There is no better time to improve your health than the summer! The beautiful weather is a good motivator to get outside and be more active, making it easier to reach your fitness and weight loss goals. If you are interested in getting healthy this summer, there are a number of ways to do it. Here are ten great exercises that will help improve your overall health.
Walking
Walking is a great low endurance activity that you can do when it is simply too hot for an intense workout. You can take your dog for a stroll around the neighborhood, or go for a walk at a favorite spot in your city or town. A brisk walk will help you burn off some extra calories!
Biking
Who doesn’t love a good bike ride? Riding your bike brings you back to some of your favorite moments in childhood where you spent hours playing with your friends before the street lights came on in the summer. Biking is a great exercise for those who want to improve their health and shed some winter weight.
Swimming
A refreshing dip in a cool swimming pool on a hot day is just what the doctor ordered. While you’re cooling off, why not swim a few laps? Swimming is a great exercise for everybody. It’s low impact and doesn’t put any significant stress on your joints. So if you are struggling with getting back in shape after an injury, try swimming laps regularly!
Running
If you’re a runner, you probably know that summer runs can be pretty intense. But they are the perfect option if you are really committed to improving your cardiovascular health and losing weight. Just make sure you stay hydrated during your work out!
Team sports
Summer time is the best time for team sports. Maybe your friends have been trying to get you to join their softball team, or your town has an adult soccer league. Why not become part of a team? Team sports are great exercise, and you’ll make some friends in the process.
Push-ups
There’s no better way to work out your upper body and core than with a good old-fashioned push-up! To make push-ups more enjoyable, why not do them in the grass at one of your favorite summer spots? That way you can enjoy the warm breeze and scenery while you exercise.
Abdominal crunches
If your goal is to get your stomach bikini-ready for a late summer vacation, why not add some abdominal crunches to your workout routine? Crunches can help tone your core muscles and trim your waistline. And like push-ups, they can also be done in your favorite outdoor spot!
Yoga
What better way to start your day than a relaxing yoga class? Participating in a morning yoga session will help you relax so that you can more thoroughly enjoy the beautiful weather. Regular yoga classes will also help improve your flexibility and muscle tone.
Jump rope
Similar to biking, jumping rope is a great exercise that will bring back fond memories of time spent with friends in the summers of your youth. But don’t be surprised if jumping rope is a little more difficult now that you’re an adult. This high intensity activity is a great overall workout!
Planks
If your major fitness goal is to strengthen your core, then planks are a highly effective exercise. These exercises tighten your core muscles, but they also work other muscle groups such as your back, shoulders, and legs.
Summer is a wonderful time to get outside and exercise. Coupled with a healthy diet of natural foods, exercise can keep you on the path of wellness. If you are interested in improving your overall health during the summer months, try integrating these ten exercises into your workout routine today!
Elizabeth Alton is a freelance business and technology writer. She covers trends related to small business, entrepreneurs, and the evolving digital landscape. Her work has been published by The Huffington Post, USA Today, The Daily Muse, Better Homes and Gardens, and PolicyMic. Connect with Elizabeth on Google+.