By MADDY VITALE
Working out doesn’t have to be a chore, or a bore. Not when you have the sand at your feet and the waves crashing in front of you.
Not a bad vista for exercising. And not exactly one that evokes boredom.
In Ocean City, there are free beach workout classes hosted by the Aquatic & Fitness Center at 8 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
The classes are geared toward health conscious residents and visitors. Monday is yoga day, Wednesday is the Pilates class and Friday is for low-impact exercise.
On Monday, more than 50 “yogis” participated in the class.
“This summer, with the governor opening up outside programs, it seems the outside is the place to be to work out,” said Lisa Rumer, program coordinator for the Aquatic & Fitness Center.
There are two instructors from the Aquatic & Fitness Center who lead the classes.
Beach yoga gives participants a vista of the surf.
Rumer noted that the views can’t be beat during the beach workouts.
“Between the ocean waves crashing and the dolphins going by, it is such a great way to start the day,” she said.
She continued, “It is something offered every summer for people to get a little movement and stay healthy.”
And the city-run program has been offered to residents and vacationers for about 25 years, Rumer said.
“They are very popular,” said Ocean City Public Information Officer Doug Bergen.
The classes are held at Sixth Street Beach and last about an hour.
“All people have to do is bring a towel and a friend,” Rumer noted. “It’s free to everyone.”
In the wake of COVID-19 restrictions, the summer program, which began June 29, had new guidelines including social distancing and masks.
There are six instructors and each session has two of them.
“We definitely have that physical distancing in mind to keep everyone safe,” Rumer said.
For more information call (609) 398-6900.
Soaking up the sun and also getting in shape is the focus of the city's beach yoga, one of the free exercise activities.
