Now that the weather has changed and summer is in full swing, it’s the opportune time to try some new outdoor activities. By embracing the summer season and getting outside, you may be surprised by how many simple activities can get you moving and your heart pumping. After all, sneaking movement into your day doesn’t need to be boring or even feel like exercise.

Read on for six different ideas to get you, and your family, moving this summer.

1. Explore a Nearby Park

Enjoy a relaxing (and affordable) day in the great outdoors by taking the whole family on a hike or a walk at a nearby park. Not only will you be able to revel in nature’s beauty, but you’ll also be incorporating some quality physical activity. Plus, you don’t have to climb a mountain to reap the health benefits. Even just thirty minutes of walking a day can have a significant impact on your overall health.¹

2. Hit the Beach (or Lake!)

Warm summer months and aquatic activities go hand in hand. Whether it be a lake, the beach or even a pool, try finding a body of water in your area to enjoy before colder weather encroaches. From kayaking to canoeing and swimming, there are an array of different activities to try out. An added bonus: activities like these tend to be easy on the joints, making them excellent low-impact exercises.

3. Join a Group Class

Many fitness and yoga studios offer outdoor classes during the summer months, and they can be a great way to break up your usual routine while getting your heart pumping in a group setting. Check out your local community forum or do a quick search on the internet to find a class near you. 

4. Try Out a New Sport (Or Revive an Old One)

There are a plethora of outdoor sports that are fun and provide an incredible workout, such as tennis, soccer, volleyball, basketball…the list goes on. Whether you’re trying one for the first time, or you were the team captain in high school, summer is the perfect opportunity to suit up and have some fun! Check out your local intramural sports league and choose one that’s up your alley.

5. Volunteer

Interested in sprucing up a nearby park or helping to maintain a local hiking trail? Volunteering is not only fulfilling, but it’s also a great way to get outside and get moving. Plus, you’ll have an opportunity to meet like-minded people while giving back to your community.

6. Plant a Garden

Although gardening may not be the first activity that comes to mind when you think of summer outdoor activities, it’s more of an aerobic workout than you might suspect. From bending down to tend to various plants to reaching and twisting to pull weeds, gardening is an excellent form of exercise.² Growing your own produce also comes with the upside of being able to incorporate fresh vegetables into any meal.

Are you ready to incorporate more activity and healthy meals into your life? Jenny Craig can help. Book your free appointment to get started today!

Sources:

[1] https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/the-many-benefits-of-walking-30-minutes-a-day/2015/10/19/cf12c938-71e1-11e5-9cbb-790369643cf9_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.ea1ed5dff992

[2] https://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2017/health-benefits-of-gardening-fd.html

Elisa Hoffman

Elisa is a content marketing manager for Jenny Craig with over ten years of experience working in the health and fitness industry. She loves sharing her passion for living a balanced and healthy lifestyle. A San Diego native and an endurance sports enthusiast, you can usually find her swimming, biking along the coast highway or running by the beach in her free time. Elisa holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University Chico.

Favorite healthy snack: mozzarella string cheese with a Pink Lady apple.

Quote

Quote

This article is written by experienced health and lifestyle contributors and reviewed by certified professionals.

 

Our goal at Jenny Craig is to provide the most up-to-date and objective information on health-related topics, so our readers can make informed decisions based on factual content. All articles undergo an extensive review process, and depending on the topic, are reviewed by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Nutritionist, to ensure accuracy.

 

This article contains trusted sources. All references are hyperlinked at the end of the article to take readers directly to the source.