5 Outdoor Activities that Double as Workouts

When the weather gets warmer and the daylight lasts longer, the stuffy gym sounds less and less appealing. The good news is that you can skip the crowded gym and still get an effective total-body workout. Turn the outdoors into your gym and stay fit this summer with these easy activities.

Hiking
Hiking outdoors has plenty of perks: nice views, fresh air and the sounds and smells of nature. And this activity is a powerful cardio workout that can lower your risk of heart disease, improve blood pressure, strengthen your core and improve your balance. A short, local hike is best for beginners before gradually working up to trails with hills or uneven terrain. Being out in nature will do wonders for your spirit, too!

Biking
Biking is a top-notch cardio workout that strengthens your lower body, including your legs, hips and glutes, while also being gentle on your back, hips, knees and ankles. You can make it a destination bike ride by riding somewhere fun with friends or family, like a park or lake. Find a nice bike trail and pack a picnic or ride around your neighborhood to soak up some sun while still getting in your daily exercise. 

Frisbee
Don’t write this activity off! If you haven’t tried it in a while, pick up a Frisbee and remember how fun it is to play. Round up a group of friends and head to the park. You’ll be running around trying to catch the Frisbee, but you’ll also get some mental benefits from this one — it takes some skill to get the throwing technique down! 

Swimming
Swimming laps is great cardio, and even splashing around with friends is a good way to get outside and be active. Using the pool for exercise is great because it’s low impact, meaning you can get a good workout in without putting too much strain on your muscles and body. 

Jump Rope
Jumping rope is one of the most effective cardio exercises. Experts praise this activity’s benefits as a certifiable full-body workout that promotes good heart health. Jumping rope is fun by itself, but could be incorporated into a workout circuit for more of a challenge.

Your body needs a break from normal workout activities every now and then. Do activities that are fun while also improving your fitness level. Get in shape this summer by getting out and playing in the great outdoors!