• December, 2011
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Fitness

Surf & Bikini Bootcamp

A Four-Day Hawaiian Slimdown

Destination: Honolulu or Austin

by Amber Elliott

Hawaiians have it made. Enviable year-round temperatures hovering around 80 degrees and seemingly endless sunshine against a lush, tropical backdrop make for an optimal setting to explore the great outdoors. It’s no wonder, then that natives and island converts alike boast some of the most coveted beach bodies on the planet. Luckily, for those unable to “Hang 10” 365 days a year, The Waikiki EDITION Hotel offers the next best thing: Surf & Bikini Boot Camp. Hosted by a group of world-class instructors like pro surfer Evan Valiere, yoga guru Sarah Reese and cardio queen Sonja Lyth, their customized get-fit-quick program does just that, refurbishes a more toned, recharged and relaxed you in just four days. While an impromptu trip to the Pacific is nearly irresistible, it may not be a practical option for everyone. Here, we break down the routine, adding a more budget-friendly alternative, and make good use of the readily accessible natural resources available to the blessed residents of Central Texas. DAY ONE The Hawaiian Way: Greet the day with a morning yoga session at The Sunrise Pool, the EDITION’s intensely vibrant and exotic inner sanctum. Breathe in intoxicating views of the Pacific Ocean from the ornately landscaped pool, framed by Autograph trees, pink Bougainvillea, Ficus hedges and fragrant Jasmine – a picture-perfect escape for stretching and awakening unused muscles before strenuous physical activity. Follow up with a midday hike through Maunawili Falls’ “Twisted Mountain” from the O’ahu Trails. This path offers breathtaking views of Ko’olaus Mountains and a series of small waterfalls, prime location for a cool and relaxing dip after a grueling workout. Keep the momentum going with once-in-a-lifetime surfing lessons from the esteemed Valiere and Ryan Lingle before pampering tired tendons with a massage in the hotel’s luxurious spa. The Austin Way: Try local yoga hot-spot Black Swan for a wake-me-up session before hitting the greenbelt trails. Take in the scenery with a two-mile hike before wading in the natural pools for a refreshing cool down. Head out to Lake Travis for a wakeboarding lesson that’s well worth the effort. Even beginners can benefit from the core-conscious sport that tightens the abdominals for swimsuit season. Stop at the renowned Lake Austin Spa for a well-deserved muscle meltdown. DAY TWO The Hawaiian Way: Kick off the second round with Killer Cardio, harbor side. Pushing through the pain with this high-energy routine is a surefire way to burn calories, jumpstart your metabolism and gets that heart rate way up. Afterwards, jog a half-mile over to Magic Island for a stand-up paddleboard lesson. The heavily shaded Ala Moana Beach Park earned its name from a secluded lagoon that’s ideal for snorkeling, seaturtle watching and peaceful sunset gazing. Soothe sore muscles with an evening yoga session on the Sun Suite Terrace just before sunset. Stretching minimizes the chances of injury and allows your body to heal quickly. The Austin Way: Check out your local gym for revved-up cardio classes like spinning or step aerobics. Body Pump at Gold’s Gym claims to be the quickest way to get into shape by challenging the major muscle groups and increasing strength and endurance, all to a carefully choreographed soundtrack. Then, go for a light jog around Zilker Park before taking a load off in the serene Barton Springs Pool. With rave reviews and an extensive class selection, Yoga Yoga is a great place to end the day. DAY THREE The Hawaiian Way: Up the ante by incorporating Pilates into your usual yoga routine. Sonia Lyth combines the two through a series of mat exercises designed to seriously strengthen your core. Subtle changes in your workout improve overall results and serve as a buffer to the dreaded slump. Suit up and ship out for a hardcore hike to Mariners Ridge; with several trails at varying levels of difficulty, the trek is grueling but rewarding. Panoramic, majestic views of the entire southern and eastern side of Oahu are prettier than any post card. Hit the waves one final time with the pro surfer crew using newfound strength to ride like a local. The Austin Way: Tone with the best at Ballet Austin, which offers a series of Pilates-based courses for every experience level. Next, take the scenic route to Mount Bonnell or around Lady Bird Lake to drink in the picturesque beauty surrounding Austin. Head out to Lake Travis for a second wakeboarding lesson, really concentrating on using your center for balance. DAY FOUR The Hawaiian Way: For the grand finale, join Island Boy Beau and his native crew on a kayaking excursion to the famed Mokolua Islands on the east side of Oahu. Though serene and tranquil with plenty of opportunities to snorkel the islands’ reefs and explore white sand beaches, the journey provides an excellent upper body workout. Near day’s end, sweat toxins out with Reese at Sunset Beach. Her expert techniques are specifically designed to strengthen and lengthen, emphasizing the appearance of a lean physique. Treat yourself to a body scrub in the EDITION’s decadent spa revealing luminous, supple skin reminiscent of that distinctive island “glow.” The Austin Way: Grab a girlfriend or two and head to Lake Austin for kayaking, an excellent way to view the city with renewed perspective. Go at a leisurely pace or push to test your newfound stamina; either way, your arms are sure to feel the burn! Revisit your favorite yoga studio to cap off a week of hard work then pop over to the Barton Creek Resort and Spa for an exfoliation treatment or a little R&R

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