By Jasmine O’Neil

Even though I always feel great and accomplished after leaving the gym I’d be lying if I said I didn’t groan each time I slipped into my sneakers and stepped onto the elliptical. We all want to look great and be in good health but working out isn’t exactly the most thrilling of experiences and it can also be hard to find time to make it to the gym. Summer is the season where our bodies are most visible and for most the desire to get into shape goes up a few notches, but the hot weather and the excitement of the season can leave people too exhausted, busy, or lazy to work out. Never fear, summer offers a lot of great exercise opportunities that’ll make staying fit much easier and a lot more fun!

Team Sports. Playing a sport is a great way to stay in shape. When you’re caught up in the fun and action of the game with your friends you won’t be focused on the fact that you’re working out and time will fly by. There are many great sports you can easily play outdoors including soccer, basketball, and tennis. Volleyball is a perfect summertime team sport option because it can be played in a more laidback form or aggressively depending on your skills and energy level, either way you’ll get a great workout. It is also a great beach sport so you can fit your workout right into your social plans instead of around it.

Walking. Yes I know walking seems very basic and since we all walk everyday it’s hard to see how walking is really providing any major health benefits but it does more than you think. Fast-paced walking provides the most health benefits, even just 30 minutes a day can serve as a valuable cardiovascular workout. However even just basic walking can help keep you active. If the place you’re going is in a 10-minute walking area try walking instead of driving or taking public transportation, you’ll burn off a few extra calories, expose yourself to the fresh outdoor air, and save you money in transportation fees. Still bored by the idea of walking? Add a buddy! Not only will having a pal join you make walking more enjoyable but it will also increase the likeliness of your walking regularly and for the planned amount of time because you’ll have someone else who is depending on you and encouraging you.

Swimming. Swimming is the ultimate summer sport. Whether it be at a pool, in the ocean, or at a lake, it’s the ultimate way to keep cool while staying in shape. Whether you’re doing endurance swimming, racing, or just splashing around actively for a half an hour you’re sure to have a great time and a good workout.

Surfing. Admit it when you see people surfing you think it looks cool. What you may not think is “wow that guy’s getting a great workout”. Surfing, and all its cousins such as windsurfing, wakeboarding etc. are tremendously fun and definitely make you break a sweat. While it does take some time to learn how to do it without falling off your board and into the water every two seconds, once you get the hang of it you’ve got yourself a really fun way to keep your body looking and feeling great.

Boot Camp. Workout Boot Camps are the new fitness rage and are catching on all across the country. For three to five mornings per week for a month you participate in a fun but rigorous outdoor group workout that usually lasts an hour. While the title and description may sound overwhelming it’s an excellent way to get yourself into a regular workout routine and build endurance. The fact that it’s outdoors and is done in a group instead of solo ensures that you’ll be entertained while receiving plenty of support and encouragement.

These are only a few suggestions for fun summer workouts; there are a number of other good possibilities out there. You don’t have to feel obliged to stick to just one, try mixing different routines so that working out doesn’t get monotonous. As long as it keeps your active and you have a good time while doing it then you’ll have a wonderful, healthy summer!

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