The warm sunshine and beautiful scenery of the Caribbean islands make them a naturally healthy and healing environment. But you still have to do more than just sit in the sun to keep fit and well! Big gymnasiums with a full range of technological equipment are not always available on small islands but don’t let that stop you from enjoying a hard and sweaty work out! There are still many ways to stay fit and well naturally, and with minimal expense.

Firstly get in the garden. I have seen visitors to the islands whose jaws drop when they see the six-pack abs and bulging biceps of bare-chested farmers coming back from a hard days work. These men with their simple tools get more muscle bulk and definition than most of those guys in city gyms pumping iron and chugging back protein drinks! There’s a lot to be said for manual labour especially since much of our work has become based around offices and computers and it’s only our fingers that get a work-out! So make sure you take some time out to dig in the soil, cut back on weeds and plant some food. And all that gardening pays off in double dividends when you have cultivated a variety of produce and also have the health benefit of eating vitally nutritious local foods.

Okay, gardening done, now let’s hit the road – but not in the car! Walking and hiking provide a great source of natural exercise. It’s a typical Caribbean scene at dusk to see small groups or individuals walking on the road in an attempt to lose weight and keep healthy. The American Heart Association recommends that for optimal effectiveness, one should walk at a vigorous pace for 30 to 60 minutes, 3-4 times per week. Of course walking up hills increases the work out and the varied terrain of a nature hike provides extra balance, coordination and mentally soothing scenery. To make it even more fun you can always play hide-and-seek among the trees! Continue reading "Natural Health and Fitness - Caribbean Style"