stressed, relaxed, and bursting with joy. It’s completely therapeutic. And it makes me feel connected to nature and of course enjoying the beautiful outdoors!
TENNIS
I love to play tennis, it’s fun, it’s active and can be played mostly outdoors. Not only do you run and sweat you also burn a lot of calories. Such a great workout for the entire body, I think it’s one of the best exercises that anyone can do at any age. I also love to wear tennis whites!
Out East I play at Hampton Racquet!
In NYC I play at the Vanderbilt Tennis Club, one of the most magical places in Manhattan and one of the best-kept secrets, tennis courts in Grand Central Station.
SURFING
I wouldn’t exactly call myself a surfer, but I have always, always wanted to be a surfer girl. The whole culture is so appealing to me. While I do surf and have surfed many times, it is a continuous challenge to get back out there. To be honest it intimidates me.
Talk about being connected to nature. Doesn’t get much closer than that. Each time I feel like I am conquering a fear. It’s such a powerful experience to just get out there and do it. Also, it’s an amazing workout. It’s full body and cardio, and what it does for your mind is indescribable. Makes you feel so free, truly mind, body and soul. So much fun!
I highly recommend East End Surf Club out in Montauk
MINARDI BEACH WORK OUT
This is definitely the hardest workout that I do but also so much fun. It’s intense cardio that also promotes balance and stability. Jimmy Minardi is also the most motivational coach, and full of positive energy. It’s at the best gym in the world, right on the beach in East Hampton. And most important, to me it perfectly blends mind, body, and spirit.
https://www.minarditraining.com/
SOULCYCLE
I’ve been going to Soul Cycle in Tribeca for over 10 years. And a complete devotee of my instructor/friend Laurie Cole. I was hooked from the very first time that I went. It was an amazing experience. Laurie plays incredible music and says these very empowering, motivational things to you. Not only are you doing this really challenging exercise, but you’re also doing it with a group. You form this sense of community where you feel supported, motivated, pushed, and for me, it all just came together — the exercise, the room, and the right instructor. One of the things Laurie said from the beginning is this, “Your strength comes from your courage.” That connected with me on such a deep level and still does all of this time later.
TORCH’D-ISAAC BOOTS
I started doing Isaac’s class at the beginning of quarantine. It was just what I needed to stay in shape and engaged with the most incredible community. The workout is intense. You are burning fat, toning your entire body, and having so much fun. And Isaac is the most positive and generous soul. He offers his class every day at 11 am via his Instagram all the while taking donations for No Kid Hungry raising over 1 MILLION DOLLARS. If that isn’t inspirational I don’t know what it is.
KULA YOGA
This is the only yoga studio that I go to in NYC. They have been deeply committed to the downtown community since 9/11 which really resonates with me and why I have chosen to be so committed to them. While the Tribeca studio has closed, (oh, how I will miss that several floors walk-up!) they are still open in Soho and Williamsburg.
https://kulayoga.com/
WALKING
I can’t say enough about the positive benefits of walking. Walking is great aerobic exercise. It is considered weight-bearing, which is good for your bone strength and health something very important to me especially after being diagnosed with osteoporosis. You don’t need a gym or to spend money to work out. My goal is to walk 12,000 steps per day. So lace up your sneakers, put on your favorite podcast and get out there!
