Shearwater offers Tips to Take Your Workout Outdoors

​With the holidays in the rearview mirror and temperatures slowly climbing, it’s time to take advantage of Florida’s “winter” and opt outside. At Shearwater, one of the fast-growing master-planned communities in St. Johns County, residents choose from a variety of amenities and activities centered around healthy living and outdoor opportunities. From its more than 15 miles of nature trails to the resort-style pool, lap pool and lazy river to playgrounds, illuminated Har-Tru tennis courts and a yoga lawn, Shearwater has an outdoor activity to suit everyone’s needs. 

To further provide the best in active lifestyle programming, Shearwater recently welcomed Gabriella Doyle as a fitness manager and head personal trainer to the community. Gabriella brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the health and wellness industry to this new position and is excited to guide residents in their own wellness journeys.  

As a certified personal trainer, Gabriella recommends the following tips and tricks to take your workout outdoors:

​Gabriella Doyle,
Certified Personal Trainer
at Shearwater.

Blaze the trails
Instead of grinding out a run on the treadmill, mix it up by taking your run outdoors. Shearwater residents have access to over 15 miles of trails along more than 600 acres of natural, preserved habitat with various routes to choose from. A map of the trails can be found on shearwaterliving.com, along with key picnic areas that double as great rest stops. Furthermore, the entire St. Johns County community is invited to try Shearwater’s trail system at its annual 5K on the Trails and Fun Run every April. This annual event is a great way to experience Shearwater, while raising money for local charities. ​

An extensive 15-mile trail system weaves throughout the neighborhoods and over 600 acres of nature preserve.

Back to Basics 
When you can’t make the gym or a workout class, create an easy 30-minute exercise regimen to complete outdoors. At Shearwater, Gabriella helps residents put together simple yet effective exercise plans using their own body weight. Think squats, push-ups, sit-ups and mountain climbers. Residents can easily complete this routine on the yoga lawn or while their child plays on the playground. Another pro tip is to invest in resistance bands. These bands are a great alternative to weights, and they quickly mobilize arm workouts with enhanced bicep curls, shoulder presses and more. 

​Beyond the Gym 
Working out doesn’t have to be another trip to the gym. Take advantage of the mild temperatures by trying an outdoor sport such as tennis or swimming. The Kayak Club features four Har-Tru clay tennis courts, sports fields and a multi-lane lap pool for family-friendly activities that also count as cardio. 

In a community so focused on active living, proximity to nature and a connection to neighbors, taking your fitness routine outdoors this year has never been easier. With resort-style amenities, a fulltime personal trainer and an on-site lifestyle director, Shearwater offers activities and programing to fit every lifestyle. 

Shearwater was expertly designed to provide residents a unique lifestyle experience with world-class amenities, connection to neighbors and close proximity to the outdoors.

Instead of hitting the gym, try playing doubles with your friends and family on one of Shearwater’s four Har-Tru clay tennis courts

Shearwater’s free-range Kompan playgrounds fuse early childhood development psychology into the design and function of the equipment.

​To learn more about Shearwater visit the Kayak Club, located at 100 Kayak Way, St. Augustine, FL 32092 or visit www.shearwaterliving.com. Shearwater offers home designs from Toll Brothers, David Weekley Homes, Lennar, Drees Homes, MasterCraft Builder Group and Dream Finders Homes.