Summer Shift: Adapting Your Fitness Routine for Warm Weather

With the warm weather upon us, we often get the urge to take advantage of the nice weather by spending time outdoors. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or just looking to spice up your routine, summer is the perfect time to take your workout outside. Here’s how exploring some outdoor activities can both change up your exercise routine and level up your overall enjoyment of fitness.

Why Outdoor Activities?

Exercising outdoors isn’t just a way to avoid a crowded gym—it can also boost your mental health and motivation. Studies show that outdoor exercise, also known as “green exercise,” increases vitality, enthusiasm, and pleasure, and decreases tension, depression, and fatigue more than indoor activities. It makes workouts not really feel like you’re working out but rather just doing something naturally enjoyable.

Summer Fitness Ideas:

1. Trail Running or Hiking: Hit the trails to combine cardio with scenic views. Trail running has the added bonus over standard jogging with the varied terrain, which challenges your body in new ways. Hiking at a brisk pace can also be a great workout, with the added bonus of peaceful natural surroundings.

2. Open Water Swimming: If you’re near a lake, river, or ocean, open water swimming can be a fun and challenging alternative to pool laps. Swimming in natural bodies of water engages more muscle groups due to the need to adapt to changing currents and waves.

3. Outdoor Yoga: Take your mat to a local park or beach for an early morning or sunset yoga session. Practicing yoga outside can help deepen your relaxation and mindfulness with the added elements of fresh air and sounds of being in nature.

4. Cycling: Whether it’s mountain biking or road cycling, riding a bike is an excellent way to explore different landscapes while getting a solid workout. It’s easier on the joints than running and can be a great way to cover more ground quickly.

5. Kayaking or Paddleboarding: These water sports provide a fantastic upper body and core workout. Paddling across water is not only calming but also an effective strength training exercise that feels more like adventure than exercise.

Making It Social:

One of the best parts of outdoor activities is how easily they can be turned into social events. By organizing a hiking group, joining a community bike ride, or attending an outdoor fitness class, you will not only be working out, but you'll also connect with like-minded individuals who can motivate and inspire you to stay active.

So take advantage of the summer weather and change up your fitness routine by taking it outside. I have no doubt that it will have a positive affect on both your body and mind!