May 2013 Nutrition Article
Melissa Grindle
Fun Summer Fitness As the weather warms and finals end, the extra free time is great for starting or continuing your fitness goals. With the warmer weather come more opportunities for activity: think running outdoors, summer sports teams, and swimming. The days are longer, providing more daylight to spend outdoors enjoying the fresh air. Here are a few ideas of ways to get and stay active this summer: 1. Find a rec league Did you play sports in high school? If so, a summer recreational sport league is a perfect way to get back into it and feel the surge of competition that you once knew. Even if you’ve never played, many sports leagues or facilities offer beginners skills training and beginner leagues. Don’t be afraid to mix in with more experienced players! It’s all for fun anyways! 2. Run or walk outside. This is such a simple and easily accessible form of activity. Plus, it offers time to catch up with a friend, get some fresh air, or just clear your head. There are many online training schedules that can help you start a walking or running program. One is called Couch 2 5K and Active.com has many articles. 3. Swimming Whether you find a local community pool or a gym has one that you can use, lap swimming is great way to cool off and add the benefits of exercise to your day. 4. Outdoor Fitness Classes So many outdoor boot camp type classes have popped up in last few years and it probably isn’t hard to find one in your area. Prices do vary, but usually you have the benefit of working with a personal trainer. Make sure to research the person leading the class before attending. 5. Bike Riding Maybe you haven’t ridden a bike since you were a child or maybe you’re on your bike between classes, either way, summer is an excellent opportunity to explore the outdoors by bicycle. If you don’t have a bike, there are many bike share programs that allow you to rent a bike for a day or participate throughout the month.
May 2013 Nutrition Article
Melissa Grindle
6. Hiking Whether you are from Maryland or from out of state, most states offer the opportunity to go on a hike. State parks have well maintained trails and will provide difficulty ratings. Trails.com offers trail maps and a trail finder for the entire US. 7. Rollerblading Rollerblading has been taken out of the skating rinks and on to the streets. Researchers have found rollerblading as effective as running for exercise, but I’m sure many may find it much more fun! Plan to invest in protective gear such as elbow pads and knees pads if you’re a beginner, and wearing stretch pants can provide an extra layer of protection. 8. Beach Games Thinking of just lying in the sand during your summer vacation? Think again! Spice up your beach time with a few games to get you moving. Beach volleyball, paddle ball, Frisbee, tossing a football, and even just walking in the water are ways to add physical activity to your vacation.