As the temperature rises and the days grow longer, there's no better time to take your fitness routine outside. Here are the top 5 outdoor activities that are not only enjoyable but will keep you in shape this summer.
- Pickleball/Tennis: Combining elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis, Pickleball is a paddleball sport that's gaining popularity due to its fun and highly social nature. Similarly, tennis is a fantastic summer sport that provides an all-over body workout. Both these sports improve cardiovascular health, flexibility, balance, and strength. Also, they are social activities that can help to reduce stress and increase mental alertness. Just make sure to wear sunscreen and hydrate frequently!
- Biking: Whether you're cycling to work, around your local park, or hitting some serious mountain bike trails, biking is a great way to stay fit in the summer. It's a low-impact exercise that improves cardiovascular fitness, builds muscle, and boosts coordination and balance. Plus, it's an environmentally friendly way to commute while getting a workout!
- Hiking: Take advantage of the summer weather to explore local hiking trails. Hiking provides numerous health benefits such as improved cardiovascular health, strength, balance, and core stability. It's also excellent for boosting your mood, as being in nature has been proven to reduce stress levels and increase feelings of happiness and well-being.
- Walking with Your Dog or Partner: Walking is one of the easiest ways to get moving and improve your health. If you have a dog, they make the perfect walking companion, providing motivation and company. A brisk walk with your partner is also a great way to stay active and connect with each other. Walking aids in weight management, strengthens your heart, boosts your mood, and can even enhance creativity.
- The Benefits of Walking 7,000 - 10,000 Steps a Day: Health experts often recommend aiming for 7,000 to 10,000 steps a day to maintain good health. Achieving this goal can lead to significant benefits such as weight loss, improved cardiovascular function, lower blood pressure, improved mental health, and better sleep. You can monitor your steps using a pedometer or a fitness tracker. To hit your goal, try incorporating more walking into your daily routine, like parking further away from your destination, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or even holding a walking meeting.
Remember, the goal of fitness is not just to look good, but to feel good as well. Engaging in outdoor activities is a great way to enjoy the summer while also keeping your health in check. Start slow, listen to your body, and gradually increase the intensity of your workouts. Most importantly, have fun while you're at it! Summer is a time to enjoy, and these outdoor activities can certainly add more enjoyment to your fitness routine.
