Oftentimes, people put all their energy into getting their body in perfect shape for Summer. But when Summer eventually rolls around, people ditch their workout gear for bikinis and cocktails on the beach. I’ve listed 10 Summer fitness routines you can add to your day that will not only keep you in shape but will be enjoyable.
You’re probably thinking, duh. But I don’t mean paddling around in a pool or taking a dip in the ocean to cool off. Try swimming laps in your local pool, or if you’re by a beach, swimming in the ocean. The tide will give you an even better workout. Commit to thirty minutes, three times a week, to start out. Swimming is a full body workout, and will strengthen not only your muscles but your heart and lungs as well.
You can do this in the privacy of your home, your local gym, or even a yoga studio. Often overlooked for it’s supposed low intensity, yoga not only tones your body but improves your energy, increased flexibility, and can help with weight loss. It’s also relaxing to cool off indoors with some AC, stretching, and calming music. If you’re looking for more of a workout, give Vinyasa Flow yoga a try; it’s a total body workout that will stimulate your core muscles and tone your arms. And who doesn’t want that?
You’re probably groaning at this one, but running is one of the best things you could do for yourself. It exercises your entire body and is easily accessible to anyone with legs and motivation. It’s also one of the most straightforward ways to get the vital benefits of exercise. If you’re willing to go the extra mile (no pun intended), try running on the beach in the sand. It’ll work out your glutes and legs even more. But if it’s hot outside and you’d rather be somewhere with AC, hop on the treadmill and go for a thirty minute jog before starting your day.
Something you can do alone or with friends, hiking is a natural stress relief while also working out your core, legs, and arms. Get some Summer sun in the hills by your house (if you have any) and take in the natural beauty around you. Go in the morning, though, before it get’s too hot, and make sure to wear lots of sunblock and a hat.
I don’t know about you, but there are outdoor stairs around town that are incredibly popular for people looking for a good workout. More intense and effective than squats, going up and down a flight of stairs over and over will undoubtedly build myself and get you in shape. Make sure you stretch first though, or you’ll be pretty sore after your first time doing this.
If you’re looking to not only get a work out in but pick up a new hobby, skateboarding might be for you. Skateboarding provides a full body workout; you’re using your arms and core for balance and your legs to propel you forward. Skating along the beach is a personal favorite of mine; good for people watching, and you get to enjoy the sun and scenery while you’re at it.
If you want to tone rather than lose weight, weight lifting is always a good go-to. Pick up some 5 or 10 lb. weights from your local store or head to the gym and try out some professional equipment. You can do either with the comfort of AC and show off your hard work at the beach later.
Biking has a number of cardiovascular benefits, and will give your lungs, blood vessels, and heart a workout as well as your muscles. You don’t need to start biking a million miles a day to get a workout in; start by biking around your neighborhood, or on the bike path by the beach. Another activity you can do with friends, biking isn’t something you’ll dread doing every day.
Surfing is the ideal Summer sport and provides an intense core and upper body workout. You’ll mostly be using your upper body, as the majority of the time you’ll be paddling, but once you’re riding a wave, you’ll also be enabling your leg muscles as well. Surfing is a great way to burn excess calories and fat while also giving you all the benefits of Summer. You’ll be out on the water, tanning, and can do it with friends!
If you’re looking for a thigh and butt workout, rollerblading might be for you. You’ll acquire physical strength and endurance while you learn to balance, all while increasing your range of motion. You can do it on the bike path or go to a rollerblading rink for some throwback fun with friends.
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