Patchogue is known for its great restaurants, nightlife, arts and culture.
But let’s not overlook how health conscious it has become.
Patchogue now boasts healthier food options, numerous gyms, plentiful bike racks, great parks and healthy programs for the young and old alike.
Here are just a few examples of how to enjoy a healthier summer’s end.
- Take a Boxfit class at Finest Fitness, a full body workout that teaches technique with no person to person contact. You could also enjoy their ongoing great deals, fantastic personal trainers, and convenient child-care. Sore muscles? Get a massage at their Spafit day spa. Hungry? Keep your eyes out for some Finest fare at their healthy post-workout Eatfit Café opening before the end of the month. Finest Fitness gives back and takes care of their military, fire department, and police department families. High fives to that.
2. Launch a kayak out of The Swan River Preserve. This is Patchogue’s best kept secret. Don’t own a kayak? Simply take a meditative walk and bird watch along the beautiful natural habitat.
3. If you need to work on your meditation skills, relax, or get a good stretch, then take a Dharma Yoga class at Love Yoga Shala.
For a more intense sweat-inducing class, practice Ashtanga at Yoga Yama.
4. Order an Acai Super Bowl at Long Island Super Bowls.
Be warned, once you have one, you will be addicted. Acai bowls are the latest and greatest of healthy “fast food” loaded with the superfood acai berry in the form of sorbet-like texture. It’s served with layers of granola, banana, strawberries, blueberries, a sprinkle of coconut and a drizzle of honey. Your mouth will be happy and so will your cardiologist.
5. Head to the back of vegan/vegetarian-inspired Wallen’s Natural Market. Peak through the kitchen window and ask for a “Super C” juice or any juice on the menu that strikes your fancy. It’s all healthy. On your way out, do a shot of their homemade fire cider. Your immune system will be doing roundhouse kicks for weeks.
6. If you’re a multi-tasker and a dog-lover, take Spot for a walk at the dog-friendly Shorefront Park overlooking the picturesque Great South Bay. While you’re there, jump on any of their exercise machines for a quick outdoor work out. There is also a four week Tai Chi program that meets on Saturday mornings.
7. Doctors will tell you, swimming is the best cardio exercise gentlest on the body. Do some laps at the Patchogue Beach Club lap lane. There’s hardly ever anyone in it.
Of course there’s an indoor pool at the Patchogue Family YMCA for year-round lap swimming and family swim time. Lap lanes are available almost all-day, every day.
Our “Y” also offers men’s, women’s and family changing rooms, as well a fitness room, rock climbing wall, indoor track and a three-story adventure climbing zone for children, where parents and grandparents are also encouraged to chase their little ones to the top.
This is a great place for playdates (especially when the weather is bad) and super healthy and fun birthday parties.
And there’s a complete array of exercise classes (for children and adults), pre-school and camps during the summers and for when public schools are on break.
8. Bring home some fresh local produce. Shopping at farmers’ markets supports your local growers and feeds your family in the freshest and healthiest way. There’s one every Friday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Main Street in the Carvel parking lot across from Finest Fitness and another every Sunday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Patchogue train station.
9. Get a foot or a hand and foot reflexology session at Platinum Day Spa to relieve tension.
10. Hit the Energy Bar (formally Natural Body) for a lunchtime pick-me-up of delicious chopped salads, wraps and smoothies. Stock up on some protein shakes and supplements while you’re there.
Patchogue Village will be welcoming two more healthy businesses soon. Tranquility Within is opening a Yoga, Meditation, Holistic center with private relaxation rooms, a health boutique, and babysitting services.
The Float Place will be offering a unique spa experience using Epsom salt water tanks to “float” in for the purpose of increasing blood flow while decreasing blood pressure.
Top Photo: Sparring at the Finest Fitness booth at Alive After Five in July. (file)
