Vacation to me this means abandoning your normal routine and having some fun! Normally, I find getting myself to work out on vacation a bit of a challenge. Usually, I spend more time worrying about perfecting my tan than slaving away in the gym, spending most of my time asleep on a lounge chair in my bikini with oil plastered all over myself soaking up every last ray of precious sunlight.

I have always wanted to learn to surf, and being that I live only five minutes from the beach in Northern California, one would think that I would be a good surfer. However, those who know me well and know anything about Bodega Bay, the beach I live close to in Northern California, also know that it is one of the top places in the world for Great White shark attacks, and know that I hate cold water and am terrified of getting my leg severed off by a viscous man eater.

In the tropical waters of Mexico though, where the water is a wonderful 70 degrees, the idea of shredding some waves seemed quite appealing, and to top things off, the number one surfer in all of Mexico happens to be from the village I was in. I had made friends with him, and the idea of a lesson from one of the best in the world was just too much to pass up, so I decided it was time to get off my lounge chair, grab my friend Hedda and hit up some waves.

Surfing is one of the most amazing workouts I have ever participated in. I can’t possibly explain to you the thrill of getting up on a wave and riding it all the way in to the beach! I think the smile on my face said it all, when I was on top of that board. My arms were burning the next day and my back muscles took a good beating as well. It was so nice to work out doing something that kept my attention and helped perfect my glowing tan at the same time. Aside from getting sucked under a few times trying to paddle my way back out to catch the next set of waves, and swallowing a fair share of salt water, my surfing experience was a tremendous success.

The water in Mexico was so warm and inviting and there really are no words to explain the feeling of sitting out in the ocean on your surfboard waiting for the perfect wave. I am so excited about my new love of surfing and despite my fear of sharks, I have even promised my brother that I will grab a wet suit and go surfing with him at home sometime. I have definitely found a great new way to workout, especially when I am on vacation with warm water calling my name.

Have you ever seen an avid surfers body? It is safe to say that surfing is an amazing total body workout and any activity that tones your body and is a blast at the same time, and is one that I would choose over the same old boring gym routine any day.

If you have never tried surfing, just do it! I honestly can’t believe I have been missing out on something so awesome for this long. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

-Frankie