If you’re like most of us, your top New Year’s resolution is to get into better shape in 2019, or at least back to the state you were in before indulging in all the eggnog and holiday treats. Cape Cod is the perfect place to kick off 2019 in a healthy way because of the number of outdoor activities, fitness centers, and health-conscious dining options you’ll find right on your doorstep.
Go for a Hike
The Cape is blessed with an abundance of hiking trails winding through beautiful conservation areas, including Nickerson State Park in Brewster, Cape Cod National Seashore in Eastham and Beebe Woods at Highfield Hall in Falmouth. These trails are well-maintained and not particularly busy during the early winter, so you can get out there before it snows to enjoy the quiet serenity that Cape Cod provides.
And when the snow hits – and it will – these rugged hiking paths become pristine trails for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. The ski trails are not crowded like those you’ll find in traditional winter resort areas, so you won’t have to fight through mounds of people to find wide-open stretches filled with fresh, white snow and outstanding scenery.
If you want to really get your blood flowing and aren’t afraid of the cold, you can join dozens of daring folks who take their longboards over to Coast Guard Beach in Eastham for some winter surfing. Surfing in the winter means no crowds and massive waves, making it the perfect time to head out, if you can handle the cold, of course. You’ll need a special winterized wetsuit made of thick rubber, as water temperatures reach the 20s on the Outer Cape during January and February.
Visit a Gym or Fitness Center
Those who’d like to work up a sweat indoors instead will have options. The Cape has several five-star fitness centers, including Koko Fit Club, with locations in Centerville, Dennis, and Harwich, and Fitness 500 in Hyannis. At Fitness 500, you’ll meet professional trainer Keith Rosary, who has whipped countless Hollywood stars into shape during his lengthy fitness career, and Jeff Handler, who is one of the most sought-after trainers in the entire country.
Other fitness centers on Cape Cod include BodyStrong Fitness in Chatham and Orleans, Planet Fitness in Yarmouth, Snap Fitness in Sandwich, Willy’s Gym in Eastham, and Mussel Beach Health Club in Provincetown, just to name a few. If getting into shape is a priority in 2019, Cape Cod has you covered.
Eat Some Healthy Meals
You’ll need to fuel up for all that exercise. Luckily, there are several healthy dining options open year round on the Cape. Earthly Delights in Osterville is one of our favorites. The turkey avocado and apple vegetable wraps are both quite popular, and if you’re in a hurry, you can call to order ahead and have your meal ready when you arrive.
Karma Foods in Brewster is also worth checking out. This organic, gluten-free, vegetarian restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, although you’ll have to pick up your food early because they close at 3:00 PM. The veggie burger and waffle bowls are favorites among their customers.
If you’d prefer to cook for yourself, check out the selection of healthy choices at Orleans Whole Food Store (not to be confused with Whole Foods Market, although the Cape has one of those, too, in Hyannis). The store in Orleans has been around since 1975, and the staff is quite knowledgeable. There are also Organic Market locations in Dennis, Chatham, and Mashpee and 141 Bradford Natural Market in Provincetown, providing you with plenty of health-conscious options on the Cape.
On Your Way to a Better You
Getting 2019 off to the best start possible begins with making the right choices from day one. The Cape has plenty of places to exercise and an abundance of healthy dining options, giving you the opportunity to get yourself into shape without having to venture too far from home.
So, get out there and hit the hiking trails, fitness centers, and health-friendly eateries on Cape Cod as we ring in the New Year to make sure that 2019 brings the best version of you possible.
