Top Tips: Summer-Friendly Workouts

June 1, 2010

Don't put your exercise routine on hold when the weather heats up. Reignite your inner child instead. These summertime exercises will have you playing outside until bedtime.

Instead of sitting poolside chatting with friends, jump in. Tread water and burn calories while you talk. Or borrow kickboards and swim laps while you catch up with friends. Don't get out until you do your best cannonball off the diving board. Stay until the lifeguards turn on the underwater lights.

Hopscotch, Hula-hoop™, or double Dutch, anyone?
For a full-body workout with an added bonus, wash, dry, and vacuum the car. Don't forget the windows. Your double reward: a solid workout and a squeaky-clean ride.
Grab the bug spray and head for the hills. Your best bet is a park, trail, or nature preserve with plenty of trees to block the sun's intensity. If you're prone to knee pain, carry a pole or walking stick. Ramp up the workout by loading your backpack with bottled water and a picnic lunch. Check out these recipes for Popcorn Trail Mix and Peanut Butter 'Cranwich' with Almonds for backpack-friendly munchies.
With apologies to the neighbor kid, cut your own grass this summer. Up the intensity by refusing to use the self-propeller.
Kayak or canoe on a nearby lake or river. A great upper-body workout and—surprise!—all of the torso twisting will strengthen core muscles (abdominals and obliques). Splashing friends is optional.
Headed to the beach? Don't spend the day with your head in a book. Mimic the kids around you and get moving. Ride the waves, toss the Frisbee®, fly a kite, organize a volleyball game, or build a serious sand castle. You'll burn calories while
having fun.
Challenge yourself with a mini-vacation on your bike. Find a paved trail with a bed and breakfast or campground about 50 miles away. Bike to your destination (expect 10 to 15 mph), spend the night, and return the next day. It will take some planning, and you'll need to pack super light. Look for a campground with "rent a tent" accommodations—everything's set up upon arrival. Do some conditioning during the weeks leading up to your trip.

summer smarts for staying active

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