Beat the Heat with These 5 Fun Summer Workouts to Keep You Fit
- CHANTAL MARSHALL
- 9 hours ago
- 3 min read
Summer is here, bringing longer days and warmer weather. It's an excellent opportunity to change up your fitness routine. Im running or walking daily, but you can dapple into these other things. While lounging by the pool or hitting the beach are popular summer pastimes, this season also offers the perfect chance to have fun while getting fit. Whether your goal is to tone your muscles, lose weight, or simply enjoy the great outdoors, you'll find a summer workout that fits your needs. In this post, I dropped five exciting workouts to help you stay fit and active while enjoying the warmth of the season.
1. Outdoor Boot Camp
If you crave a high-energy workout that pushes your limits, an outdoor boot camp might be just what you need. These classes usually combine strength and cardio exercises, taking advantage of beautiful outdoor locations.
Consider signing up for a local boot camp or organizing your own with friends at a nearby park or beach. You can do exercises like:
Squats and lunges: Great for building lower body strength.
Push-ups and burpees: Effective for upper body strength and cardio.
Sprints: A fantastic way to improve cardiovascular fitness.
Working out in a group adds motivation, making it feel more like a social event than traditional exercise. Studies show that group workouts can increase commitment to fitness by over 40%.
Pro Tip: Remember to hydrate and wear sunscreen before heading out!
2. Swimming
Whether you dive into a local pool or splash around at a beach, swimming offers a refreshing way to exercise. It’s a full-body workout that builds endurance, tones muscles, and enhances cardiovascular health—all while being gentle on your joints.
If you’re not a strong swimmer, no problem! Activities like water aerobics or games such as water polo provide solid workout options. Try to swim laps or challenge yourself with different strokes for added intensity.
Pro Tip: Aim for at least 30 minutes of swimming each session to gain the most health benefits.
3. Hiking
For nature lovers, hiking is an enjoyable way to stay fit while taking in beautiful scenery. You can explore local trails or visit nearby national parks, which often feature paths for all fitness levels.
Hiking not only allows you to connect with nature but also helps build strength and stamina. Did you know that a vigorous hike can burn around 400 to 700 calories per hour? This variety makes it a perfect choice whether you’re hiking at a leisurely pace or tackling more challenging terrains with steep inclines.
Pro Tip: Use trekking poles to improve stability and make your workout more effective.
4. Beach Volleyball
Round up your friends and head to the beach for an exciting game of volleyball! This fun sport is not only social but also offers a significant workout, combining aerobic activity with strength training.
The soft sand adds resistance to your movements, making each jump and dive more challenging. In fact, playing beach volleyball can burn between 300 to 600 calories per hour, depending on the intensity of the game. You don’t need to be an expert to enjoy it, but if you want to improve, consider joining local beach volleyball leagues.
Pro Tip: Pack a cooler with hydrating drinks and healthy snacks to recharge after the game!
5. Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
If you haven’t yet tried stand-up paddleboarding, summer is an excellent time to start! Not only is it a relaxing activity, but it also offers a great core workout that engages your balance and stability as you paddle across lakes or calm ocean waters.
SUP strengthens your core, arms, and legs while allowing you to take in the stunning summer scenery from unique perspectives. It's easily enjoyable alone or with friends, and it helps keep you cool even as you work out.
Pro Tip: Paddle early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the heat of midday sun.
Stay Active and Enjoy Summer
Keeping fit during the summer doesn’t have to feel like a chore. By trying out these five exciting workouts, you can break a sweat while soaking up the sunshine. Whether you enjoy the adrenaline of an outdoor boot camp, the soothing feel of water, or the competitive thrill of beach volleyball, these activities will keep you engaged and active all season.
So lace up those sneakers, grab a friend, and make the most of the summer weather while maintaining your fitness. With a little creativity and effort, you can turn your summer days into a journey toward better health and wellness.
Happy sweating and melting in this heat!
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