Get fit without having to go to the gym. Summer is the best time to do it.
With summer just around the corner, you can finally get a nice workout without even having to go to the gym. Aside from giving you the opportunity to enjoy the summer sun, exercising in the great outdoors can help you burn more calories, combat workout boredom, and may even make you? smarter and happier. If you want to take advantage of these benefits, here are some highly recommended outdoor activities that you may want to try this summer.
Hiking
Aside from being a great cardio workout, hiking can boost your mood and take your mind off exercising. Studies indicate that you can burn an average of 375 calories per hour by taking a hike. However, since the terrain and pace of your hike can influence the intensity of your workout, you may end up burning more calories if you are taking on a difficult trail. Tip: Keep safety on top of your list when hiking. Plan your route in advance and never go hiking without a buddy.
Biking
If you don’t care much about hiking, then you may want to consider biking instead. Experts say that biking can help you burn around 400 to 500 calories per hour. It can also help improve cardiovascular health, increase muscle strength and flexibility, reduce body fat, reduce stress levels, and improve posture and coordination.
Swimming
Research indicates that a 130-pound person swimming freestyle for one hour will burn anywhere from 413 calories (casual pace) to 590 calories (intense pace). A person’s weight and the intensity of the workout directly affect the amount of calories burned so the more you weigh, the more calories you will burn. Swimming can also build endurance, tone muscles, and improve heart health without putting too much stress on the body. This is definitely a great all-over body workout so make it a habit to go swimming this summer.
Try stand up paddle boarding (SUP). SUP is a low impact activity that provides a great overall body workout. It can help tone and strengthen the muscles (especially back, shoulder, arm, leg and abdominal muscles), improve sense of balance, and keep the heart in excellent condition. It can also help you lose weight, reduce stress levels, and reduce the risk of certain medical conditions such as joint problems, diabetes, heart attacks and strokes.?????
Aside from these excellent outdoor workouts, you can also go rollerblading (800 calories burned per hour), play beach volleyball (500 calories per hour), or do yoga in the park (175 calories per hour). Even gardening can help you burn some of those extra calories so feel free to choose which outdoor workout best suits you, and enjoy the summer while getting fit.
