Beach Yoga, SUP Classes, and More Ways to Work Out on the New Jersey Shore

Take a break from the much-needed beach bumming and try out one of these six workouts happening "down the Shore" this summer.


Photograph courtesy Carly Rubenstein

Guys, can you even believe we’re almost to Memorial Day weekend? This is exciting for a myriad of reasons — one less day of work next week, for one, and also it’s the unofficial start of summer, a.k.a. shore season. While we are so here for the sunshine and sandy toes, beach chilling (and, um, boardwalk food) can certainly lead us to fall off the fitness track we’ve been grinding away on all winter and spring.

Rather than spending all summer lounging on the sand, here are six ways to sweat this summer, right on the beaches of New Jersey. From boot camps to yoga and even a Navy SEAL-approved obstacle course, read on for a summer’s worth of workouts, shore-style.

Beach Boot Camp

When: Saturdays at 9 a.m.
Where: Huntington Beach Block, Margate, New Jersey

This Saturday, May 26, kicks off the first weekend of Carly Rubenstein’s beach boot camps and also marks the tenth season of the series. That means one thing: There will be some swag bags to celebrate the occasion. Every Saturday morning from Memorial Day to Labor Day, Rubenstein will be down the shore in Margate hosting 60-minute sweat sessions in the sand that are ideal for all fitness levels.

Stacey’s Surf Camp

When: Tons of class and camp offerings all summer long. Check out the fitness options here.
Where: Pembroke Avenue and the beach, Margate, New Jersey (for all surfing); 9511 Amherst Avenue, Margate, New Jersey (for SUP)

Stacey’s will keep you busy and fit during your time spent down the Shore. Book surf lessons for you or your kids, or opt for some stand-up paddle boarding workouts, which come in different formats including yoga, pilates, and boot camps. For Memorial Day weekend, there are some SUP yoga and boot camps on the docket, as well as an intro to SUP, which is great for those new to the world of standing balancing on a board on open water.

Memorial Beach Challenge

When: Saturday, May 26 at 6 a.m.
Where: Ocean City Music Pier; 825 Boardwalk, Ocean City, New Jersey

Whether you’ve been training for competitive races all winter long or you just want to have some competitive fun with your family, the Memorial Beach Challenge welcomes you. There’s an adventure race that features a Navy SEAL-approved obstacle course, a kid’s fun run, and a SUP paddle out competition — all while honoring those who are serving and have served, with a fitness-filled competitive twist.

Yoga in Sea Isle

When: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7:30 a.m.
Where: JFK Boulevard and the Beach, Sea Isle City, New Jersey

Stretch it out to the sounds of the current on weekday mornings all season long. Make yourself comfortable on the sand with a mat or towel (it’s BYO, BTW) and gear up for an all-levels flow that will surely get your day off on the right foot because, well, you can’t go wrong with yoga on the beach.

Yoga in Ocean City

When: Wednesdays at 10 a.m.
Where: 30th Street, Ocean City, New Jersey

AvaVitality Fitness will lead a weekly session of yoga on the beach, perfect for the beach bum crowd because of its later start time. I mean, sunrise beach yoga may sound amazing, but 10 a.m. yoga is a lot more realistic. Bring your own mat and grab a spot on the sand for a midweek stretch.

Yoga in Avalon

When: Monday through Saturday at 8:30 a.m.
Where: 30th Street, Avalon, New Jersey

Hosted by Island Aerobics, this nearly daily yoga series welcomes Avalon natives and tourists alike for an all-levels flow on the sand. Be sure to bring your own mat and get ready to rejuvenate with a stretch accompanied by the calming sound of the ocean. If cardio is more of your thing, however, Island Aerobics also hosts indoor cycling classes at 3206 Dune Drive in Avalon.

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