Summer is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy the sunshine. Whether you are a seasoned athlete or just starting to exercise, there are plenty of options for summer exercise during the warmer months. In this blog, we will explore some exercise plans that you can incorporate into your summer routine.
Why summer exercise is great
Summer is a fantastic time to start that exercise plan you always had, but never quite got round to. The longer days give you more, pre and post work opportunities to get our and enjoy a summer activity. The weather through the milder months is usually more inviting, helping you get up off the sofa and out for some exercise. Let’s face it, when it is wet and cold it is hard to motivate yourself. If you can find an outdoor exercise option, this will also help you maintain your vitamin D levels, something that is becoming ever more important.
If you aren’t sure where to start, why not take a look at our list of summer exercise ideas below and see whether something grabs you attention.
1. Running
Running is a great way to get your heart rate up and burn calories. It can also be a social activity if you join a running club or sign up for a race. One of the best things about running is that it can be done anywhere, anytime. You can run on a treadmill at the gym, around your neighbourhood, or on a trail in the woods. To get started with running, invest in a good pair of running shoes and start with a slow, steady pace. As you build your endurance, you can gradually increase the distance and speed of your runs making it a fantastic option for summer exercise.
Try one of the local running clubs such as: Run with Ian; Kenilworth Runners; or Spa Striders.
2. Swimming
Swimming is a low-impact exercise that is great for people of all ages and fitness levels. It is also an excellent way to cool off on a hot summer day. Swimming works all of the major muscle groups in your body and can burn up to 500 calories per hour. If you have access to a pool or live near a beach, take advantage of this opportunity to swim laps or play water games with your friends and family.
Local pools include: The Warwickshire, Warwick University, Newbold Common.
3. Biking
Biking is a fun and easy way to get outside and explore your surroundings. It is also a great way to build cardiovascular endurance and strengthen your leg muscles. Whether you prefer road biking or mountain biking, there are plenty of trails and routes to choose from. If you don’t have a bike, consider renting one or joining a bike-sharing program in your city. This is one summer exercise option that is often more popular in the summer, as ice and cold can put people off. But in the summer months it is well worth trying to get into a routine, which may well follow you into the winter.
4. Hiking
Hiking is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise at the same time. It can also be a fun social activity if you go with a group of friends or family. Hiking works your legs, core, and upper body muscles, and can burn up to 500 calories per hour. To get started with this summer exercise option, find a local trail or state park and start with a shorter, easier hike. As you build your endurance, you can try more challenging hikes with steeper inclines and longer distances.
5. Yoga
Yoga is a great way to improve your flexibility, balance, and strength. It is also a low-impact exercise that is gentle on your joints. There are many different styles of yoga to choose from, including Hatha, Vinyasa, and Bikram. You can do yoga at home with a video or attend a class at your local gym or yoga studio.
6. Outdoor Sports
Summer is a great time to play outdoor sports with friends and family. You can join a local league or just play for fun in your garden or at a nearby park. Some popular outdoor summer exercise option include basketball, soccer, frisbee, and volleyball. These sports work your entire body and can be a fun way to get some exercise while socialising with others.
7. Circuit Training
Circuit training is a high-intensity workout that combines strength training and cardiovascular exercise. It involves performing a series of exercises in a circuit, with little rest between each exercise. This type of workout can be done indoors or outdoors and can be modified to fit your fitness level, this is often an summer exercise option seen in local parks and there is highly likely to be one near you. To get started with circuit training, choose 5-10 exercises that work different muscle groups and perform each exercise for 30-60 seconds. Rest for 30 seconds between each exercise, and repeat the circuit 2-3 times.
8. Water Sports
If you live near a body of water, take advantage of the opportunity to participate in water sports. Some popular water sports include paddle boarding, kayaking, and canoeing. These summer exercise option work your upper body muscles as well as you core. They are fun, and if we are lucky enough to have a warm summer, a great way to cool off.
Summer is a fantastic time to get out and enjoy being active, no matter what your current fitness levels are. A summer exercise plan, often starts in the summer but continues through the winter, helping you to stay healthy all your round. Which exercise type will you try this year?
