7 minute read
Walking on Water
Hot summer days on the lake do not need to be lazy. Instead, let’s get out on the water and reap some health and fitness benefits while taking in the abundance and beauty of nature.
As the result of the pandemic, water sports and activities have become more popular than ever. Water sports are more individualized and can be conducted in a socially distanced manner. Paddleboards have been around for a very long time but are used more often in warmer climates along the east coast, mainly in the ocean. They are put into motion by paddling (swimming) using hands and arms lying prone or kneeling. Stand Up Paddleboards (SUP) are longer and wider and have a flatter bottom to accommodate balance while standing. A paddle is used to put the board in motion.
Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) has recently become popular in our area; it is one of the safest, low impact, fun sports you can do. It is also one of the best sports you can do for staying healthy and happy, mentally and physically. There are so many positive benefits of SUP, (including burning a lot of calories) but I would like to focus on how it improves your mental health and core strength. Balance is the key requirement to standing on the board; your core must be fully engaged. Your core, back and abdominal muscles are constantly at work to maintain balance. Our core is the center of all movement. Having a strong core helps in every aspect of our lives, from daily chores to walking/ running and all sports activities. The more you practice paddle boarding the more your overall core strength and balance will improve. Water has a calm, soothing effect. Taking in the beauty and tranquility of your surroundings helps you to release any negative energy you may be harboring. Being out on the water helps clear your mind, and therefore, reduces stress and anxiety. This setting provides an optimum environment for meditation. Since so much balance is required, you must mentally and physically focus on balance in order to stay on the board. When you make yourself aware of every move on the paddleboard it puts you in a “flow” state of mind. This “flow” state has been shown to improve mood and focus and improves memory and creativity. What are you waiting for? Get out on a board today and experience what it feels like to “walk on water!” H –Jackie Kerekes/The Training Loft (570) 332-8519
Madeleine Mackarey gets instruction from Jackie Kerekes at Lake Sheridan.
The Training Loft offers SUP workout sessions individually or with a partner. Schedule your session @thetrainingloftllc@gmail.com. Jackie Kerekes is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and a NASM Fitness Nutrition Specialist. She has taught a variety of classes including kickboxing, fat burn pilates, spin, barre, strength training, Bosu bootcamps, TRX, and POUND. Additionally, she designed a class named F.I.T. Factor (Functional Interval Training), a HIIT training class.H
STONE HEDGE GOLF CLUB
18 hole championship golf course masterfully carved out of the rolling hills and meadows of the Endless Mountains. A relaxing natural habitat to play golf at its best. Golf our mature links. Dining in our in-house restaurant, The Hedge. 570-836-5108 www.stonehedge-golf.com
SHADOWBROOK RESORT
Designed by Geoffrey Cornish, this sprawling 6,000 yard/par 71, 18 hole course boasts rolling greens, open skies and mountain views. Shadowbrook is ideal for tournaments and offers an onsite pro shop, group rates, league play, individual and corporate memberships. 570-836-2151. 201 Resort Ln., Tunkhannock.
SPLIT ROCK GOLF CLUB
Open to the public 7 days a week. 18 hole North course, 9 hole South course, 18 holes of Footgolf. Located in Lake Harmony. Golf shop, full practice facilities, restaurant/bar with great view. Yearly memberships available. Tournaments and outings welcome. 570-722-9902 srinfo@ptd.net. Book tee times at golfsplitrock.com
SCOTT GREENS GOLF CLUB
Challenging nine hole golf and teaching facility in Scott Twp. Home of “A Swing for Life” Golf Academy featuring Teaching Professional Scotty McAlarney, a “Top 100” W.G.T.F. Instructor. Fun for the whole family! Minutes from Clarks Summit, Rt. 81, Scranton and the valley area. Great membership!
POCONO FARMS COUNTRY CLUB
Enjoy our 18 hole course and practice facility by becoming a member for a day! Play manicured fairways and top quality greens! Stop by our Lakeside Grill and Pub. Receive “Member For a Day” rate by calling 570-894-4435 ext. 111 or PoconoFarms.com/Golf. 182 Lake Rd., Tobyhanna.
SLEEPY HOLLOW GOLF COURSE
Public 19 hole course, challenging back 10 holes. Renovated clubhouse and bar. Casual dining with beautiful views of our front 9. Golf card accepted. Golf leagues and tournaments welcome. Voted Best Public Golf Course in Times Tribune Readers Choice. FB and Instagram: @shgolfcourse. Sandy Banks Rd., Greenfield Twp. 570-254-4653 (http://www.sleepyhollowgolfcourse.com/)
KEEN LAKE CAMPING AND COTTAGE RESORT
Find your “ahhh moments!” Swim! Fish! Camp! Glamp! Visit our family-owned resort on a 90-acre lake. Breathe fresh air. Restore your soul. It’s always a good time to gather at the lake! 155 Keen Lake Rd., Waymart. 570-488-6161 camping@keenlake.com
PEACEFUL WOODLANDS CAMPGROUND
Become a “relaxationeer” in the wooded surroundings of our family friendly campground. Cabins, RV and tent sites, heated pool, playgrounds and activities. Great base for water adventure, hiking, horseback riding, biking, ATV trails, paintball or shopping. On Rt. 115, 114 Wt. Family Blvd., Blakeslee
SHORE FOREST CAMPGROUND
Campers call it their “happy place.” Perfect for a weekend getaway. Pool is heated, fish are jumping and the kids are having fun. See why everyone says SFC is their favorite local campground. Rt. 11 in Hop Bottom. Shoreforestcampground.com, shoreforest@gmail.com. 570-289-4666
The Lighthouse Harbor Marina
Life is truly better at the Lake. located at the marina, will become an unforgettable part of your family’s summer! Rent a Premium Pontoon, and pull What better way to experience the lake, than a boat? The Lighthouse Harbor Marina, across from Kipps Island in Greentown PA, celebrates the joy and excitement of boating for over 25 years. From new and used boat sales, to boat service and storage, The Lighthouse Harbor Marina prides themselves in customer service, expertise and pro-shop. Whether it be for a single day or a whole week, the boat rental at Pocono Action Sports, a tube behind for some splish-splash excitement that all ages can enjoy! Make it a yearly tradition, or experience the difference between a pontoon, fishing boat or ski boat and get a taste of which vessel you might like to get for yourself! The only way to know which you prefer is to get on one and try it out! Not much of a motorized boat kind of person? Pocono Action Sports also has hourly Kayaks and Paddle Boards to enjoy as well!
to reserve today! Feel a little intimidated by the idea of owning a boat? Don’t have the time to deal with service dates, storage or finding a slip every year? Freedom Boat Club has the perfect solution! Boat at over 250 different locations around the U.S.; or just Lake Wallenpaupack. Want to share with family or friends? You absolutely can! Freedom Boat Club is one of the easiest alternatives to boat ownership!
Call 570.445.8918 or
visit freedomboatclub.com
Under new ownership since
the beginning of the 2021 Summer season, The Lighthouse Harbor Marina will undergo some exciting upgrades and continue to be one of the leading marinas in the region. Stay up to date with the latest announcements and events by following on Facebook @LighthouseHarborMarina
Visit www.lighthouseharbor.com or call 570.857.0220
Open 7 days a week, all year long! Stop by and experience why boat lovers say “time wasted at the lake, is time well spent.” H