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An Adventurer’s Guide to Turks and Caicos | Men’s Journal

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Amanyara, Turks & Caicos -


Turks and Caicos has a way of topping destination bucket lists. There’s good reason. With white-sand beaches, crystalline waters, and friendly locals, it’s no secret why the low-lying Atlantic archipelago is a magnet for travelers from across the globe. In addition to being easy on the eyes, Turks and Caicos also has adventure options aplenty for ocean enthusiasts and landlubbers alike. We recently spent a week on the islands (British Overseas Territory) to guide your next venture and to maximize your time abroad.

Getting There

Sitting roughly halfway between the Bahamas and Puerto Rico, there are two ways to get to the islands of Turks and Caicos: via plane or cruise ship. Cruise ships deposit passengers at Grand Turk while international flights arrive at Providenciales International Airport on Provo Island. If you’re looking to visit one of the other islands, you’ll need to board a domestic flight or a passenger ferry. Most of the developed islands have airports or airstrips, so they’re simple enough to access. If you wish to travel via sea, passenger ferries travel between Providenciales and North Caicos, Providenciales and South Caicos, and Grand Turk and Salt Cay. Options for ground transportation include taxis and rental cars.

Where to Stay

While there are plenty of lodging options, Amanyara Resort checks all the boxes. Located on the secluded shores of an 18,000-acre nature reserve on Providenciales, Amanyara is home to white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and an assortment of stunning tropical pavilions and villas. In addition to paddleboards, kayaks, Hobie Cats, Seabobs, and tennis courts, Amanyara hosts a unique “legends program.”

courtesy Amanyara
Amanyara, Turks & Caicos -
Amanyara

Through the legends program, Amanyara houses professional and world-renowned athletes to host clinics and lessons in their respective sports. Past legends include 5x Grand Slam tennis champ Maria Sharapova, celebrity trainer Erin Oprea, world champion standup paddler Candice Appleby and five-time NBA All-Star Kevin Love. With romantic private island getaways, an expansive wellness center, and five-star dining, Amanyara has everything you could want in a luxury beach resort.

Candice Appleby Turks and Caicos
Rebecca Parsons

If Amanyara isn’t the right comfort (or budget) fit, there’s a wide array of other hotels, resorts, and Airbnb’s available on the island.

 

Where to Eat

No vacation is complete without a thorough sampling of the local cuisine. Influenced by the cultures and traditions of the Taino people and contributions from Africa, Jamaica, and the Bahamas, food in Turks and Caicos is as equally diverse as it is delicious. Popular local fares include Johnnycakes, conch fritters, crab and rice, lionfish, lobster, jerk chicken/fish, conch ceviche, and an assortment of local seafood. Must-try restaurants on Provo include Coco Bistro, Da Conch Shack, Las Brisas, Danny Buoys, and the Infiniti Bar.

Cracked conch and conch salad.
Cracked conch and conch salad. Shutterstock

 

What to Do

There’s so much to do in Turks and Caicos, it’s hard to squeeze into one trip. Must-do activities include snorkeling/scuba diving, outer island visits, standup paddling/kayaking, fishing, and hiking.

snorkel turks
Big Blue Collective

Snorkel/Scuba Dive

With approximately 340 miles of barrier reef surrounding the archipelago, Turks and Caicos is home to one of the best barrier reefs in the world, making it an amazing place to snorkel and/or scuba dive. If you brought your own equipment, there are a number of prime snorkeling sites directly off the beach in Provo like Bight Reef and Smith’s Reef. For the best experience, book a trip with a tour company to one of the outer reefs as they typically offer calmer waters and more vibrant reefs.

When it comes to diving, Turks and Caicos is world-class. There are many sites worth visiting but The Wall is one of the most popular. The Wall marks the transition between shallow water and reef and sits atop the subterranean plateaus, offering stunning dives.

 Outer Island Visits

While Providenciales has a lot to offer by way of adventure, the other islands are definitely worth a visit. The easiest ones to get to are North and Middle Caicos, as a ferry runs daily from Provo. From there, the best way to make the most out of your day is to sign up for a tour. We chose Belmont Car Rental and Tour, which included stops at popular beaches, a delicious lunch at Mudjin Bar and Grill, a tour of Wades Green Plantation, and a visit to the famous Conch Bar Caves.

For those looking to get off the beaten path, popular islands to visit include South Caicos, Grand Turk, Salt Cay, and Little Water Cay. Do a little research and plan a day to go explore all that the archipelago has to offer.

Turks and Caicos adventures
Big Blue Collective

 

Standup Paddle/Kayak

Turks and Caicos is an idyllic location for kayaking and standup paddling—conditions are typically calm year-round. Popular areas include Grace Bay for open-water paddling, Princess Alexandra Nature Reserve for exploring the mangrove wetlands, the scenic rocky islands of Chalk Sound National Park, and Frenchmans Creek and Pigeon Pond Nature Reserve to spot juvenile sharks and brown pelicans. There are plenty of rentals available on the island to tour on your own, otherwise, Big Blue Collective offers an incredible and educational eco-tour.

SUP caicos
Rebecca Parsons

Fishing

Turks and Caicos is paradise for fishing, and the waters surrounding Providenciales are ideal for traditional rod and reel fishing, deep-sea sport fishing, and bonefishing. Each year, the island hosts several fishing tournaments and the flats surrounding Providenciales and the Caicos Islands are home to world-class bone fishing. Head out on your own or sign up for one of the many tours on offer—just remember, fishing licenses are required for anyone over age 15.

caicos hikes
Exploring sinkholes Rebecca Parsons

Hiking

Although the island is home to an impressive stretch of coastline, hiking options are limited albeit beautiful. The only official hiking trail is Bird Rock Trail, which meanders through dry brushlands and finishes at a limestone bluff overlooking Bird Rock. Another option is exploring the coast at Northwest Point Marine National Park, where you’ll have the chance to spot flamingos, heron, fossilized conchs and coral in the limestone bedding. Another spot worth visiting is Frenchman’s Creek, which offers views of wetlands, small sea caves, and karst sinkholes.

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10 Best Porters to Drink Right Now

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A bottle of Deschutes Black Butte Porter




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Best Time-Under-Tension Workout for Total-Body Strength

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Barbell Back Squat


The key to 360-degree muscle: 90-degree eccentric isometrics. It might seem like we’re throwing a lot of geometry at you, but the concept behind time under tension (TUT) is simple, says Joel Seedman, PhD, owner of Advanced Human Performance: “Perform the lowering phase of a movement in a slow, controlled fashion, usually 3 to 5 seconds; pause in the stretched position, typically around 90 degrees; then perform the lifting phase in a powerful yet controlled fashion.” Believe us, a time-under-tension workout can humble even seasoned lifters…Eccentric isometrics are like the pressure cooker of training.

“Rather than mindlessly performing slow-tempo reps, you’re using the increased time under tension as a means to fine-tune your body mechanics and alignment, which requires more mental engagement and focus,” Seedman adds.

If you want to forge functional muscle mass and strength while simultaneously bulletproofing the joints and connective tissue, give this 10-move, full-body eccentric isometrics workout a go.

Directions

Perform the following moves as 90-degree eccentric isometrics following the above protocol. Use heavy weight, but not at the detriment of proper form. Rest 60 to 90 seconds between sets and 2 minutes between circuits. Perform once every 2 to 4 days for optimal results.

Best Time-Under-Tension Workout for Total-Body Strength

Circuit 1

Marius Bugge

A. Barbell Back Squat

Set a squat rack up with heavy weight, then grasp bar and step under it. Squeeze shoulder blades together, then stand to unrack bar and step back with feet shoulder-width apart. Inhale, hinge at hips and slowly bend knees to 90 degrees. Pause, keeping natural arch in low back, then extend through hips to powerfully stand. 3 x 4-6 reps

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts renegade row
Marius Bugge

B. Renegade Row

Start in the top position of a pushup with hands shoulder-width apart on moderate-to-heavy dumbbells (shown). Explosively drive right elbow back to row dumbbell toward ribs while balancing on opposite hand and feet. Pause, then slowly lower weight, stopping a few inches above floor. Switch sides after all reps are done. 3 x 5 reps each side

Circuit 2

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing renegade row Dumbbell Bentover Row in gym
Marius Bugge

A. Dumbbell Bentover Row

Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding two moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in front of thighs, palms facing you. Push hips back and hinge torso forward so it’s nearly parallel to floor, soft bend in knees. Dumbbells should be near shins. Drive elbows back to row weights toward ribs. Pause, then slowly lower down for 3 to 5 seconds. 3 x 4-5 reps

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing Incline Dumbbell Chest Press with Legs Raised 
Marius Bugge

B. Incline Dumbbell Chest Press with Legs Raised 

Set an adjustable bench to a 30- to 45-degree angle and lie back with dumbbells in either hand. Engage core and lift legs off floor, flexing feet. Press weights overhead, palms in. Slowly lower to 90 degrees, staying tight and compact. Pause, then drive weights up directly over chest. 3 x 4-5 reps

Circuit 3

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing Dumbbell Bulgarian Squat
Marius Bugge

A. Dumbbell Bulgarian Squat

Stand lunge-length in front of a flat bench, holding heavy dumbbells in each hand by your sides, palms facing in. Rest the ball on top (shoe’s laces) of your right foot behind you on the bench. Slowly lower your body until your front thigh is parallel to the floor. Pause, then drive through your heel to stand. Switch sides after all reps are complete. 2 x 3-4 reps each side

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing Single-leg Romanian Deadlift
Marius Bugge

B. Single-leg Romanian Deadlift

Stand with feet hip-width apart holding dumbbells or kettlebells. Drive right leg up, foot flexed, knee aligned with hip, making a 90-degree angle. Hinge at hips as you slowly lever your torso toward floor, lowering weights and driving right leg back for counterbalance. Hold, then squeeze glutes to reverse. 2 x 3-4 reps each side

Circuit 4

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing pullup
Marius Bugge

A. Pullup

Hang from a pullup bar using an overhand grip with legs extended and feet flexed. Engage lats and draw shoulders down your back, then pull yourself up until chin is higher than hands. Pause at the top, then slowly lower. Pause at bottom, then reset before your next rep. 2-3 x 4-5 reps

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing Kneeling Overhead Barbell Press
Marius Bugge

B. Kneeling Overhead Barbell Press

Hold a bar with moderate-to-heavy load at shoulder level with forearms perpendicular to floor. Kneel at end of bench with feet flexed to grip edge for support. Inhale, engage your core and glutes, then press the bar overhead, pushing your head forward so it passes your face, exhaling at the top.
Slowly lower until elbows are at 90 degrees, then hold to maintain tension. Begin your next rep from here. 2-3 x 4-5 reps

Circuit 5

A. Dumbbell Pushup

Place hands on dumbbells (this provides greater range of motion) at shoulder width and feet wider than shoulder width with just toes touching the ground. Keep head neutral and hips high to increase tension on core, chest and tris and reduce stress on spine. Slowly lower to the floor. Stop
once elbows hit 90 degrees, pause, then push up to start. 1-2 x 6-8 reps

B. Biceps Curl

Stand with feet hip-width apart with moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in each hand hanging by sides. Engage biceps to curl the weights up, keeping upper arms still. Pause at the top, then lower slowly. Don’t let arms drop all the way down to keep greater time under tension on biceps. 1-2 x 6-8 reps


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The Best Jump Ropes for a Killer Cardio Workout

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The Best Jump Ropes for a Killer Cardio Workout




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