Sarasota Florida Guide

Get In Shape

Exercise Sarasota!

It's the time of year to get in shape for the Sarasota's beaches. (It's always that time of year in Sarasota.) Exercise is important for everyone. You want to exercise carefully. Be sure to consult your physician before starting any regular exercise program for the first time. Don't forget to properly stretch your muscles to prevent injury.

Thanks to our year-round comfortable weather, Sarasota has a large number of runners and running shoe stores. There are also many marathons, half marathons and competitive biking events.

January

  • Resolution 5K Run
    Maxine Baritt Park, Venice, FL
  • Ringling Bridge Run
    Van Wezel
  • Suncoast Half Marathon
    Lakewood Ranch, FL

February

  • Superbowl Y-Tri
    Potter Park YMCA
  • Scrub Jay 5K & 10K
    Oscar Scherer Park, Osprey

March

  • Sasquatch Trail Run or Bike
    Carlton Preserve, Venice
  • Take Stock in Children 5K & 10K
    Lakewood Ranch Main Street
  • Springfest 5K & 12K
    Palmer Ranch, Sarasota
  • Sarasota Music Half-Marathon
    Van Wezel
  • Venice YMCA St. Patty's Day 8K
    Sharky's on the Pier, Venice
  • Life in the Son 5K & 10K
    First Christian Church, Sarasota
  • Community Haven 5K & 10K
    Community Haven, Sarasota

April

  • Smoothie King Fool's Run
    Maxine Barritt Park, Venice
  • Shark's Tooth 5 K & 10K
    Airport Festival Grounds, Venice
  • MTI Torch Run 5K
    MTI Campus, Lakewood Ranch
  • Pine View Python 5K
    Pine View School, Osprey
  • De Soto 5K
    Bradenton
  • Sun-N-Fun 5 Miles or 5K
    Sun-N-Fun RV Resort, Sarasota

May

  • FIT Triathlon
    Nathan Benderson Park, Sarasota

August

  • I Will Run 4 Beer
    Bobby Jones Golf Course, Sarasota
  • Venice YMCA Triathlon
    Sharky's on the Pier, Venice

October

  • Phillippi Shores 7K
    Phillippi Shores School, Sarasota
  • Ghost Run 5K
    Bradenton
  • Boo Run
    Lakewood Ranch

November

  • Harvest Hustle
    Lakewood Ranch
  • ALSO Turkey Trot
    Sarasota
  • SAL Half Marathon
    Palmer Ranch, Sarasota

December

  • Jingle & Jog 5K
    Community Haven, Sarasota
  • Scrooge 10K
    Heritage Harbour, Bradenton
  • Jingle Bell Run 5K
    Downtown Bradenton
  • Sandy Claws 5K and 1 Mile
    Siesta Key Beach
  • Jingle 5K
    Lakewood Ranch
  • Frosty 5K
    Twin Lakes Park
  • Manatee 5 Miler
    Emerson Point Park, Bradenton

Training Tips

A national survey conducted by Russell Athletic reports only 18 percent of women and 34 percent of men recognize the value of regular strength training. Easy and convenient, strength training increases endurance, boosts metabolism, fortifies bones and reduces the risk of osteoporosis. And for more revealing summer wardrobes, strength training helps firm up major muscle groups like abdominal, legs, gluteus and arms.

Beach time is closer than you think. A safe strength-training program coupled with cardiovascular and flexibility training offers the benefits of a total fitness program.

To get in shape for summer, Russell Athletic recommends the following strength training tips:

  • Starting Out -- If strength training is new to your exercise routine, learn proper form to prevent injury and ensure you have a productive workout. As a rule of thumb, you should maintain good form for eight to 12 repetitions while lifting a weight. Make sure to breathe normally throughout the entire exercise. 
  • Regular Routine -- Most fitness experts agree that devoting 30 minutes of strength training two to three time per week is sufficient for muscle development. Allow a day to rest in between workouts to give your muscles time to repair and recover.
  • Weight Wear -- Choose fitted tops and stay away from oversized t-shirts that may get in the way. Also consider wearing cotton Lycra®/spandex shorts or stretch leggings instead of loose shorts.
  • Warming Up -- Do five to ten minutes of any cardiovascular activity like riding a stationary bike or taking a quick walk to warm up your muscles, making them more flexible and less susceptible to injury.
  • All-Around Body Conditioning -- When strength training, work all major muscle groups including quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteus, calves, chest, shoulders, arms and upper back.
  • Stretch -- Be sure to stretch any muscles you have been exercising to increase flexibility and prevent soreness.
  • Stay Warm on the Way Out -- In the event of cooler weather, keep muscles warm and avoid strains and cramps by wearing a sweatshirt and cotton pants after a workout.

Training tips courtesy of Russell Athletic.