I love finding different ways to get outside and get moving that don’t feel like traditional workouts. Here are some of my favorites to incorporate, especially in the summer!
1. Kayaking- Kayaking is a fabulous workout for your upper body. Rowing around a lake is a great way to tone your arms, back, and shoulders. If you don’t have your own kayak, you can find some to rent at local parks by checking out the websites for parks in your areas.
2. Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)- I LOVE SUP. I would do it every single day if I could. SUP actually works your ENTIRE body (arms, back, shoulder, core, legs), because not only are you paddling through the water, but you are using your whole body to stabilize yourself on the board. Many places that rent kayaks and boats also rent stand-up paddleboards since they have become very popular in recent years!
3. Running- Running is an awesome cardio workout that you can do anywhere with absolutely no equipment. Find a local trail or pound the pavement, just make sure you run in the morning or in the evening during the summer in order to avoid the hottest part of the day.
4. Hiking- Hiking is a scenic workout that targets your legs and glutes, while also getting your heart rate up. Use the AllTrails app to find hikes of various lengths that are local to you!
5. Walking- Taking a walk outside is a low-impact activity that gets your blood pumping. Every night after dinner, my husband and I leash up our dog and take a 20-30 minute walk around the neighborhood or on the tail behind our house. It’s nice to spend time outside with each other and talk while we get out bodies moving.
Kayaking, Stand-Up Paddleboarding, and Hiking are also good ways to spend time with your significant other, friends, or family members. I like to go kayaking and paddleboarding with my sister and we are able to chat while we get our workouts in. My husband and I like to take a few hours on a Saturday and Sunday and hike at the state park near out house. There are obviously other outdoor workouts that you can try, like biking or swimming, but they are not usually workouts that I do. I love to take indoor cycling classes, but I don’t have access to a bike to bike outside (and I’m honestly so wobbly on a real bike, it’s insane) or a swimming pool. My uncle has a pool, but usually when I’m there I prefer laying out on a chaise soaking up the sunshine–a girls gotta rest sometimes, too :).
