For many of us, time and everyday commitments get in the way of exercising as much as we would like. But the summer months make keeping fit that little bit easier. While time may still be an issue, the good weather makes exercise that little bit easier to more convenient. You can combine a day out with the kids with hitting your step count. Or, your commute to work with increasing your calorie burn!
If you’d like to know how to exercise more this summer, here are a few ideas and tips to get you started…
Summer Fitness: Good for the Soul
While trying your best to fit in going to the gym is great, exercising outdoors offers a multitude of benefits that exercising indoors can’t quite match. First of all, outdoor exercise is easily accessible. When you choose to workout outside you often don’t have to travel in advance to get going. Secondly, it usually doesn’t cost a penny, making it more affordable to those trying to get fit on a budget.
Reconnecting with nature is important to your wellbeing too, and exercising in a gym just can’t offer this. Exercise and spending time outdoors is known to improve mood and reduce depression. This can have a positive impact on your mental health. When you exercise outdoors regularly, you are more likely to have good mental health.
Any kind of exercise is great and can improve self esteem and overall happiness. But exercise outdoors is particularly effective in making you feel positive and energetic.
how to exercise more: Ideas and Activities
Whether you plan on getting out into the fresh air with friends, family, alone or with colleagues, there are plenty of ways in which you can exercise more this summer. Outdoor exercise is great to combine with spending time as a family, or socialising, and can even be incorporated into your commute to work.
Instead of going to the cinema or shopping with your family, why not take a bike ride or go for a hike. You could also consider spending an active day at the beach, playing volleyball or going for a light jog. Playing active games at your local park is always a good option too, such as dodge ball or tag.
Next time you’re planning on meeting a friend for lunch, why not go for a picnic instead and hike or cycle to your lunch spot? There are also lots of outdoor activities that you could enjoy together, such as a HIIT class in the park, horse riding, or running.
When exercising alone outdoors, try going for a gentle run, cycle or walk. Exercising alone outdoors is great for your overall wellbeing, and allows you time to reflect and reset. It’s good to be alone with your thoughts from time to time. In addition, getting out into the countryside or to your local park to exercise is a brilliant opportunity to work through things with yourself, or just enjoy some quiet time alone.
If you’re yet to get your hiking boots or your cycling helmet on this summer, take the opportunity while the weather is good to improve both your mental and physical wellbeing.
