Summer is the perfect time to embrace the great outdoors and engage in activities that keep you active and healthy.
While hitting the gym is a popular choice for some, for me at times it can be overwhelming. Sometimes the idea of going to a crowded gym really didn’t inspire me to get up and get active.
This gave me the idea to come up with numerous alternative ways to stay active this summer that doesn’t include the gym for you that are equally effective and enjoyable.
How can I keep my body active this summer?
Take time to explore fun and diverse activities that will help you stay fit this summer, and make the most of the sunny season without ever stepping foot in the gym.
✹ Embrace Water Sports
Take advantage of lakes, rivers, or the ocean by engaging in various water sports.
Kayaking, paddleboarding, surfing, or even swimming can be excellent ways to exercise while enjoying the refreshing water.
These activities provide full-body workouts, help improve balance, and are great for building strength.
✹ Hit the Trails
Explore your local parks and nature reserves by going hiking or trail running.
Not only will you get a good cardiovascular workout, but you’ll also be surrounded by the beauty of nature. Hiking or running on uneven terrains engages your muscles in unique ways, promoting better balance and stability.
✹ Take Up Cycling
Hop on your bike and explore your neighborhood or nearby trails.
Cycling is a low-impact exercise that can be both recreational and a means of transportation. It improves cardiovascular health, strengthens leg muscles, and burns calories while allowing you to explore new areas and enjoy the scenery. With so many parks having electric and public bike stations, like capital bike share, you may not even need your own bike.
Check out this global bikeshare map by O.O’Brien to find a bikeshare near you! You can learn more about the map and how it works, here.
✹ Join Outdoor Fitness Classes
Many fitness studios and instructors organize classes in parks or open spaces during the summer.
These group activities not only provide a great workout but also foster a sense of community and motivation.
Look for outdoor fitness classes in your area, such as yoga, boot camps, or dance sessions.
Plus you’ll be surprised what fitnesses classes you could find in your city, like paddle board yoga!
✹ Create an Outdoor Workout Circuit
Design your own outdoor workout circuit using simple equipment like resistance bands, jump ropes, or bodyweight exercises.
Utilize your backyard or a local park to perform exercises such as jumprope, squats, lunges, push-ups, and planks. Calisthenics is a perfect way to enhance your coordination, endurance, strength and mobility without having to rely on the gym for equipment or to stay fit.
You can also incorporate small weights and resistance bands to add variety and function to your workouts.
This creative approach allows you to customize your workouts and enjoy the fresh air simultaneously.
✹ Engage in Team Sports
Gather a group of friends or join a local sports league to play team sports like soccer, basketball, or volleyball. These activities enhance coordination, boost endurance, and offer a social aspect that makes exercising more enjoyable.
Playing team sports not only keeps you fit but also helps you build new relationships and strengthen existing ones.
✹ Try Outdoor Yoga or Pilates
Take your yoga or Pilates practice outdoors and embrace the beauty of natural surroundings.
Many parks and outdoor spaces offer yoga or Pilates classes during the summer months. These exercises improve flexibility, core strength, and body awareness, all while allowing you to find inner peace and tranquility in nature.
✹ Rollerskating or In-line Skating
Rollerskating offers a fun and exhilarating way to stay active this summer, without the need for a traditional gym setting. It combines the joy of outdoor recreation with the benefits of a full-body workout. As you glide along on your skates, you engage various muscle groups, including your legs, core, and glutes, while also improving balance and coordination.
Whether you’re skating at a local park, on a dedicated trail, or even in your neighborhood, rollerskating allows you to soak up the sunshine, enjoy fresh air, and experience a sense of freedom and nostalgia.
It’s a fantastic alternative to indoor workouts, making exercise feel more like playtime while reaping the physical and mental benefits of an active lifestyle. So lace up those skates and embrace the summer with a smile on your face and a healthy, active body!
✹ Dance it Out
Turn up the music and have a dance party!
Dancing is a fun and effective way to burn calories, improve cardiovascular health, and boost your mood.
Whether you choose to dance in your living room, at a local dance studio, or even participate in outdoor dance events, this activity is sure to keep you active and energized.
✹ Explore Outdoor Recreation Centers
Check out nearby outdoor recreation centers that offer activities such as rock climbing, zip-lining, or high ropes courses. These adrenaline-pumping adventures challenge your physical strength, enhance your problem-solving skills, and provide an exciting way to stay active while having a thrilling experience.
Staying active during the summer doesn’t have to be limited to the confines of a gym!
By embracing the great outdoors and exploring various activities, you can keep your body moving, improve your fitness levels, and make the most of the sunny season. From water sports to cycling, outdoor fitness classes to gardening, there are endless possibilities for staying active without stepping foot in a gym.
The key is to find activities that you enjoy and that align with your interests and fitness goals. Whether you prefer solo endeavors or engaging in group activities, the options are vast. Not only will you reap the physical benefits of these activities, but you’ll also experience the mental and emotional benefits of being in nature, connecting with others, and finding joy in movement.
So, this summer, challenge yourself to step out of the gym and embrace the diverse range of activities available to you. Explore new hobbies, discover hidden talents, and create memories while staying active.
Remember to stay hydrated, protect yourself from the sun, and listen to your body’s cues to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Question: What alternative to working out in the gym will you try this summer?
Please take a moment to like, share, and leave a comment below. Let’s inspire others to embrace the fun and active lifestyle this summer !
2 Comments
This was beautiful Admin. Thank you for your reflections.
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Trenton!