Activities for Fun Summer Weekends

You’ve been sweating in the gym all winter long, but now the weather is warm and it’s time to get outside for some activity. Summer weekends are a perfect time to move your workout to the outdoors and try something new. Here are some great ideas for you and your family.

Swimming. On a hot summer day, there is nothing better than jumping into a cool body of water. Although splashing around in a swimming pool, lake, or ocean may not feel like exercise, it is truly a total body workout. In fact, it works every major muscle in your body. The water provides resistance, which your body moves against, leading to all-over toning. You don’t have to do lap after lap to get benefits from the water. Try other activities such as water volleyball, pool tag, or jumping the waves with your kids.

Hiking. Find a great trail, fill a backpack, put on your hiking shoes, and start enjoying nature. Hiking will give you both a cardiovascular and strength-training workout. Your legs, in particular, will get a great workout. If you are new to hiking, it is best to start with an easy trail and work your way up to a more challenging hike.

Kayaking. You may have to plan in advance to go kayaking. Make it part of an adventure vacation, a backpacking trip, or just a long weekend getaway. If you live near water, you may find a park that rents kayaks by the hour and provides lessons. What are the benefits of kayaking? Aside from allowing you to connect with nature, it can tone your arms and your core. It also gives you a cardiovascular workout. You may even find the serenity of the water and kayaking to be stress relievers after a long week at work.

Bicycling. Summer is one of the best times to gather up your family and go for a bike ride. You can take a ride around the neighborhood or, if you are a little more adventurous, on a trail or bike path. You may even consider signing up for a bike race. While giving you pleasure in the scenery and in just being outdoors, bicycling will help you build up your cardiovascular endurance, build strength in your lower body, and release the hormones that help you feel great.

Summer sports. Get involved! Join a summer softball or volleyball league. Not only will you get a workout, but you may also meet new people.

Quick weekend activity ideas

If you feel that life is too busy, even on the weekends, try these activities:

• Use your bike as a mode of transportation instead of driving.
• Take a walk or jog around your neighborhood or venture out to a park or the beach.
• Tackle the yard work &mdash mow the lawn, get rid of those pesky weeds in the garden, or plant some new flowers or trees at home or in your community.
• Play tag or catch with your kids.

Tips

Enjoy summer activities safely:

• Wear appropriate protective gear.
• Keep hydrated. Drink ½ to 1 cup of water every 15 to 20 minutes during activity.
• Always warm up and cool down.
• Wear sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 and reapply it every 30 minutes.
• Avoid strenuous activity at peak heat and humidity times.
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothes.