Where to Workout on St. Croix
Whether you are visiting St. Croix and you want to keep up your exercise routine, or you are a resident looking to mix-up your workouts, the island has a lot to offer. The variety and scope of fitness activities St. Croix has to offer is pleasantly surprising. From jogging trails with stunning views, to yoga classes in charming, courtyard studio spaces or on the sea, the island offers something for everyone and every fitness level!
Go for a jog or walk while enjoying some fresh ocean air. If you are in the Christiansted area, you can take advantage of the Christiansted Bypass (a thoroughfare constructed to bypass the in-town traffic of Christiansted and connect the Orange Grove area to the Gallows Bay area). The bypass has a nice sidewalk that is about 1 1/2 miles long, is one big hill, and is one of the few even surfaces in Christiansted. The beauty is that as you walk or run the bypass, you overlook historic Christiansted and its harbor, the endless blue Caribbean Sea, and the colorful buildings of Gallows Bay. Limited free parking is available at the lookout point near the top of the bypass, or in Christiansted at either end of the bypass.
If you are heading towards the East End, you can stop into The Buccaneer and use their jogging trail which offers breathtaking views of the turquoise water, and their lush resort and golf course. This meandering two-mile trail offers both flat areas and hills, and is interspersed with workout stations, so it is a great option for any fitness level. The entrance to the trail is outside and to the left of the resort entrance gate, and can be accessed in the early morning and late afternoon hours. Free parking is available in the parking lot just outside of the resort entrance near the trail access, but please be aware of the golfers. The jogging trail runs along the golf course and the golfers have the right-of-way, so please pay attention and be courteous.
Go for a scenic bike ride. For those that prefer a bike workout, the East End of St. Croix offers the East End Loop. This 13 mile bicycle route is comprised of the loop made by South Shore Road, East End Road, and their connection point (‘Pelican Way’) on the easternmost point in the loop. This scenic ride takes cyclers along St. Croix’s beautiful North Shore and South Shores, countless picturesque bays, and includes views of the iconic Contessa’s Castle and the Divi Carina Bay Resort and Casino. Or, for those who seek a little more adventure, the rainforest offers some great mountain biking. For your safety, please be mindful the road conditions, watch for potholes and traffic as you ride along the road.
Utilize the Frederiksted Pier in any way you can! The pier is open to the public (except on days there is a cruise ship in port) so you can walk, run, bike or even rollerblade your way up and down the 1,500+ foot pier for an energizing workout. Even better, you can cool off after your workout by jumping off the pier! There is a designated area that is accessible to the public and has a ladder to help you get back up. In this area jump is about 25 feet, and the water is just as deep. Since ocean conditions are usually flat and calm in this area, you can also take advantage of some of the island’s best swimming, snorkeling and stand-up paddle boarding. But, be aware that there is no lifeguard or rescue boat, so please be safe! Parking for the pier is located along the waterfront Strand Street and along Frederiksted Beach on the north side of Fort Frederik.
Get your ‘om’ on with a yoga or fitness class. There are a multitude of yoga and fitness classes available island wide, in some amazing settings. In Christiansted you can choose from a huge variety of classes 6 days a week in the serene surroundings of The Courtyard Juices & Fitness Studio. The Courtyard can provide yoga mats, and they offer both drop-in rates and multi-class cards, whichever best suits your needs. Classes at The Courtyard range from yoga and dance, to hoop and flow. Or, take your yoga practice at sea level, abroad Lyric Sails’ 63ft ‘Jolly Mon’ sailing catamaran. Let tranquility wash over you as Lyric Sails secures the boat and for an hour of yoga with a certified instructor on deck atop the Caribbean Sea, followed by a complimentary healthy drink and an hour guided meditation cruise along St. Croix’s picturesque West End before returning to port.
You can also now enjoy SUP yoga and fitness classes on the East End of St. Croix at Chenay Bay with Stone Bodyworks Wellness. These classes explore simple yoga poses while you are on a stand-up paddleboard. Learn yoga poses while adapting to the motion of the board, challenge yourself to balance any instability created by minor energy and weight shifts, and learn to focus and ground yourself while afloat.
Hit the gym. St. Croix offers a traditional gym, as well as the well known 340 CrossFit gym – both of which offer passes to accommodate the amount of time you will be spending on the island. You can also hire a personal trainer, or try a new fitness class like Zumba, Barre, Bootcamp, or even Water Aerobics. If you are visiting the island, many of the resorts and hotels now have fitness centers available to their guests. Make sure to ask what fitness activities your resort or hotel has available for your use while you enjoy your time on St. Croix!
Find a pickup game. All around St. Croix you can find groups playing a variety of different pickup games pretty regularly. You can find traditional pickup games like basketball, soccer, and softball being played at sports complexes and recreation centers island wide. Or, you can try something a little more unique like kickball. Several of St. Croix’s beaches, including Rainbow Beach and Tamarind Reef, offer beach volleyball games on the weekends.
Go for a swim in the Caribbean. Last, but definitely not least, St. Croix has an abundance of warm, clear Caribbean water available on any shore island wide…so, go for a swim! Not only is it great exercise, but salt water is good for the soul!
While you can certainly get your exercise by enjoying some of the island’s popular outdoor activities such as hiking, golfing, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, or stand-up paddle boarding, you can also stick to a more traditional workout. No matter what your age, fitness level, or length of time you will be on the island, St. Croix offers a fitness option for EVERYONE, so take advantage!
– Jennie Ogden, Editor
