Summer is a great time to enjoy the
outdoors and appreciate nature. While some people might opt to stay at
home due to the elevating heat outdoors, exercising and exploring the
outdoors during summer can help increase their overall sense of
wellbeing. Not only does exercise in general contribute to staying fit
and healthy, moderate amounts of sunshine has also been shown to
increase vitamin D synthesis in our skin, increase feel-good endorphins,
and increase social activity. Here are some suggestions for some
outdoor activities that can help you stay active during the summer.
Water Sports Swimming
During summertime, swimming and water sports may be the ideal forms of exercise, since you will not experience the unpleasant "sticky" feeling of perspiration. Similarly, water sports may also keep you feeling cool under the sun. Some water sports you may want to check out include:- Kayaking
- Water skiing
- Surfing
- Body boarding
- Boogie boarding
- Jet skiing
- Sailing
- Water peddling
- Scuba diving
- Snorkeling
- Rowing
- Fishing
Beach Activities
The beach, a vast playground of endless activities and opportunities to exercise, is often synonymous with summertime. You can have a change of scenery by performing your normal exercise routine on or near the beach. It is also a great opportunity to socialize and spend time with your loved ones. Some activities that are fun and can help you stay fit on the beach include:- Jogging (try jogging along the water line for a new experience)
- Cycling
- Ultimate Frisbee
- Beach volleyball
- Badminton
- Flag football
- Relay team sprints
- Walking your dog
- Rollerblading
Other Great Summer Outdoor Activities
Don't live near the beach or a large body of water for water sports? There are still other fun ways to soak up the sunshine and get your blood pumping. Here are some suggestions:- Hiking
- Cycling
- Outdoor Yoga
- Stroll around your neighborhood
- Water balloon fight
- Jogging
- Rock climbing
- Horseback riding
- "Treasure" hunting (such as geocaching - there are several organizations that sponsor national-level treasure searching)
Tips on Staying Cool
Sometimes, too much of a good thing can be detrimental, and exercising extensively in the sun is no exception. Here are some tips on how to stay healthy and avoid heat-related illnesses:- Stay hydrated
- Wear sunscreen
- Wear protective clothing that are well-ventilated
- Avoid the midday sun
- Have plenty of shade around
- Dizziness and headache
- Confusion
- Lack of sweating despite high body temperature
- Nausea or vomiting
- Weakness
- Rapid or irregular heart beat