Over the past five years, my husband and I have moved from New York to Portland to Miami and most recently, the Bay Area. I have had many different adventures in the fitness space and actually spent my longest haul in Miami. Miami is the place I was able to establish myself as a trainer, acquire certifications and build strength and confidence at my local gym in Aventura. It took a bit of time, but the Miami Fit community became home to me and I was so sad to leave everything it has to offer behind.
When you live in a new place, it takes time to acclimate, to make friends, find your way and truly begin to make a life for yourself. As we are about to make our sixth move, back to Miami in a few weeks, I began to bubble up with excitement and joy of rejoining a community I know and love so much. When you live in the same place for a long time, you have the tendency to focus on the negative aspects of your surroundings (HELLO I-95 & Crippling Heat), but when you leave a place like Miami, it’s like a break-up; you only remember the good. And, there is SO MUCH GOOD.
Here is a list of the TOP five things I missed about the Miami fitness community.
Atmosphere: Miami is home to some of the most beautiful beaches, hotels, and parks in the world. I miss getting up on a Saturday and working out on the Beach or with STAY FIT 305 or Beat The Gym in a park while the summer rain pours down. I miss running through South Pointe Park and then diving into the ocean before returning home sandy, dewy, and tan. Miami is truly a paradise that fuels your need to sweat.
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Post-workout Fuel: I miss Juice Bars like Miami Squeeze or Under The Mango Tree. It seemed like a healthy and delicious space was on every corner. It helped to make takeout a happy/healthy experience.
Inclusiveness: Coming from New York, I was always floored at how fitness brands in Miami are so inclusive. Everyone gets together, sweats together, and allows a seat at the table. In 2015, things began to shift. Big fitness brands like Soul Cycle were moving in and it was such a blast to be able to bounce around and take other instructors classes all over town.
Events: STAY FIT 305 events at the Eden Roc, Carillon, and Loews were always otherworldly experiences. To be able to sweat in a space where the atmosphere takes your breath away is something I missed tremendously!
Athleisure Boutiques: The athleisure boutique is my happy place. I miss perusing Restless Soul Shop or Flying Lizard Boutique. I probably spent most of my money on leggings, but it was well worth it! I still wear most of my purchases five years later.
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Miami, you are beautiful, colorful and I cannot wait to come home! Stay safe Miami.
