Slim Down and Stay Active This Summer! 5 Fun Exercises to Do Outdoors

When the weather warms up, the last thing we want to do is spend time at the gym indoors. We’d rather be on the beach, at the pool or exploring nature. Instead of laboring away on that expensive equipment, you can stay slim this summer with these five outdoor exercises. 1. Swimming and water exercise are excellent ways to stay slim when it’s hot outside. Taking a dip in the pool, a lake or the ocean is especially helpful for people with arthritis or other disabilities as well as older adults. Water-based exercise improves joint health, decreases pain, strengthens core muscles and offers resistance without the strain. Just swimming leisurely burns more than 400 calories an hour. 2. Bike riding isn’t just for the young. Riding a bicycle is a fun yet lowimpact way to exercise. It works the heart and your lower body. A slow, easy ride can burn up to 290 calories in an hour but if you want to pedal a more vigorous ride you can burn close to 600 calories in an hour. Always wear your helmet, use road safety and chose a bike that fits you. 3. Roller or inline skating gets your heart rate up and works your entire body. Find a smooth path and wear protective gear like your helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards. When choosing a pair of roller skates, find a comfortable pair by considering the size, design and sturdiness of the pair.

Grab a buddy and have even more fun. 4. Hula Hooping isn’t just for kids. This simple round hoop is all you need to add fun to your summer outdoor fitness routine. If you’re wanting to lose inches around your waist and hips, hula hooping is an excellent workout to try. Not only is hula hooping fun but it is a great way to get a cardiovascular workout. 5. Grab your hiking shoes and get an invigorating workout. Hiking is great for building muscles especially on uneven terrain. Another benefit to hiking is how it affects your mental health. Spending time in nature reduces negative thoughts and stress levels. A long hike or two on the weekend can add up to the same results to exercising frequently during the week. As you take to the outdoors with your fitness goals the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are increased. Be sure to follow these precautions. • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water or a sports drink both before, during and after you do any type of exercise. • Choose to exercise during the cooler part of the day, usually early mornings or evenings as the sun is setting. Stay out of the sun during peak hours in the middle of the day. This is when it’s the hottest. • Where cool clothing that wicks away moisture.

Avoid clothing that doesn’t breath. • Be aware of muscle cramping during your workout outdoors.

Soothe heat cramps by stopping your workout, gently doing some stretching exercises and drinking plenty of water. Summertime is perfect for getting outside to workout. Find fun activities that get you moving and get your heart rate up. Swimming, walking, hiking, hula hooping and roller skating are just a few of the exciting ways you can get out in nature while enjoying your workout.

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