A summer sunrise on Menhaden Lane. (Photo by Ambrose Clancy)
It’s finally here — summer on Shelter Island!
We recently experienced the summer solstice, an important reminder to celebrate the nourishing light of the sun and the light that is within each of us.
As you tackle your summer fitness and wellness routine, incorporate all aspects of your mind, body and spirit. Start by connecting with nature, which relaxes and resets your nervous system and allows you to breathe in the sweet-smelling, clean air that helps you slow down and feel firmly rooted on the Rock.
Joseph Pilates said, “Let your breath be your internal cleansing.”
There are so many ways to use our beautiful island as your playground and enrich your health and mental wellbeing. How balanced is your healthy lifestyle?
Incorporate more stretching into your strength training. Incorporate cardio and weight training. Incorporate mindfulness and breathing. Incorporate friends and community. Incorporate beach sunsets and stargazing.
We are so blessed to live on such a beautiful island. Let’s go ahead and do the summer activities that we always say we want to do but never find the time to do.
What are three summer activities, old or new, that you can enjoy this summer, whether alone or with friends and family, that will bring you a deeper sense of joy, fulfillment and happiness?
For me:
#1 Riding around on my bike – it gives me such a simple and relaxing joy. but It seems like it’s hard to find time. (Check out aerobic exercise!)
#2 Pack a picnic basket and gather some friends for a quick dinner on the beach (friends and community — check!).
#3 Reading that book that has been waiting for my attention for a long time. (Mindfulness — check!)
When it comes to classes, it’s always good to try something new: exercises like Pilates, yoga, and Zumba are great for keeping your body and mind flexible.
Non-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, cycling, dancing and rowing are very important for us and should be balanced with weight training to maintain the bone density needed for graceful aging.
Breathe in the fresh air. Long walks along breathtaking beaches will lift your spirits and clear your mind and soul. Even better, take in the views from a paddleboard or kayak. There are plenty of tranquil creeks and bays around the island that offer peaceful exercise on the water.
Time seems to pass faster and faster, but try to enjoy the feeling of being alive.
I wish you all a healthy and happy summer filled with health and self-care.
Suzette Smith is the owner of Shelter Island Pilates and Barre, which offers private, group and virtual classes year-round. For more information, visit shelterislandpilates.com.
