Staying fit doesn’t mean you have to be stuck in a gym for hours. If you want to be active this summer but want to go beyond lifting weights or a running on a treadmill consider these seven activities. Each one of them is perfect to do during this time of year. You’ll be having so much fun you’ll be surprised that you’re actually working out.
Biking is a great activity for the summer because it doesn’t just help you get fit it helps you get around. If you’re worrying about parking, paying for gas or you’re interested in shrinking your carbon footprint biking is for you. It’s such a simple activity that most people did growing up but forgot over time. Slowly cities across America are becoming more and more bike friendly, meaning it’s safer for you to ride around on one. With biking you’re working your legs, core for stability and you’re burning an incredible amount of calories. A lot of second hand sporting goods stores sell bikes for reasonable prices if you only want one for riding around your city to stay fit. If you’re not ready to make that kind of financial commitment some cities have rental bikes you can use.
Kayaking is a more accessible activity if you aren’t quite ready for white water rafting but you’re ready to graduate from tubing. You’re able to rent a kayak, life jacket, and more for a pretty reasonable price. When you’re kayaking you’ll be using your upper back and your arms, a great alternative to lifting free weights at the gym to stay fit. If you’ve never gone before just remember to wear a life jacket and find a river with a slow current.
Hiking is an obvious choice for a summer activity to stay fit but that’s because it’s the easiest and one of the best ways. Take advantage of any and all paths around your city, or consider traveling a few miles out of your city to the wilderness. If you’re completely trapped in an urban jungle you can even “hike” by simply walking around parks or parts of your city. Hiking doesn’t have to be an ominous activity, if you’re being serious and going on a steep trail make sure you have the proper gear. If you’re just looking for a relaxed day hike there are plenty of trails meant for an easier experience. Regardless of where you hike it’s always important to wear sunscreen and bring plenty of water.
If you aren’t completely ready to part ways with your yoga class consider investigating in yoga classes that are offered outside. A lot of studios will offer yoga in the park, on the beach and in Colorado there is even yoga at Red Rocks Amphitheater during the summer. You may be doing the same poses you’d be doing in a studio but just being in the open air with change the experience. Being able to feel a cool summer breeze and have the sun warm you up will be a welcome change to a typical routine.
Color run’s aren’t just runs they are just plain fun. These special kind of runs are held throughout America and gives participants the opportunity to workout while being doused in color. If you aren’t looking to dye your clothes there are also mud runs. Which is, you guessed it, a run where you work your way through a muddy obstacle course. For some of these they are designed for more seasoned runners but others have opportunities for people at all levels.
Paddle boarding isn’t as easy as it looks, but it’s definitely worth the effort. This is a summer activity that will help you stay fit because it is a full body workout. The hardest part isn’t even paddling, the hardest step is being able to stand. Be prepared to fall, a lot, which in a way will give you an added little activity because you’ll have to also swim a bit. Once you’re comfortable getting on your board and balancing comes the front part, rowing. This isn’t an activity that you can’t do if you’re landlocked, as long as you have access to a body of water deep enough for the board and you’ll be safe when you fall in you are good to go. There are plenty of places to rent the gear at as well.
Rock climbing is an activity for everyone who is a slight thrill seeker. Depending on how you’re planning on climbing you’ll be working on simply pulling yourself up whereas in bouldering you’ll be working on holding on, figuring out where to place your entire body and getting used to falling. This is another activity that is a full body workout, especially your arms. If you’re not ready to go into the wild and rock climb there are many rock climbing gyms that have opened up across the country. You can take your pick from sport climbing or bouldering.
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