How to keep your spring break body all year round

RATASHA IRIBARREN

One of the perks of living in South Florida is having the beach in your own backyard.
With spring break around the corner, it is time to acknowledge all of your hard work by showing yourself off in a new swimsuit.
Here are some tips to keep your beach body in check throughout the break so you can fit in your swimsuit all year long.
In the Water

Activities in the water are great for the person who is not a fan of sweat as well as for the gym enthusiast because of its resistance and water currents.
South Florida beaches have an abundance of activities for every fitness level and type of workout. Take your workout out on the water by renting a kayak with your friends. According to the American Council on Exercise, kayaking is a great aerobic exercise that can help you burn anywhere from 280 to 450 calories an hour.
In addition to the arm, shoulder, chest and back workout you gain from paddling, you are also engaging the core by shifting your weight when you lean in to turn the kayak.
Rental rates depend on the duration of the ride and whether you are renting a single or double rider kayak. If you are looking for even more of a core stability challenge, save the squats for Monday’s gym workout and rent a paddleboard instead.
This activity challenges your abs, glutes and obliques to hold up the rest of your body as you try to balance yourself with your legs and paddle with your arms.
I recommend this workout to everyone because it is easy to pick up. While some people may focus more on paddling fast and challenging their core, others can enjoy the scenery, the sounds of the ocean waves and the warmth of the sun as they paddle.
Rental prices range anywhere from $20 to $30 in the Fort Lauderdale and Miami Beach areas.
One activity I have yet to try is surfing; I hear it is another great workout due to the water’s uneven surface. The unpredictable waves force you to use your entire body to stay on the board constantly.
For prices on group and private surf lessons, check out sobesurf.com. If you are a thrill seeker looking to try something new, head over to Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach and learn how to wakeboard with their unique cable system. Information on wakeboard rentals and lesson rates are available at skirixenusa.com.

On Land

If you are more of a land lover, show off your skills in the sand by playing a game of beach volleyball with your friends. This activity is a great calorie burner.
By serving, running and spiking the ball, you can burn over 400 calories in one hour while challenging your core in the uneven surface of the sand. The best part about beach volleyball is that the fun and competitive nature of the game distracts you from the workout. From using your arms to hit the ball to sculpting your legs while you run, you end up working out your entire body.
Another popular game to play in the sand is frisbee. In addition to working out your arms, you can burn up to 200 calories an hour by running and jumping to catch the frisbee before it hits the ground.
Challenge yourself even more by taking turns with your friends to throw and catch the frisbee at longer distances.
While some people prefer to throw around a football, paddleball is by far my favorite beach sport; it requires just as much hand-eye coordination as throwing and catching a football.
The wind really keeps you on your toes while you run for the ball and hit it back to your opponent. Again, running and hitting the ball provides you with a great full body workout while helping you have a fun day at the beach.
If the wind is throwing off your game, kick around a soccer ball with your friends for a great cardio and leg workout.
When you get tired of the sand in between your toes, take your workout ocean side with a bike ride. Cruise beside the coastline and explore the shops, restaurants and entertainment while toning your quads, hamstrings, glutes and calf muscles.
Bicycle rentals in the South Florida area range anywhere from $5 to $15 an hour for single riders.
Spring break is a great time to relax from school work, but it is no excuse to undo your new beach body. By staying active and having fun in the sun, you can save your swimsuit for more sun-kissed days.

Ratasha Iribarren is an instructor at the Recreation Center.