Outdoor Activities With the Benefits of Working Out

Tired of staying inside to complete your workout? The weather is getting warmer, so now’s the time to skip the crowded and stuffy gym to get an effective whole-body workout outside. These activities allow you to turn the outdoors into your gym while soaking up some vitamin D from the sun.

Hiking

You might have planned to hike more this summer anyway, but now that you know it can double as a workout, it’s even better. Along with nice views and fresh air, hiking is an excellent cardio exercise to strengthen your calves, hamstrings, glutes and quads while lowering the risk of heart disease. If you’re a beginner, start with a short, local hike before hitting trails with hills or uneven terrain.

Biking

Like hiking, biking is a top-notch cardio workout that strengthens your lower body. Riding outdoors targets your core better than using a stationary bike and improves your balance. You can make it a destination bike ride by going somewhere fun with friends or family, like a park or lake. Find a nice bike trail and pack a picnic or ride around your neighborhood to soak up some sun while still getting in your daily exercise.

Swimming

Whether you swim some laps or just float, being in the pool is a good workout. Swimming is low impact, so it’s easier on your body while working muscles such as your lats, traps, chest and arms. This activity also burns a lot of calories and improves your cardiovascular health.

Kayaking

Don’t want to swim but want to be near the water? Try kayaking! This activity requires good upper-body and core strength as you paddle and remain afloat. In an hour of casual kayaking, a 170-pound person can burn around 385 calories.

Tennis

Sports are a great and fun way to get in your exercise for the day. Tennis requires lower- and upper-body strength and improves your cardiovascular fitness through running and swinging the racket. While playing, a 170-pound person can burn more than 600 calories per hour.

No matter if you hike, bike, swim, kayak or play tennis, your body will thank you for the exercise. Get in shape this summer by getting out and playing in the great outdoors!