Bermuda Day is upon us — and you already know how I feel about all things Bermuda. One of the holidays that honour our heritage. The vibrant colours. The unmistakable beat of the Gombey drums in the distance. The aroma of somebody’s mama’s macaroni and BBQ drifting through neighbourhoods. The sound of laughter echoing between houses. It’s joy: loud, proud and rooted in culture.

Bermuda Day isn’t just a day off. It’s a full-body celebration of who we are.

From the crack of dawn, you feel it. The energy is electric. The early risers line the streets with folding chairs, coolers, and that one uncle who always claims (or reclaims — sidewalk wars, anyone?) the best sidewalk spot before anyone else even leaves their house.

The runners lace up, nerves and excitement dancing in their stomachs. The air is buzzing with possibility — it’s the kind of vibe you can’t replicate.

And then the half-marathon begins.

Some folks are racing for time, others just for the finish line. But no matter your pace, the community shows up for you.

Those cheerleaders stationed around every bend — the aunties with tambourines, the cousins with megahorns, the children holding handmade signs that read “Go Nana!” — they don’t let you pass without a smile.

"Looking good, looking good!" they yell at every sweaty runner. And in that moment, you do feel good. You forget the pain in your calves, the sun on your back, the stitch in your side.

You feel seen. Supported. Celebrated. That right there? That’s wellness.

Wellness isn’t just what you do in a gym. It’s not always protein shakes and perfect form.

Sometimes, it’s simply being part of something bigger than yourself. It’s dancing on Front Street with your shoes off.

It’s sweating through your favourite outfit while waving your Bermuda flag high.

It’s sharing food, hugging friends you haven’t seen in years, and laughing so hard you forget whatever had you stressed in the first place.

Bermuda Day reminds us that wellness lives in community. It’s in movement, connection, pride, and joy.

It’s the little children waving from truck floats, the soca music blaring from speakers, the wild dance circles that pop up out of nowhere and take over the street: Gap time!

It's in the freedom to be loud, expressive, and unapologetically ourselves. And it’s in that collective sigh when the day winds down, the sun begins to set, and you realise your heart feels full.

So while fitness is usually associated with sets, reps, and protein macros, let this holiday remind you: wellness also looks like this. Celebrating your culture.

Honour your body — not just how it performs, but how it carries you through joy, through connection, through the moments that matter.

This Bermuda Day, give yourself permission to live it fully. Dance like your knees still work.

Eat like your plate just came from your granny’s kitchen. Smile like you mean it. And love where you’re from with your whole chest.

This isn’t just a day off. It’s a reminder of how good life can feel and how good you can feel in it.

Happy Bermuda Day, fitfam! If you see me in the streets, just know chocolate sunshine and I are having a blast, unapologetically ― no swizzle needed.

Enjoy your holiday weekend and as usual, remain unapologetic about your fitness and wellness journey. Stay true to yourself and always be honest with your efforts."

• Andrea “Dre” Hinds is a personal trainer, aerobic and yoga instructor and fitness “addict” with more than 20 years’ experience. She specialises in nutrition, weight and sprint training, operating out of HindsSight Fitness and Wellness at the Berkeley Cultural Centre. Contact her onabsbydre@gmail.com or 599-6683. Find her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram under @Absbydre