If you’re lucky enough to have a few months of summer laid out before you, it could be a good idea to make the most of the weather and change up your exercise regime. While you could stay in the gym and workout as usual, this means you’re stuck inside and can’t enjoy the sunshine.
Rather than staying on the treadmill in a windowless gym, get out in the sunshine and try your hand at a few different exercises. Not only does this mean you get to enjoy the season, it could also help you refresh your workout.
Here are some great summer workouts that you can give a go:
Tennis
Want a good workout with someone else? Tennis is a great way to get fit and build endurance, but it also allows you to exercise with someone else. Whether you’re a tennis buff or a beginner, this game is a lot of fun and is guaranteed to burn calories and tone muscle.
You can even play doubles to get more people involved, while the competition of the game will ensure you work harder and push each other. Just be sure you have the right sportswear and slather on the sun cream to avoid injury and sunburn!
Volleyball
Whether you have a dedicated pitch close by or live near a beach, volleyball is a lot of fun, as well as being an effective form of exercise. It is a full body workout that can burn hundreds of calories per hour, as well as tone your legs, arms, chest and abs.
The best thing is, all ability levels can play and you can vary team sizes. This means you can play with your family, friends or gym buddies and still be exercising.
Cycling
There’s nothing worse than being stuck in a traffic jam in your car or while riding a bus when it’s sunny and hot, so why not make getting around easier and fit in a workout too? Cycling is the perfect mode of transport for the summer and is also a good workout.
Whether you choose to cycle to and from work every day, ride competitively or simply enjoy a jaunt in the countryside, riding a bike is a great way to tone your legs, butt and hips. You’ll also get to avoid much of the traffic on a daily basis, which is another great plus.
Hiking
Get away from all the stress of your daily life and take in some nature with a good hike. This is a great way to spend a day and will really get your heart rate up. Not only will a hike build your leg muscles and endurance, it also gives you a chance to enjoy the beauty of summer.
There are usually different trails available for varying abilities, so if you haven’t hiked before, you can start off slow. The chances are that by the time summer is over, you’ll be able to tackle more challenging routes.
Canoeing
We aren’t all built for competitive rowing, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get on the water. Canoeing is a great way to make the most of the seaside and enjoy a slightly cooler form of exercise.
The water offers resistance for your paddle so you actually have to work a bit harder than you think you do, while the action also helps to tone your back and arms. You can either go on a canoe alone, with a group or a partner on a double canoe, ensuring you can add a level of competition to your workout if that encourages you.
