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Get Out and Get Fit Take advantage of the welcoming landscape our area has to offer.

By Robin Stoloff

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s the days grow longer and the winter chill fades into the rearview mirror, I cannot contain my excitement for the warmer weather and the chance to spend more time being active outdoors. Of course, we know we can always walk or jog, but there are so many other activities ideal for our beautiful parks, beaches, and waterways in southern New Jersey. So, what is the best outdoor fitness activity for you? Well, you don't have to choose just one, but the key is to find something you genuinely A

enjoy. It should be less like a chore and more of an activity that makes you feel good, both physically and mentally. If you like competition, outdoor sports are one of the best ways to stay in shape without really trying. I have always competed on sports teams, so I can't think of a better way to get my cardio than on a tennis court. During a tennis game, time goes by so quickly that I don't even know I am exercising. Yet, when I check my Fitbit at the end of two hours, I usually burn between 600 and 800 calories, and I am in my cardio zone for a good part of that. With pickleball, basketball, softball, volleyball, and so many other outdoor sports, there is something for everyone in our area. We have all heard the phrase, “Take a hike!” Usually, it's used synonymously with “Get lost!” but this time, it's a suggestion for improving our health. We are fortunate to have such fabulous places in our communities where we can walk or hike, and warmer

With pools, lakes, rivers, and, of course, our beautiful ocean, there are plenty of ways to stay in shape and have fun on and in the water in southern New Jersey.

weather makes it an excellent time to get outside and explore. When I'm not playing tennis, I take my fitness to the beach. Something I started a few years ago is knee-deep water walking, which provides extra resistance on the legs. I also power walk on the sand, which is more challenging than on the hard ground. Of course, our beautiful boardwalks and parks offer incredible scenery for walking, running, or hiking. Whether you prefer to be on your own or with a friend, this is a non-competitive way to get fit outdoors. Who doesn't love riding a bike? It is something most of us loved as kids but somehow slipped away from us. Since I was in a bike accident about twenty years ago, I have had a fear of riding on the road. A few years ago, I bought a new bike and pushed myself to overcome my anxiety. As the wind began to hit my face and I cruised down the road, I began to relax and enjoy the freedom of being back on a bicycle. It is now a part of my outdoor physical activities. A good bike ride will burn up to 500 calories an hour. It is a low impact

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workout that can be done wherever there is a roadway. If it has been a while, it is time to dust off that old bike, fill up the tires, and take it for a spin. Don't forget to obey the rules of the road, stay in the bike lane, and always wear a bike helmet. Many fitness centers and studios offer sporadic classes outside during the warmer weather months. Outdoor workout classes allow us to engage in our fitness favorites while enjoying the outdoors. Ask your fitness instructor if you can move all or even part of your class outside. If you are a fan of resistance training, you don't have to be bound to the gym. Shake it up a bit and take your workout on the road. Many parks now offer fitness trails with stations to do pull-ups, pushups, rows, and more. On the other end of the spectrum, yoga is a perfect way to challenge our body, increase flexibility, and relieve stress. Yoga on the beach or in a park takes it to a whole new level. We can enjoy the fresh air and sunshine and enjoy a refreshing change from the controlled environment of an indoor yoga class. After walking on the beach in the morning, I love to spend some time stretching and doing yoga on the sand. With the sound of the waves and the sun shimmering off the ocean, there could not be a more relaxing way to start the day. With pools, lakes, rivers, and, of course, our beautiful ocean, there are plenty of ways to stay in shape and have fun on and in the water in southern New Jersey. We can go on some exciting journeys while kayaking. It's a fun activity to enjoy the water and gorgeous scenery, and it is especially beneficial for our upper body. For those that want a little more adventure, there are plenty of places to go windsurfing. It is a mix of

surfing combined with sailing and a little technique. Once you get the hang of it, you'll have a blast on the open water. Of course, there is a learning curve, but it is a great workout and a fantastic way to enjoy the water. Speaking of a learning curve, surfing is another terrific sport, but if you prefer something a little easier to do out of the gate, try some boogie boarding. No, it is not just for kids. I see plenty of adults enjoying the surf as they ride a wave. I have done it on occasion myself, and while I often spend my time laughing, the workout is no joke. For those who like a more laidback atmosphere, stand-up paddle boarding is a fun option, but don't be fooled by the slower pace. Working out doesn't always have to be superfast. Stand-up paddle boarding does a lot more for your body than you might think. Balancing on the board while paddling is a great way to work our legs, core, and entire upper body. Many parks and beaches offer rentals by the day or by the hour, making it a convenient activity for a large group. Of course, we cannot forget about water aerobics and swimming. Whether in a pool, lake, or the ocean, water aerobics, and swimming are fantastic activities to get a workout while staying cool on hot and steamy days. Water workouts are easy on the joints providing an allover workout that challenges the body. If you are like me, when the sun is shining, and the sky is blue, you will find any way to spend time outdoors and be active. With so many options in our area, we can keep ourselves very busy enjoying nature and staying in shape. So, grab your sneakers, ball, racket, paddle, bike or board and get out and get fit. n BE STRONGER THAN YOUR EXCUSES

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Camels on Jumeirah beach in Dubai

Opulent Dubai

A Pot of Gold in the Sand

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi

Dubai is home to many modern high-rise buidlings.

omewhere over the rainbow, you will find the Land of Oz. If you continue flying over that rainbow (via a 14-hour flight from JFK), you will find a pot of gold in the sand called Dubai. No, there are no munchkins or flying monkeys, but you will see, feel, taste, and experience opulence and superlatives to the max right in the middle of the Arabian Peninsula. For example, the most expensive hotel in the world, the tallest skyscraper ever erected, and the largest mall on the planet. In addition, Dubai offers natural beauty like extravagant parks, gardens, and stunning beaches, as well as food and entertainment that appeal to all ages and budgets. S

The palm tree-shaped Palm Jumeirah island

Dubai Marina

The Arabian Resort Madinat Jumeirah, and the luxurious hotel Burj Al Arab Jumeirah in the background

They Came with a Lot of Money As one of the seven emirates (lands/ states) that make up the United Arab Emirates, Dubai has always been an important city on the Persian Gulf. As a major trading port starting in the 7th century, to the discovery of oil in 1966 to its current money maker — tourism, Dubai has become synonymous with money. In fact, an old Arabic proverb, Daba Dubai, translates to “They Came with a Lot of Money” — appropriately describing Dubai then and now. As of 2018, Dubai ranked as the fourth most-visited city in the world with over $30 billion from tourism.

I’m All Souk Up In keeping with Dubai’s quest to be biggest and best, shopping is no exception. The Dubai Mall, the largest mall in the world, offers over 1,200 shops. The mall is so large it is divided into precincts like the Fashion Avenue for chic and haute couture fashion from Versace to Gucci. If you are in the market for gold and jewelry, let your eyes and credit cards feast at the Gold Souk. Located in Dubai's business district in Deira, this traditional outdoor market houses 380 gold retail shops that would impress Midas! In addition, other markets can be found nearby, including the Dubai Fish and Vegetable Market and the Textile Souk. If you are a foodie, check out the Spice Souk to see and savor the colors and aromas of spices ranging from frankincense to shisha for your hookah pipe! Whether you are buying a rug, tea, or spice, don’t be afraid to bargain in a souk — haggling is very much expected and accepted.

View Masters Skyscraper design and technology literally takes Dubai architecture to

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the highest levels touting the world’s tallest skyscrapers. The pièce de résistance, Burj Khalifa, towers over Dubai at 2,722 feet. So much rebar was used in the construction of Burj Khalifa that if laid down endto-end, the total length would be one-quarter way across the globe. When in Dubai, it’s a must to take the world’s fastest elevator up to the 125th floor of Burj Khalifa to the outdoor terrace offering 360-degree views over Dubai and the Arabian Gulf — day and night. The tower offers heart-stopping views of the Dubai Fountain and downtown Dubai from an unbelievable vantage point that most people can only imagine. If you like the concept of sleeping in the clouds, the Gevora Hotel opened in 2018 as the tallest hotel in Dubai rising to 1,168 feet. The art deco-themed hotel, bedazzled in gold, includes a health club, pool, five high-end restaurants, and superb views of the city — rates start at about $1,100 a night. Looking to break accommodation records? The five-star Burj Al Arab, listed by CNN Travel as one of the world's 15 most expensive hotels, offers The Royal Suite at a mere $24,000 per night in the hotel shaped like a ship’s sail.

Dubai — By Day and Night There is something for everyone in Dubai — known as the Las Vegas of the Middle East. For outdoorsy types, enjoy 4-wheel dune buggy rides in the desert or zipline over the Dubai Marina. Ski enthusiast can experience alpine skiing indoors with real snow — five slopes including the world's first indoor black diamond run as well as a quad and tow lift! Regardless of age, the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is an aquatic sight to be seen. Here you can walk along a tunnel observing sea life, including over 300 sharks and

rays, up close and personal through the world’s largest acrylic viewing panel. For botanical enthusiasts, the Miracle Garden keeps up with Dubai’s overachiever theme. The grounds are home to the world's largest natural flower garden — 45 million flowers transformed into a rainbow of colorful displays including a heartshaped pathway. Another must take photo op, the Dubai Fountain, boasts an incredible water and light show set to music. Located in downtown Dubai, the $800 million project attracts thousands of visitors daily. As for Dubai’s nightlife, options are overflowing. If you’re into night views, go back to the Burj Khalifa to experience the city’s skyscrapers illuminated against the Arabian Peninsula sky. Dining possibilities are as plentiful as the sands in the desert. For example, Manousheh, a pizza-like flatbread that is crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside and drizzled with aromatic spices and toppings, is a favorite. Restaurants are plentiful and range from fast and inexpensive to elegantly fit for a sheik. If you are looking for a cocktail, be aware that alcoholic beverages are only available in bars and restaurants within tourist hotels in Dubai.

Build it BIG and They Will Come Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, sums up his country’s philosophy, “In Dubai, we don’t wait for things to happen, we make them happen.” From the tallest of buildings in the world to the most shopping malls per square foot, Dubai builds it and builds it BIG! Whether you relax at a café sipping a glass of sweet tea with milk or go clubbing where the rich and famous (and infamous) are seen, Dubai has something for everyone to experience in a big way, to the max, and over the top. n

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Geoffrey Zakarian threw a Rose’ Pool Party at Eden Roc Miami Beach.

South Beach Culinary Connections

Area snowbirds enjoy the delicious tastes offered during Miami’s culinary event of the year.

ach February, wine-loving foodies from around the country, and right here in South Jersey, descend on Miami for the South Beach Wine & Food Festival (SOBEWFF). In fact, there are a lot of connections to South Jersey, from celebrity chefs who have restaurants in Atlantic City to the attendees who have residences both here and in Miami (often referenced as snowbirds who fly south as soon as the temps dip below 50 degrees). SOBEWFF is the Magic City’s most celebrated annual culinary event. Presented by the Food Network & Cooking Channel, the five-day food & wine festival features more than 100 events and showcases the channels’ TV chefs and culinary personalities along with renowned wine and spirits producers. Here are some of the top signature festival events, dinners, parties, and tastings where we found a New Jersey Lifestyle connection: E

Dinner at Amare hosted by Bobby Flay, Tommaso De Simone, and Cosimo Cassano Perhaps the event with the most links to New Jersey was at the chic Amare Ristorante, recently opened in South Beach by Gino Iovino, owner of Atlantic City’s acclaimed Girasole. Amare’s Michelin-starred chef Cosimo Cassano welcomed beloved Food Network personality, restaurateur, and celebrity chef Bobby Flay and Executive Chef Tommaso De Simone, of the Amalfi Coast hotspot Lo Scoglio, to share his kitchen. Flay, whose everevolving culinary panache includes his restaurant at Borgata, Bobby Flay Steak, is a devotee of the bold and vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean. For one of SOBEWFF’s premier dinners, he joined De Simone and Cassano to create culinary masterpieces that drew inspiration from the charm and glamour of Southern Italy. The Gino Iovino recently opened Amare Ristorante in South Beach.

Guy Fieri and Robert Irvine at the SOBEWFF

Scott Conant, Andrew Zimmern and Michael Symon join in on the comerade.

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talented trio curated a menu that reflected the soul and vivacity of the Amalfi coast. This fiercely-talented trio came together for a dinner mash-up that was a truly delicious and unique dining experience of Southern Italian dishes expertly paired with a robust selection of wines.

Bootcamp & Bites hosted by Robert Irvine Robert Irvine is a familiar face in Atlantic City. He was a chef in the resort for eight years, with turns at Trump Taj Mahal, Resorts, and Caesars. He then became a superstar chef on Food Network’s Dinner: Impossible, where he was given near impossible culinary tasks with limited resources. His

current show, Restaurant: Impossible, tasks him to save failing restaurants. Known for being a fitness fanatic, at this year’s festival he hosted a fierce hour of boot camp with Exhale South Beach (which also has a spa at Ocean Casino). In true SOBEWFF fashion, the workout was followed by bites and refreshing libations.

Beachside BBQ hosted by Guy Fieri Emmy Award-winning chef and best-selling author Guy Fieri owns multiple restaurants in Atlantic City, including Guy Fieri’s Chophouse and Guy’s Bar-B-Que Joint, both showcasing many of his signature items. The “Culinary Rock Star” also hosts the top-rated show on Food Network, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, which has featured South Jersey local gems including Vagabond Kitchen in Atlantic City, George’s Place in Cape May, Anchorage Tavern in Somers Point, and Maui’s Dog House in Wildwood — just to name a few! The BBQ Master hosted a Beachside BBQ at this year’s festival, where attendees were treated to delicious BBQ creations from more than 30 handpicked chefs, specialty cocktails, and live country music on one of the world’s most iconic beaches.

Rose' Pool Party hosted by Geoffrey Zakarian Chef Geoffrey Zakarian has been leaving his personal mark on the culinary world for over 30 years. His ties to Atlantic City include opening Borgata’s Water Club as its Culinary Lifestyle Consultant. The Food Network television star has built an empire that continues to grow and reflect his passion for all things foodrelated. Living up to his standards of elegance and grace, Zakarian threw a Rose’ Pool Party at Eden Roc Miami Beach. Anyone who reads our Road Trippers’ features knows how much I love rose’, so this was an event not to be missed. The poolside afternoon celebration featured offerings from Meiomi Rosé’, accompanied by

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refreshing bites from the resort’s restaurants. The wine served was crisp and cool ... and absolutely delicious, and the beach-inspired backdrop made this event the epitome of South Beach chic.

Dinner hosted by Michael Symon and Michael Mina Chef Michael Symon, owner of the Italian restaurant Angeline at Borgata in Atlantic City (named after his Sicilian mother), made his name by

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This year in South Beach, Chef Michael Symon partnered with world-renowned chef Michael Mina to host an evening that boasted an exclusive dining experience.

cooking in acclaimed restaurants all over the country. The lively and sociable award-winning chef has appeared in multiple shows on Food Network and secured his spot as an honored Iron Chef after winning season one of The Next Iron Chef. He is also a best-selling author. This year in South Beach, he partnered with world-renowned chef Michael Mina to host an evening that boasted an exclusive dining experience and treated guests to classic dishes and new surprises, paired with wines from Marque’s de Riscal and Viña San Pedro.

New Jersey Lifestyle certainly loves a good party. While we wait for our own beaches to warm up to enjoy our favorite foods and wines along the shore, the South Beach Wine & Food Festival offers a great escape each February to help us to make it until spring. n

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