Summer is just a week away and its time to bask in the sunlight after what feels like weeks of perpetual rain. So, as we welcome the new season and hopefully more sunshine- we are inevitably going to find ourselves eager to be outside to take advantage of the summer vibes. For some of us that means navigating a new fitness routine to stay healthy and happy all summer long.

Lazy days at the beach or pool will certainly become a part of our routines but even as we soak up the sun, there are plenty of ways to stay active and reach our goals during the summer months. Listed below are 7 Summer Workouts and Activities guaranteed to give you a great workout out while under the sun.

A few Summer Tips to stay health & happy during your summer adventures: :

Stay fueled and hydrated during all your summer activities
Stay Cool on the Hot Days- Grab a hat and/or cooling towel, stay hydrated on the hot days
Practice Water Safety- Summer is a great time for improving swimming skills and practicing water safety for all water adventures, take precautions whenever entering a body of water and note additional precautions needed per activity. Click Here to find swim lessons near you.

SWIMMING

So the most obvious and forever popular summer exercise, swimming. Swimming is a low-impact, full-body workout that improves cardiovascular health and coordination, builds muscle strength, endurance, *takes breath, improve sleep, improve mental health, and finally improves water safety skills.

Whether in a pool, ocean, or lake, swimming has a multitude of benefits to the mind and body but also proves to be a useful skill for all summer water activities.

HIKING OR WALKING

Hiking or walking outdoors is not only great cardio but can reduce stress, increase vitamin D, as well as improve joint health. Hiking in locations with higher altitudes or steeper climbs can also provide a full body workout as you engage your leg and core muscles while improving overall balance during the climbs. You can take it a step further and incorporate some lunges into your strides or increase your speed for a higher intensity workout.

Whether alone, with friends, or your dog hiking or walking outdoors can provide a great workout, create a deeper relationship with nature and the ones you love, improve mental health, stress management and sleep during the summer months.

BIKE RIDING

Bike riding is a wonderful full body workout that improves cardiovascular fitness, strengthens muscles, enhances joint mobility, reduces stress and anxiety, and can even help with weight management and disease prevention.

The added benefits of increased vitamin D and surrounded by nature make bike riding a popular summer outdoor activity for the whole family.

PADDLEBOARDING

Paddleboarding has really blown up the past couple of years and truthfully we understand why. Its a great full body workout incorporating every muscle group with a focus on overall balance and range of motion.

Paddleboarding will range from low to high impact depending on what type of water you are in so wherever you go- make sure to plan ahead and practice effective water safety.

Also a side note- I’ve never tried it but paddleboard yoga seems like nothing but a good time. Warm up paddling through the water, a nice sun salutation surrounded by water? Seriously, sign me up.

SURFING

The classic summer sport- providing a high intensity full body workout. Surfing improves cardio, strengthens and builds muscle from shoulders to toes, and even improves cognitive function navigating each and every wave.

Surfing provides a fun, rewarding summer workout even at beginner levels. With anything practice makes perfect- so if you are new to surfing find a local instructor that can guide you to workout amongst the waves!

GOLFING

I may lose some people but hear me out. Increased mobility, upper body strength, improved balance and flexibility, as well as cognitive function.

No, seriously, golfing is such a great summer exercise- incorporating strategy, strength, balance, and breath management- golfing is a great low impact exercise for all ages.

TENNIS

Tennis is a fast paced sport high intensity workout that increases mobility, improves balance and coordination, strengthens and builds muscle, and improves cardiovascular health.

Tennis wont be a solo exercise therefore also increases motivation and social interactions throughout the summer months as well.

On the days you can’t make it to the gym, that doesn’t mean you miss your workout! Use this list to discover something new or remind yourself that healthy isn’t about location.

Summer months can be hectic, routines feel chaotic or lost, or we feel like we are missing out on the nice days. But take summer back and make it work for you. So wherever summer takes you you stay active, safe, healthy, and happy.

7 Summer Outdoor Workouts