Incorporate Nature into Your Workout

Virgin Islands National Park on St. John

St. John is one of Mother Nature’s gems. The island’s natural beauty draws an array of individuals to spend time in paradise — permanently. The tropical environment is home to many people who participate in a variety of activities to stay fit while also enjoying the great outdoors. Check out all the fun ways to incorporate nature into your workout while living on the island.

Local Sporting Events
St. John is home to many active individuals who are passionate about health and nature. Look for local triathlons, swim races, or fun runs. It’s a great way to get outdoors and spend time with others while exercising. Signing up for a local event can also act as a motivator and keep your workouts on schedule.

Trails & Paths

The Yawzi Ruins are accessible by a .3 mile trail in the VINP. (Photo from the VINP website)
The Yawzi Ruins are accessible by a .3 mile trail in the VINP. (Photo from the VINP website)

With over half the island consisting of a national park, St. John has tons of trails that are open to the public. While there are guided tours and groups you can join within the community, feel free to explore on your own. Along with hiking, the trails are great for jogging, biking, and horseback riding (on a select few).

Outdoor Workouts
Quickly becoming one of the most popular ways to workout in St. John, exercising outdoors is a wonderful way to take care of yourself—physically and mentally. Yoga is one of the more favored activities, as well as HITT (high intensity interval training). While both of these workouts are typically done indoors, more and more individuals are taking their equipment-free workout routines outside to revel in the island’s beauty.

Ocean Activities

A sign on the Lind Point upper trail. (Photo from VINP website)
A sign on the Lind Point upper trail. (Photo from VINP website)

Since it’s warm year-round on St. John, you’ll often find residents spending time in the great blue sea. Between snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, scuba diving, and a variety of other water workouts, the ocean is full of nature-filled exercise opportunities. Remember to help preserve the ocean and its wildlife by practicing safe travel techniques during any of these recreational activities. https://hivesters.com/blog/view/5-things-you-can-do-to-travel-the-ocean-responsibly

Hopefully one of these ways to incorporate nature into your workouts has inspired you to become more active outdoors. If you’re nervous about working out in public by yourself, consider joining a workout group or putting one together. This way, you can encourage others to go outside and get some fresh air. You’ll also increase your appreciation for the world around you.