I feel very fortunate that I am able to participate in Nia, a body-mind-spirit fitness program, a few times a week. In Florida, I have the option of taking classes on the beach!

On Tuesday, I drove a little farther to Siesta beach in Sarasota and had a lovely class with instructor Kathy Oravec. (below, center)

Siesta beach has won the recognition of being the #1 beach in the USA. It is also a very popular fitness destination. There were many people walking or jogging by observing our class, even smiling at us. Some of the walkers made positive comments and a few even joined us! Siesta is much more busy with people than the Longboat key beach class I had been to before.

A view of the busy Siesta beach, below. 

Yes, it is still very warm on the west coast of Florida! Actually right now at 11pm the temperature is only 50 degrees, but during the mid part of the day it still gets up to 75-80. Very idyllic, I know I am blessed. Today I returned to Longboat Key for another Nia class. It was quite windy and I had a sweatshirt on. 

We start at 9am and I took this wonderful photo before class of the sun above Kathy's Nia banner, marking our spot on  the beach.

Longboat Key is a number of miles north of Siesta beach and is much quieter. I enjoy it very much. I was not sure initially if I would like doing a movement class on the beach, but decided to try it. I’m so glad I did, I love it! A week or 2 ago as we started warming up facing the ocean, 2 dolphins did a series of beautiful leaps out of the water. Today the waves were quite large because of the wind and the sound of them crashing was a perfect accompaniment to our dancing. We often see the gulls flying overhead. It is a very freeing experience to be outside, in front of the powerful ocean, moving and sensing everything. This is just what I need at this time in my life.