Reach Your Fitness Goals While Vacationing on Cape Cod

Going on vacation doesn't mean your health has to take a hit. Cape Cod has numerous options to explore that will make keeping up with your fitness goals easy. Whether you're into outdoor activities, group fitness classes, quality nutrition, or personalized training, Cape Cod offers something for everyone. Here are a few suggestions to help keep you on track the next time you are vacationing on the Cape.

1. Outdoor activities

Take advantage of Cape Cod's stunning natural beauty by engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, running, swimming, or kayaking. The Cape Cod Rail Trail, Nickerson State Park, and Cape Cod National Seashore offer excellent opportunities for outdoor exercise amidst breathtaking scenery.

2. Beach Workouts

Embrace the coastal lifestyle by incorporating beach workouts into your routine. Running or walking on the sand provides an excellent cardiovascular workout, while activities like beach volleyball, paddleboarding, kayaking, or surfing offer full-body strength and balance training.

3. Local Gyms and Fitness Centers

Cape Cod is home to several gyms and fitness centers equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and a variety of fitness classes. Whether you prefer strength training, cardio, yoga, or Pilates, you'll find a range of options to suit your needs. Some popular fitness centers on Cape Cod include The Gym in Dennis, Cape Cod Fitness Center in Hyannis, and Orleans Yoga & Pilates.

4. Yoga and Mindfulness Practices

Incorporating yoga, meditation, or mindfulness practices into your fitness routine can help improve flexibility, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. Many yoga studios on Cape Cod offer classes suitable for all levels, from gentle hatha yoga to dynamic vinyasa flow, as well as daily classes on the beach in several towns across the coast. This is a great way to stay grounded if you start to feel and vacation stress catching up with you.

5. Nutrition

Achieving your fitness goals goes beyond exercise; it also involves maintaining a balanced diet and prioritizing overall wellness. Cape Cod has lots of great options whether its fresh seafood for Chatham fish pier, a juice bar, or Rory’s organic kitchen, you won’t be short of healthy options. But don't forget to balance it out with the lobster rolls and ice cream runs with the family!

6. Personal Training

 If you prefer personalized attention and tailored workouts, consider working with a certified personal trainer. Many gyms and fitness studios on Cape Cod offer one-on-one training sessions to help you set and achieve your fitness goals efficiently and safely.

7. Group Fitness Classes

Group fitness classes are a fun and motivating way to stay active while connecting with like-minded individuals. From high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and boot camps to dance fitness and indoor cycling, there's a wide variety of classes available on Cape Cod to keep you engaged and challenged. Just a few options include Bspoke in Mashpee, Nove Spin and Yoga in Dennis, Studio Ex in Falmouth, and Nauset Fit Co.

8. Outdoor Fitness Events and Challenges

Keep yourself motivated and engaged by participating in outdoor fitness events and challenges held throughout the year on Cape Cod. Whether it's a charity 5K run like the Falmouth Road Race, a cycling event like the PMC, or beach yoga; these activities provide opportunities to push your limits and connect with the local fitness community.

Remember to listen to your body, set realistic goals, stay consistent with your fitness routine, and incorporate balance. With the diverse array of fitness options available on Cape Cod, you're sure to find the perfect combination to help you maintain your health on your next visit to Cape Cod.

Relax and Unwind with these Beach Yoga Classes

Cape Cod Beach Yoga provides a unique opportunity to practice yoga surrounded by the beauty of nature. Led by experienced instructors, classes are held on sandy shores overlooking the ocean, offering a rejuvenating experience for body and mind. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned yogi, practicing yoga on the beach allows you to connect with the elements and find inner peace amidst the rhythm of the waves. Each instructor recommends bringing a towel, sunglasses, and a water bottle. But if you are lucky and the weather is right, pack your swimsuit and go for a post class ocean dip to start your morning feeling refreshed.

Red River Beach

This Beach in Harwich offers daily beach yoga from June 15- September 2nd 2024 at 7:30am. The classes are drop-in and the cost is $20. There is free beach parking. The instructor also teaches indoors at the Center for the Spiritual Journey in Chatham.

Chatham Lighthouse Beach

Chatham Lighthouse Beach sits at the far south end of Main Street, not far from the downtown area. Yoga will be taught every day from June 15th- September 8th 2024. The sessions get started at 7:30 AM and run until 8:45 and parking is free before 9:00 AM. There is a $20 drop-in fee, and you don’t have to pre-register

Mayo Beach

This beach in Wellfleet has yoga sessions every Tuesday and Thursday  in the summer from June 25th- September 4th 2024. The class starts at 8:30AM with each session costing $20.

A Bit of Bliss Yoga

If you are not a morning person you are still in luck, as this yoga studio holds sessions daily at 7:30 pm, starting on June 21st for the 2024 season. Interested members will receive an email the morning of, indicating what Mid-Cape beach the class will take place on, as well as the opportunity to pre register. 

Craigville Beach

 The Centerville Yoga and Wellness Center holds practices on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 8:00-9:00 AM in a quiet area between Craigville Beach and Covell’s Beach. The first day for the 2024 season will be June 22nd.

Indoor Studios

 If indoor is more your style there are plenty more options to check out like Nove Yoga and Wellness, Orleans Yoga, Power Yoga of Cape Cod, and Quiet Mind Studio. 

Cape Cod's tranquil atmosphere provides the perfect setting for a transformative yoga practice. Whether you're a visitor or a local resident, practicing yoga on the beach offers a unique opportunity to nourish your body, mind, and soul while connecting with the natural world. So, roll out your mat, feel the sand beneath your feet, and let the healing power of the ocean inspire your practice.

Take a Trip with Rideaway Adventures!

Rideaway Adventures is one of the Cape’s most exciting providers of fun and adventure. Their two Upper Cape locations in Mashpee and Sandwich offer the perfect launching zone to explore the Cape’s natural world by kayak, paddle board, or bike.

We visited Rideaway’s Mashpee location on a hot morning in July. Concerns about the heat only lasted until strolling down to the launch point on Popponesset Bay, where we were met with beautiful scenery and a perfect breeze. After watching a few groups head out in kayaks and paddle boards, traveling towards the “spit”— a sprawling sandbar that separates the bay from the waters of Nantucket Sound— we caught up with Rideaway’s owner, Mike.

Mike is passionate about adventure and exploration, and Rideaway’s mission reflects this. Operating with a goal to get people outside and immersed in the beauty of the Cape’s waterways, Rideaway delivers with kayak, paddleboard, and bike rentals in stunning locations, plus curated tours that offer truly unique and memorable experiences. Their staff and tour guides are ACA certified, knowledgeable, and passionate about what they do. They are clearly in love with their jobs and psyched at any chance to share their favorite waterways with visitors. While they encourage folks to rent equipment and explore on their own, their informative and well-crafted tours should not be missed.

From their Mashpee location, take a Sunset Kayak Tour to experience a stunning Cape Cod sunset in Ockway Bay. The tour begins with an easy paddle around Popponesset Island before heading out to the “Spit.” You’ll learn about the barrier beach as well as the marine and birdlife that calls Popponesset Bay home. From there you’ll travel to the mouth of Ockway Bay to view the sunset on the still waters of the bay. Sitting on a quiet kayak in the middle of a peaceful bay is arguably one of the best ways to enjoy a Cape Cod sunset.

If you’re really feeling adventurous, plan ahead and save a spot on their Full Moon Adventure Tour. Coinciding with each month’s full moon, these tours only occur a handful of times each summer so we recommend making a reservation. Geared up with headlamps and glow sticks, you’ll start this tour with an amazing sunset before heading off into the night to explore Popponesset Bay under the moonlight. There is a kayak and paddle board options for both the Sunset and Full Moon Adventure Tour.

Rideaway Adventures Sandwich location sits on Scorton Creek, a beautiful tidal flat that runs off of Cape Cod Bay at East Sandwich Beach. The creek’s slow-moving current, changing tides, and lush vegetation causes the scenery to completely change over a six-hour stretch. The coastal wildlife present in this tidal flat makes every expedition unique and exciting.

Their Lazy River Nature Tour is the perfect option for those looking for a relaxing kayak trip. On this tour, you’ll explore Scorton Creek just before high tide. The creek’s current will do the heavy lifting while you take in the wildlife and landscape. Since you’re never more than 10 feet from land, this tour is a great option for kids and anyone who wants to ease into water sports.

Those looking for a bit more of an adventure on should sign up for the Cape Cod Explorer tour. This adventure will always be different, as their ACA certified guides choose the best route around the creek depending on the current, wind, and tides. This adventure has a bit of everything. You’ll navigate through intricate marsh branches, through stunning coastal landscapes.

If you’re looking to stay land-bound, both their Mashpee and Sandwich locations offer bike rentals. At their Mashpee location, you can pick up your rental, or ride out and spend a few hours enjoying the “New Seabury” scenery that offers neighborhood style sidewalks and streets with water views. From Sandwich, you can pick up your rental or they can stage your bikes at the Canal Bike Path. Due to bike shortages, this year they have limited online booking to 5 days out. Call ahead of time to check availability.

We always recommend getting outside and enjoying Cape Cod’s natural beauty, but that advice is even more relevant this summer. Whether you rent equipment or embark on a kayak or paddleboard tour, Rideaway Adventures offers the perfect chance to breathe in the fresh air and enjoy off the beaten path waterways.

Check out Rideaway Adventure’s website for more information about their rentals, tours, and a full list of their offerings. They also offer private tours. Call them at 508-247-0827 for same-day bookings.

Rideaway Adventures Sandwich: 449 MA-6A, East Sandwich, MA 02537

Rideaway Aventures Mashpee: 259 Shore Drive Mashpee, MA 02649

Walking Trails of Cape Cod

During these challenging times of stay-at-home orders and social distancing, getting exercise outside can help release pent up energy, ease anxiety, improve moods, and enhance overall wellbeing. Daily nature walks are also a beneficial addition to daily homeschooling schedules and are a great activity to break up the day. Combine science class and recess by providing a chance to move around outside while observing the natural world.

 While it is possible to enjoy nature trails while social distancing, it is important that you follow the recommended guidelines. Try to stick to trails that are close to your home, and remember to stay 6 feet away from people who don’t live with you. Do your best to avoid crowded trails with full parking lots. We also recommend checking local guidelines for closures. 

Cape Cod has wonderful trails that stretch through white cedar swamps and sprawling fields, meandering around clear kettle ponds and across dramatic dunes. Take advantage of this time by respectfully exploring the natural playground of the Cape.

Here are some of the Cape’s offerings for safely getting away from it all…

Upper Cape 

Four Ponds Park and Town Forest
Barlows Landing Road, Bourne. Once part of the Pocasset Iron Works, this area of about 300 acres has trails and fishing spots. 

Nivling Alexander Reserve
Shore and Thaxter roads, Bourne. A half-mile circular trail leads through 40 acres along Red Brook Pond and cranberry bogs. 

Green Briar Nature Center
Discovery Hill Road (off Route 6A) East Sandwich. The briar patch is a 57-acre conservation area that inspired author Thornton Burgess to write his tales of the Smiling Pond, Peter Rabbit and all his friends. Take a walk on the trails to find your own inspiration.

East Sandwich Game Farm
510 Route 6A, East Sandwich. Once a working game farm owned by the state, the 133 acre farm abuts Talbot’s Point Conservation Area, creating more than 245 acres of open space for hiking, fishing, kayaking and environmental education programs by the Thornton Burgess Society, which has a cooperative management agreement with the state.

Lowell Holly Reservation 

South Sandwich Road, Mashpee

Once owned by former Harvard University president James Lowell, this 135-acre property is managed by the Trustees of Reservations is a great birding spot. A 1.5-mile trail wends through huge holly trees, beech and pine trees and rhododendron. There’s a small beach on Mashpee-Wakeby Pond. 

Mashpee River Woodlands
Quinaquisset Road, Mashpee

Accessible from Quinaquisset Road off Route 28 near the rotary, the nearly 400-acre Woodlands features eight miles of trails along the Mashpee River. 

Ashumet Holly Wildlife Sanctuary
Ashumet Road, East Falmouth

Located off Currier Road off Route 151, this 45-acre preserve is owned by the Massachusetts Audubon Society and boasts 65 varieties of holly trees, along with flowering magnolias, dogwood, rhododendron and rare wildflowers along its trails. The sanctuary offers workshops and bird walks.

Beebe WoodsDepot Avenue (past Highfield Theater), Falmouth

Given to the town by Josiah K. Lilly, this 383 tract had been slated for development before Lilly bought it to for conservation. A network of trails covers miles of varied terrain and circles a pond. 

Mid Cape

Crocker Neck Conservation Area
Santuit Road, Cotuit

These 52 wooded acres are on a peninsula created by Shoestring Bay, Popponesset Bay and Pinquickset Cove. There’s an interpretive trail and an observation deck overlooking tidal pools.

Sandy Neck Recreation Area
off Route 6A, West Barnstable

Close to 5 miles of sandy trails are bordered by wildflowers and cranberries.

West Barnstable Conservation Area
Route 149, West Barnstable

More than 1,110 acres and 15 miles of trails. Park at Popple Bottom Road. 

Hathaway Pond Recreation Area
Old Phinney’s Lane, Barnstable (near Route 132)

Oak and pine forests, two ponds, interpretive trail, picnic area. 

Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary

345 Bone Hill Road, Barnstable

Located just off  Route 6A, this Mass Audubon, 110-acre sanctuary is a haven for many species of wildlife, with pools, ponds, vernal pools, buttonbush swamp, salt marsh, and other habitats. The trails are easy to walk with gentle slopes along mowed grass paths ending with a spectacular view of Barnstable Harbor. Watch the sunny open meadows for many different species of butterflies and dragonflies and a resident pair of red-tailed hawks.

Botanical TrailsRoute 6A, Yarmouth Port

Behind the Historical Society of Old Yarmouth’s Kelley Chapel (next door to the post office) is a 1.5-mile trail through 60 acres of conservation and with a pond.

Indian Lands Conservation Area
Old Bass River Road, Dennis

Park at Town Hall and walk down the power line to a 2-mile wooded trail that loops along the banks of Bass River.

Crowe’s Pasture
South Street, Dennis

A new acquisition for the town, this area includes marsh, fields, ponds and beach.

LOWER Cape

Wing Island
Route 6A, Brewster

Behind the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, a trail crosses the marsh (check the tides before you go) and through woodland before emerging on a sandy beach on Cape Cod Bay.

Punkhorn Parklands
Run Hill Road (off Stony Brook Road), Brewster

Ancient cartways, hiking and bridle paths lace this 800-acre preserve of woods, ponds and cranberry bogs.

Nickerson State Park
Route 6A, Brewster

One favorite hike in this 1,900-acre park is around Little Cliff Pond. There’s a longer trail around Big Cliff Pond, plus other trails and a bike path that connects with the Cape Cod Rail Trail.

Thompson’s Field
Route 39, Harwich

This 93-acre preserve, crisscrossed with trails, is a haven for birders, with woodland, meadows and wildflowers.

OUTER Cape

Cape Cod National Seashore
Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro, Provincetown

Stop at the Salt Pond Visitor Center off Route 6 in Eastham for trail maps of all locations. Behind the visitor center is the Salt Pond Trail, a great walk that leads along the pond, through woods and fields, with views of Town Cove and the Atlantic beyond. Another lovely walk is the Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail at the Marconi Area in Wellfleet. On the bay side, Great Island (past Wellflleet Harbor) provides a challenging 8-mile hike.

Wellfleet Bay Audubon Sanctuary
off Route 6, South Wellfleet

This 1,000-acre sanctuary encompasses saltmarsh, forest, dunes, beach and tidal flats, with self-guided nature trails and great bird-watching opportunities. The green-energy powered visitor center offers trail maps and interpretive exhibits, along with special programs and activities.  n