At last, it’s summer! Now that school is out, sports are over and students have the down time they’ve long been expecting, this may be the chance to sprout roots and become couch potatoes. But just because the TV is calling and our computer screens are addictive doesn’t mean we need to sit on our bums all season. If you’ve lost time exercising due to exams, now may be the opportunity to get back on track.
Here are 10 ideas to stay active this summer.
1. Go to the gym.
Have a membership or access to your high school’s fitness facility? Go use it! The whole facility and equipment are at your disposal and ready to be used.
2. Take a fitness class.
Or, if you prefer a little more structure, signing up for a group fitness class or even signing up for those dance lessons you’ve been meaning to take is a good way to get your exercise in. It’s also a great way to meet new people if you like to work out with others.
3. Download a phone app.
Understandably, a gym membership or a fitness class may not fit the budget, but fear not! There are programs you can do right at home! Fitness apps such as the Nike Training Club offer dozens of free workouts you can use whenever you’d like. Though some require equipment, many can be done without it or are equipment optional.
4. Go for a run.
Then again, no one said a preset work out is better than a good old-fashioned jog around the neighborhood or park. Better yet, go get that dusty bike from out of your garage and take it for a spin around the block!
5. Join a club team.
Miss athletics already? Keep your body in shape by joining a club team or finding some local friends to play around with. You can even hit the fields and practice on your own. You’ll stay in shape and keep your skills sharp.
6. Find a workout buddy.
If you’re looking to have some one-on-one time, go catch up with a friend by becoming workout buddies! Not only will you get the chance chat, but you’ll also motivate each other to be active.
7. Play with your pet.
Then again, man’s best friend is just as good. Taking your dog out for a walk or a game of fetch will have both your body and your furry friend thanking you later on.
8. Do some gardening.
Treadmills and ellipticals aren’t the only tools you can use for exercise. If you don’t like hitting the gym, try a labor intensive hobby you enjoy. Gardening and farming are prime examples of physical activities that not only keep you fit, but only require what you have in your back yard.
9. Go swimming.
Nothing beats a dip in the pool on a hot summer’s day. Going for a swim in your back yard or that of your friend’s will keep you moving and having fun.
10. Take a trip to NYC.
A weekend trip into a nearby city may be all you need! Getting together with friends and walking around for the day is a great source of exercise and an easy way to stay active.
There are plenty of ways to stay on your feet this summer, and I hope these suggestions have given you some inspiration. If there’s another way you like to be active, let us know in the comments section! Have fun this summer and don’t forget to hydrate!
