It’s a familiar excuse for many of us in our 40s and 50s: “I don’t have enough time to exercise!”
We’re too busy to do the DIY tasks on our honey do list, meet our friends for dinner, take up a new hobby, sort out the garden or even cook a particularly healthy meal.
So how on earth can we find enough time for exercise?
One answer is to stop thinking of getting fit as yet another a chore to squeeze into your busy life. Consider it something fun that you can build your personal or family life around.
Scenic exercise, promoted by health professionals everywhere, is an approach that uses visually stimulating landscapes to boost your motivation and get you immersed in physical activity. It’s so effective that in some countries they use virtual simulations on treadmills and exercise bikes.
There’s no need for virtual simulations in Bermuda, of course, because we’re never more than a few minutes away from the real thing.
Check out our top scenic exercise spots – and get moving!
Bermuda Railway Trail
Absolutely no excuses on this one. Wherever you live in Bermuda, you’re not far from the Railway Trail, which is split into nine sections stretching 18 miles from East to West.
It’s long enough to cycle, but beautiful enough to walk, with a varied levels of difficulty ranging from flat pathways to rocky terrain. Views of the ocean, ancient ruins, pretty cottages and serene beaches will lift your spirit as you breathe in the fresh air.
Top tip: Don’t undo your good work by stopping for an ice cream along the way.
Warwick Long Bay
The clue is in the name. It’s a bay, it’s in Warwick – and it’s long. Half a mile’s worth of running, jogging, walking or trudging.
There’s a playground to keep the kids entertained while you explore the shoreline, with its jagged rocks and iconic waters. And your stroll will almost always be peaceful because this beach is rarely packed with visitors.
Top tip: Branch out to nearby Jobson’s Cove or Horseshoe Bay to keep things interesting.
Spittal Pond Nature Reserve
We don’t have many big wildlife areas in Bermuda – but Spittal Pond will always leave you feeling one with nature.
Lizards, skinks, toads, crabs and rare butterflies and dragonflies are among the inhabitants of the Smith’s sanctuary, known for its vast variety of wildlife, and officially a Wetland of International Importance. There’s lots of room for hiking, or just a joyous stroll around your favourite spots.
Top tip: If you’re lucky, you might see humpback whales make a graceful appearance off the South Shore. But you’ve got to clamber on top of Portuguese Rock to do it. All good exercise.
Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve
An amazingly quiet and scenic spot, boasting secluded beaches, trails through mixed woodland and a restored pond area with herons, kingfishers and giant crabs.
Revel in the history of the East End’s former American base and explore the abandoned bunkers or climb the Wildlife Observation Tower for spectacular views of the island.
Top tip: It’s a fair trek out to St David’s. Give yourself plenty of time to get there. Maybe even allow for an extra half-hour to stop for a fish sandwich on the way back. This time, you’ve earned it.
