We make a lot of lists about food and sometimes those lists tend to be not include healthiest of dishes. (Our delicious pizza and burger lists for example). we know that these plates aren’t meant to be eaten every day, they’re purely for a once in a while kind of celebration (or maybe a couple of times a week – tops). For this reason, we wanted to show you that we don’t just gorge on pizzas, burritos, and french fries all day long and that we really care about our health and yours! So we’re going healthy on you and sharing some of our favorite ways to get (and stay) healthy at the Jersey Shore.

Staying healthy is more than just eating well, it’s about getting out there and moving your body whether it’s at the gym or on a hike. It’s also about taking care of yourself with massages, facials, you name it!

So here are some of our favorite ways to stay healthy at the Jersey Shore this summer, from eating to running and yes, even practicing yoga on the beach, all you need are some sneakers, SPF, and a mindset to sweat!

Staying Healthy at the Jersey Shore

Sweat It Off!

First things first, it’s time to get your sweat on! After eating that big breakfast of pancakes, we’re pretty sure that we also need to spend some time working on our physique. Luckily for us, there are plenty of Jersey Shore gyms that guarantee we will sweat… a lot. Most well known for their extensive facilities and large pools, The Atlantic Club will keep you healthy in two locations – Manasquan and Red Bank. They have everything you could ask for when it comes to staying healthy – pools, gyms, trainers, and classes. Being a member here makes it easy and very glamorous to be fit.

Looking for a smaller atmosphere that won’t break your budget? Try out a class (or sign up for a personal training session) with the guys at Beach Road Fitness in Monmouth Beach. They’ll coach everyone from novices to regular gym junkies on new ways to get fit this summer. Just down the road is another great studio that offers a revolutionary workout to invigorate your body and your mind. Perspirology in Sea Bright understands the science of sweat and their one-hour, full body industrial strength workout is definitely a testimony to that commitment. What’s even better is that the first class is free! There’s no excuse not to get your sweat on!

Living at the Jersey Shore we can count ourselves rather lucky since we’re minutes away from a number of workouts. For those looking for something difficult yet different, a class at Renaissance Pilates in Red Bank may be your ticket to that lean physique you’ve always wanted. Or take a ride at Tandem Cycle in Manasquan where in just 45 minutes you’ll sculpt, tone, and blast fat away all while donating to a classroom across America. It’s easily our favorite spin studio at the shore!

Healthy Bites

Being healthy at the Jersey Shore is relatively easy when you can walk off the beach to Playa Bowls in Belmar and Manasquan for an Acai Bowl or the next superfood, Pitaya! They’re perfect for when you’re craving something healthy that will make you feel even more confident in that bathing suit. Best of all, not only are their bowls and smoothies good for you – they’re absolutely delicious as well!

If you’re in Asbury Park, stop by Juice Basin in Asbury Park for a smoothie or juice that will keep you and your body humming along. On the beach in LBI? No need to fret because Livin on the Veg in Beach Haven has everything you could ask for when it comes to eating healthy – quick, delicious, and fulfilling dishes.

For those looking for a night out that won’t weigh you down, check out Kaya’s Kitchen in Belmar for a unique twist on vegetarian and vegan dishes! Or for those on the Paleo diet, visit New Jersey’s first Paleo eatery at Cave in Avon. You’ll feel as strong as a caveman after you try out one of their Paleo Burgers. If you’re one of those busy people who think they can’t eat healthy because they have no time, think again. Not only does Cave offer weekly meal services but so does Eat Clean Delivery in Neptune City. Just call in ahead of time and order up one day or a week’s worth of meals and “Big Mike” will deliver it right to your door.

Going out not an option? Visit one of Monmouth and Ocean County’s countless farmers markets throughout the week where local farmers are selling Jersey fresh produce that was just picked that morning. We’re big fans of Red Bank’s market in The Galleria on Sundays, the Asbury Fresh market on Sundays and Thursdays and Pt. Pleasant’s market on Sundays. You’ll find everything you need (and maybe a few tips and recipes) to make a healthy meal right at home, no garden needed!

The Great Outdoors

There’s really no better time to explore the great outdoors than right now. Start off your morning with beachfront fitness classes in Asbury Park where you can enjoy free yoga, Pilates and boot camp classes – for free. Red Bank is also jumping on the wellness bandwagon offering yoga and Pilates classes at the Riverside Gardens Park every Wednesday from 6-7pm.

Jenkinson’s in Point Pleasant also has some great fitness options, with yoga on the beach or beach boot camp. Both are a tremendous workout.

Looking to be a little bit more adventurous? Why not kayak your way through one of the Jersey Shore’s many lakes or rivers with Northeast Mountain Guiding. Through the end of August, join them in Red Bank for guided kayak tours (mark your calendars for July 31st, August 4th, 9th and 22nd!) Or check out the river standing up instead of sitting down with a Stand Up Paddling Course (SUP for the cool kids) with Jersey Shore Paddler who offers classes every Saturday till September at Forge Pond in Brick.

Finally for all of the thrill seekers out there, forge your own path through one of the Jersey Shore’s dozens of parks including Island Beach State Park and Hartshorne Woods. Or take it to the ocean where big waves await you in popular surfing towns like Manasquan, Belmar and Lavallette.

Self Care

After all this jumping, stretching, and eating healthy, all in an effort to feel (and look) good, it would be ridiculous of us not to also give ourselves a little TLC. The Bear and Birch Sauna in Freehold does just that. This Russian bathhouse has everything from saunas to the Ultimate Detox Parka, a traditional Russian branch treatment (it sounds scarier than it is, believe us!) For a relaxing treatment visit Tao Massage in Asbury Park for their Sensory Reduction Therapy. It’s an experience that will leave you recharged, rejuvenated and ready to rock!