GET OUTSIDE & MOVE: NON-WORKOUT EXERCISES FOR SUMMER
Summer is the perfect time to get outside and be active.
Getting outside doesn't mean there needs to be a structured workout plan either, below you can find some ideas for activities to burn some calories and get some vitamin D.
Yard work
I know, it's a hard sell. Yard work may not be your cup of tea, but it can be considered a workout (that's why most people hate it). The trick with yard work is to reframe your mindset. Instead of thinking of it as a chore, think of the potential benefits and calorie burn as it's done.
Mowing the grass with a push mower can be great low-level cardio that is beneficial for heart health. Long sustained low-level cardio also makes use of fat stores for energy.
Loading mulch into a wheelbarrow or buckets and moving it around is a great core workout and good for upper back and shoulder strength and stability.
These two are just a few examples of "active" yard work benefits.
Recreational Sports
Play is an element in most of our lives that goes by the wayside as we age. Play can help us feel relaxed and get out of our own heads while simultaneously doing physical activity.
Getting a group of adults to go out and play tag may be challenging, but you can always join a rec sports league as a substitute.
Most cities and urban centers have some sort of sports leagues available in a wide variety of sports. You'll be able to get out, be active and meet new people.
If you've never played sports or want to start slow, try to look for a kickball league or something else that has a low barrier to entry skill-wise.
For those who are more competitive, a basketball league or something along those lines may be a better option.
Paddleboard or kayak
This comes with the caveat of being close enough to a body of water to do it. If you are close enough to water, give paddle boarding or kayaking a try. These two activities are both full-body workouts that can be challenging on balance, core strength, and cardiovascular endurance.
After working hard to paddle yourself somewhere, sit back, relax, and enjoy the peace and quiet.
Bonus
So, this technically isn't an outdoor activity, but it is super crucial when outside in the summer; hydrate. Drink enough water to replenish what you sweat out. Make sure to include some sort of electrolyte mix or drink a sports drink as well because this will replenish the minerals lost through sweat!
We hope these tips help you have a safe and active summer season.
Contact us at info@pittsburghfitnessproject.com to learn about our exercise recovery lounge and how it can help you feel even better after working out!