Are you keen to hit your daily movement goals but finding it hard to find the time to exercise?
Suppose you have any kind of wearable technology (Apple Watch, Fitbit, etc.). In that case, you know how important it is to be moving.
Summer is a time of fun for many people to get away and relax in the sun - but how do you keep your fitness goals on track when you're busy with work or family?
Here are some ways to stay active in the summer by doing things that you probably already do. But this time, it won't feel like work because you know you're burning calories and moving your body.
This article will provide a few suggestions on staying active during the warm weather when your time is at a premium.
Here are some ways to stay active in the summer doing things that you probably already do - this time, it won't feel like work because you know you're burning calories and moving your body.
1. Spend Time In Your Yard
Summer is a great time to spend time in your yard working on projects that keep your yard looking fantastic. What better way than to get moving and do something productive than maintain your own yard! Planting flowers, trimming hedges, pruning trees, and any other outdoor job requires moving your body and getting your heart rate up. Mowing the lawn would also be included. So what have you been putting off? Maybe it's time to clean up the garage, move things around in the attic, and do any other yard maintenance you might have been putting off.
These are a sure way to get your movement and steps in while you improve the beauty of your home.
2. Take Time To Nurture A Home Garden
They say that gardening is good for your soul. It's good for your body as well.
With all of that yard work, don't forget the exercise opportunity in your garden as well. Planting a vegetable garden is a great way to exercise and enjoy the benefits of fresh produce. Digging, tilling, and weeding are all physical activities that will get your heart pumping. In addition, maintaining the garden as it grows is also a tremendous ongoing workout!
3. Hang Out With Your Pets
Exercising with your dog (and cats, for some people) is a helpful way to stay active in the summer and bond with your pet at the same time. Grab some of their toys for you both to play fetch or tug-of-war. You can also teach them tricks while you play those games together! They enjoy getting chased around for cats, so spending more quality time playing with them will get you moving too. Some time outdoors will be good for everyone involved.
4. Take Walks Around The Neighborhood Or On A Trail
Walking is one of the best exercises that you can do in your own yard or at home. You will be able to walk around your home or neighborhood on lovely days finding new places to see in your own backyard (ok, not backyard but in your area). You might even earn some social points too. People are outdoors in the summer, which is a chance to catch up with neighbors you haven't seen in a while.
You might actually want to try this one instead of watching Netflix or scrolling Instagram.
5. Ride A Bike Instead of Driving
Another great form of exercise is riding a bicycle. Rather than driving a couple minutes, why not seize the opportunity to be active and go for a ride to the store, to grab a coffee, or when visiting a friend?
Riding a bicycle is one of the best ways to exercise. It strengthens your heart and lowers your blood pressure while releasing endorphins, relieving stress and boosting your mood. This form of transportation also burns about 300 calories an hour, depending on how fast you ride. If you live in a hilly area or frequently go long distances on a bike, the calories burned will increase.
Using a bicycle instead of driving will also help save money.
6. Wash The Car
You could clean the car as another part of yard work, but why not make it more fun by using a pressure washer? This way, you will be able to blow off some steam at the same time that you clean up your car! Why is washing a car a good workout? Washing the car involves a lot of bending, twisting, and stretching. You'll be amazed at the number of calories you burn while scrubbing your car. Did you know you can even use your car as your own personal Stairmaster? If you elevate the front tires to clean the roof or hood of your vehicle, you'll get at least four reps per car (you never thought of that, did you?).
Would you like to make your spouse happy and double your workout? Offer to clean their car as well?
Why you're getting your workout in and making people happy? If you're really feeling it, ask your neighbor if you could wash theirs as well. Then, you won't feel so bad asking for help next time you run out of milk!
7. Swim In Your Pool Or At The Local Pool
Swimming is a refreshing way to get you fit without having to run on a treadmill or lifting weights! If you or a friend or family member have a pool, swimming with friends and family is a fun thing to do during the summer months. Of course, if you don't have anyone you can swim with, you can always visit a local pool.
Swimming is a fantastic workout because it requires all sorts of movements and muscle actions needed when running or cycling. In addition, swimming will strengthen your core, shoulders, arms, hips, and legs.
If you have a pool in your community, this would be a great way to swim in the summer season and maybe even meet some new friends.
8. Play (Anything) With The Kids
Playing with your kids is another excellent way to burn those calories and stay active in the summertime.
The summer is the ideal time to unplug from work and spend some quality time with your kids. They have endless energy and are always up for something.
Taking them to the park and throwing around a ball is always fun. Still, you can also go for walks, build sandcastles at the beach, or even tag team playing alongside them if they show interest.
Playing with your kids will benefit everyone involved. It provides an outlet for their energy, creating lifelong memories together, and releasing any stress they might be holding on to.
9. Try New Outdoor Activities
Want to try new activities this summer? There are plenty of outdoor ways to exercise! Why not rent a kayak or canoe from your local lake center or park district? Then, take it out on the water one afternoon to get some exercise in at the same time! Canoeing works out your arms and legs while you use them for paddling. Kayaking can also help with upper body strength because it will require more intense paddling than canoeing does.
You will be able to see beautiful scenery and make memories with friends and family members if you decide to go on a kayak or canoe trip! If you're looking for something different.
Conclusion
There's nothing like movement for keeping your body healthy. So we wrote this article to help you think of more ways to spend time outside and keep your body moving.
Have any of these ideas caught your interest?
Let us know if we can help you explore some new outdoor activities or find a way for the whole family to enjoy time in their yards and homes, where they will be free from the distractions of screens and technology. You deserve it! If you feel like something is holding you back from enjoying these activities in the summer, don't hesitate to book an appointment with our team.
We will take a look at what's going wrong and create a personalized treatment plan that gets you moving again. When your body feels great you'll enjoy your summer, getting chores done, hit your fitness goals, and make memories with the people you love.
