The dog days of summer are upon us. Time barely passes and it feels as if you have been doing nothing for a lifetime. You have not figured out what to do with those endless summer days and are tired of lounging around. Let’s face it, laying on a bed for endless hours, binge watching Netflix on a hot summer day can become tedious. So why not make the most of your day and get your exercise on. It is time for those long couch-potato days to come to a screeching halt and get your heart pumping again. If you are seeking to end your inactivity once and for all then keep reading.
- Make a splash
Going swimming over the summer is one of the best ways to not only stay active but to keep cool. From sunrise to sunset the sun is giving off heat that is sometimes unbearable, therefore, going for a swim is much better than going for a run during the middle of the day. Swimming provides a great cardio workout for the old ticker. It works all the muscles in your body while you are having fun, so it does not feel like an exhausting task. To make the most of your swim, try going for a couple of laps, different strokes, or even tread water.
- Hit the Gym
If you are not much of an outdoors person, then exercising in a gym is for you. Let’s get real, trying to go outside and workout in summer’s dead heat can be quite challenging. So, keeping active can be as simple as staying in the air conditioning while listening to your favorite tunes to get you pumped up. Most gyms usually have a variety of machines, weights, and classes that offer to work different parts of your body. Try to go at least two to three times a week to make the most of your workout.
- Go for a Hike
Hiking is a really fun way to stay active and is the perfect amount of exercise without running around in the heat. This is one of the best ways to spend a morning before summer’s heat kicks in. You can even go with friends to make the experience more enjoyable. When hiking, you can find a trail that is the best distance for you. To spice it up, take small three to five pound weights to tone those biceps and if you get tired you can even take breaks along the way. This cardio workout is the best thing you can do if you want to work your lower body. Going for a hike is definitely stress relieving and it is very tranquil way to take in the beautiful scenery that surrounds you.
- Walk a dog
If you are stuck at home with nothing to do and have a dog, take it for a walk. Going for a walk with a dog can be a great way to soak up some rays and spend some time with your dog. Walking your dog a short distance is good for starters, but once you feel more comfortable you can raise the bar and walk longer distances, or even miles.
- Get your helmet and lets go for a ride
Channel your inner childhood and ride a bike. Bike riding is a good way to stay active over the summer. You can either take a leisurely ride around your neighborhood, join a bike club, or hit the trails and go for miles. Going for a bike ride is the perfect balance between fitness and encountering breathtaking nature views.
Whether you are walking a dog or working out in the gym, all of these activities are great ways to stay active over the summer. You can never go wrong with exercising and it will result in a happier and healthier lifestyle. Staying active daily will help your mind, body, and spirit feel incredible!