1. Going for a walk. This seems like a no-brainer, but walking is still a really great exercise. It gets your heart rate up, while reducing your risk of heart attacks, strokes and even cardiovascular disease. Some great things about thing about walking are that it is free, can be done pretty much ANYWHERE, and you can do it at your own pace. I have a route that I do a few days a week during the summer that's about 5 miles with inclines, steep hills and most of it is on back roads, which is safer for pedestrians. Personally, as the weather heats up, I would recommend doing a walk either in the morning (before 11 AM) or later in the day (after 4 or 5 PM). I have walked in the heat of the day and let me tell you..not only was I sweating profusely, but I got horrible tan lines! Just crank your tunes or even grab a buddy--walking is a great way to get some exercise in.
2. Take a hike. Hiking, like walking, is free in most areas and doesn't require much but a water bottle and wear proper shoes. There are a few places that I like to hike that aren't too far from my house, if you are unsure about how to find a trail--the Internet is a great tool! I'm sure you will be surprised to see just how many places you can hike. Some locations have different trails for different physical fitness levels, so be sure to choose one you feel comfortable doing. Hiking is also a great way to get your heart rate up and get you out of the house. I always like hiking with a few other people, but like walking, it can also be done solo. Remember, with any exercising, it is important to stay hydrated so keep water handy at all times!
3. Swimming. Not everyone can have a pool in their backyard but there's always the ocean, friend's pool or even a local swimming hole that you can get some exercise in. This may cost you a little and or course during the summer, it will probably be crowded with families and teenagers, but hey if you're paying for it, might as well use it! You don't have to be swimming laps to get your heart rate up--believe it or not treading water in the deep end or in the ocean waiting for a wave is a great way to burn calories. Keeping your body in a constant state of movement makes it easier for your body to burn more calories. Lakes and ponds are also great sources for exercise, but may not be as clean as a pool or even the ocean. Spending 30 minutes in the water, while moving constantly can burn more calories than you think!
4. Go for a ride. Another alternative to walking is to take it onto two wheels--biking. Whether you choose to mountain bike or take a leisurely ride through your town, you are definitely burning calories. Biking has been making a comeback these days with the rising prices of gas and people becoming more and more aware of how their carbon footprint is affecting our atmosphere. Especially with the Tour de France coming up, what a great way to get your heart racing with taking a ride on your bike! I don't know what the laws are in other states, but I know in the state of NJ you are required to wear a helmet when you ride a bike--so remember to be safe and wear a helmet. Although you may think you look like a dork or a loser--I'd rather be a safe dork, than regret it later.
5. Grab a buddy, play some tennis. I'm sure you all have driven past a park or high school and have seen a few people making fools of themselves playing tennis. That could be you!! Grab a buddy or two to play some singles or doubles tennis. You don't have to be Serena or Venus Williams, but it's all about getting outside and having fun--even if you do suck, I'm sure you will give your abs a solid workout with all the laughing you will be doing. Your local high school usually has courts, if not you can check out local parks or your town might even have some. Sunscreen is key for this sport, unless you are playing after the sun goes down--it is easy to forget you are in the sun when you are running around chasing after the ball you hit across the other three courts. If you are new to the tennis game or it's been awhile for you, your arms and back may be sore the next day, but it's a good sore!
6. Be a yogi. Yoga can be done pretty much anywhere you feel comfortable doing it. Whether it's your first time or you've been practicing forever--yoga can be done in your backyard, in the park or anywhere you want really. I know that parks around my house have outside 'classes' where people come to a location outdoors and everyone does yoga together. Even if you don't know the proper moves, stretching in general is a great idea to release lactic acid and toxins from your body. At the end, I'm sure you will be feeling fantastic!
7. Kayaking/Rowing/Canoeing. Depending on where you reside, this one might be on the more expensive side due to the driving and then renting the equipment. Although you see rowing machines in gyms and they serve their purpose by toning your shoulders and back--performing the motions in an actual vessel is even better. These three means of exercise can be done on bays, rivers, lakes or oceans--if you are feeling adventurous. Grab a few friends and head to the water for a fun and different day of exercise.
8. Use the world as your gym. As I'm sure you have read in almost every fitness magazine out there--'you can get in a workout ANYWHERE'. This could not be more true--take a park for example: use a branch or monkey bar to do pull ups, do push ups on a table or bench, use a low swing to do squats--I have ideas for days! If none of these really sound appealing to you, just bring some resistance tubing with you and wrap around any steady trees, poles, etc. to work your arms. I have done this before and although some people may look at your funny, other people will look at you and wish they thought of it first. Be a trend-setter!
9. Hit the beach. No I don't mean laying down and tanning--beach volleyball, surfing, beach workouts, even building an impressive sandcastle. Before I get into the exercise portion, sunscreen is the most important part--you don't want to burn anything but fat while at the beach. Personally, I LOVE beach volleyball, although a lot of beaches don't have courts set up, you can easily go to Walmart or Target and buy a cheap net, ball and whatnot to bring to the beach one day with some friends. Who knows, when people see you setting up, they may even ask to join--another way to make friends! Beach workouts are great because not only do you have the toughness of your workout to deal with but also you are working against the sand, which burns extra calories.
10. Go for a run. This is probably my least favorite form of exercise--running for fun doesn't make sense to me, but I know a lot of people that do it so I figured I should put it on my list. Just like walking, it can be done just about anywhere and can be done at your own pace, unless you bring a friend. Lots of people tell me that running is therapeutic, especially when you have your music and pick a more scenic route--although when they tell me this, I am quick to reply that walking is the same for me and it's easier on my shins :).
This is a VERY informative post, but I hope you can get something out of it--working out doesn't have to be work and doesn't have to be done indoors. Enjoy the weather but remember--when doing any of these ideas WEAR SUNSCREEN! Skin cancer is no joke.
ENJOY!!
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