When the sun is shining on a warm, beautiful day, the last thing you may want to do is work out in a dark, stuffy gym. No matter where your summer adventures take you, it is possible to stay active and fit while having fun. Check out these ideas to fit in fitness while enjoying the fresh air this season:
Play like a kid. Taking a trip to the park with your kids? There are a number of activities you can do with your kids, like jogging or biking. You can also utilize playground equipment to fit in a full-body workout while the kids have their own fun – here are a few moves to try on your next visit.
Soak up the sunshine. If you’re heading to the beach this summer, walking or running by the sea is a fantastic, low-impact workout. If you’re new to running on the sand, make sure to wear supportive shoes and start in the wet, flat part of the beach to make things easier. As you progress, you can work your way up to barefoot running in the dry sand – it’s tougher but will make for a more challenging workout. And you may even find some pretty shells along your route! The beach also offers many other great options to get active while having fun, including volleyball, surfing and more.
Take a dip. Speaking of the beach, swimming is another fun and great workout you can do while enjoying the summer sun. Whether at the ocean, lake or pool, swimming laps or playing water games can be relaxing and fun without feeling like exercise.
Get out in nature. There are more than 10,000 state and national parks across the U.S., so chances are there is one within driving distance of your home or your summer destination. Going on a hike is a fantastic workout while giving you the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature, and most parks offer trails for all experience levels. Find a national or state park near you and get out there!
Reap the bounty. Gardening is another fantastic way to fit in activity while enjoying summer’s fresh air. Spending just 30 minutes a few times a week digging, planting, weeding, mulching, and harvesting can work your entire body, leaving you pleasantly sore and tired! Pushing a wheelbarrow, lifting bags of soil and raking the yard quickly add up to heart-healthy exercise that burns calories and builds muscle–and when fueled by the fruits and vegetables you grow, it’s a win-win.
No matter what activities you try this summer, remember…
- To reduce your risk of dehydration, bring plenty of water to drink
- Apply sunscreen before heading outside
- Talk to your doctor before starting any new exercise routine
Have fun and stay fit this summer!
