Physical activity is defined as any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure. It important to exercise regularly as, it has been demonstrated that regular exercise helps control and prevent noncommunicable diseases like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and a number of malignancies. Additionally, it lowers blood pressure, supports a healthy body weight, and enhances mental health, wellbeing, and quality of life.
Now that summer is in full swing, we can enjoy the better weather and longer sunlight hours, making this the perfect time to start exercise or get back into exercising! Exercising in summer means that you will end up working harder as when people exercise, they tend to spend more time doing it. Other reasons why summer is a great time to exercise are that being in nature lowers blood pressure, it spurs cancer-fighting cells, it can feel more fun, your mental health may improve, and it saves money.
This article will explore the top five benefits of summer exercise as well as the different options and some tips to get you started.
Discover Our Top Five Benefits of Exercising in Summer
- Longer Days and More Sunlight
As summer approaches, the days begin to lengthen, giving you more time to exercise outside. The increased sun exposure also provides a natural source of vitamin D, which is essential for bone and immune system .
- Warmer Temperatures
The warmer summer temperatures might be a nice relief after a long, chilly winter. Now it is easier to exercise outside without having to worry about the cold, icy circumstances that occasionally make winter workouts challenging.
- Opportunities to Enjoy Nature
Summer is a lovely season to experience all the sights, sounds, and smells of nature while also getting in your daily physical activity. The warm weather and longer daylight hours create an ideal environment for outdoor activities, which you can learn more about down below.
- Improved Mental Health
Exercise has been shown to improve mental health, and summer is a great time to start. According to research, being outdoors can help lessen the signs of anxiety and despair while also elevating mood. Exercising in the summer means you will release endorphins, which boost your self-esteem and vitality.
- Chance to Mix Up Your Exercise Routine
The summer is the perfect time to switch up your workout regimen after spending the entire winter indoors. Whether you decide to start a new outdoor sport or simply transfer your normal routine outside, the change in environment can be a revitalising strategy to keep motivated and connected with your fitness goals.
Top Five Exercise Options for Summer
- Walking and Hiking
Walking and hiking are both great outdoor activities to enjoy the summer’s natural beauty. Walking and hiking, whether it’s a casual stroll in your neighbourhood or a strenuous expedition in the mountains, can help to improve cardiovascular health, boost endurance, and reduce stress.
- Running and Jogging
If you want a more strenuous workout, running and jogging are excellent possibilities. The improving weather conditions make it simpler to maintain a running schedule, making summer an excellent time to begin training for a 5K or half marathon.
- Biking
Whether on a road or a trail, biking is a terrific way to get a full-body workout and enjoy the great outdoors. The summer is a great time to get your bike in condition, hit the open road, and explore new local bike paths and trails.
- Yoga and Pilates
Yoga and pilates are both excellent choices for summer if you want a lower-impact workout. By doing yoga or pilates outside, you can increase your flexibility, strength, and balance as well as your sense of connection to the natural world.
- Outdoor Sports and Games
The start of summer is the ideal time to put your sporting goods back in use and begin having outdoor games with friends and family. Playing sports and games outside may be a fun way to keep active and enhance your coordination and agility, whether it’s rounders, football, or frisbee.
Overall, there are many different outdoor exercise options available during the summer. Whether you choose to stroll, run, bike or practise yoga, there is something for everyone to enjoy while taking advantage of the great weather and beauty of the season.
Tips for Getting Started with Summer Exercise
If you’re looking to get started with summer exercise, here are some tips to help you get going!
Consult with Your Doctor
Before starting any exercise routine, it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor to make sure it’s safe for you to exercise, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.
Set Realistic
Set achievable goals that align with your fitness level, lifestyle and availability. Setting realistic goals is important as this can prevent injuries and build your confidence, as well as being more attainable and sustainable in the long term. This way, you can track your progress using fitness apps and stay motivated.
Start Slow and Gradually Increase Intensity
Start off with a low-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, and over time, progressively increase the intensity and duration of your workouts.
Mix Up Your Exercise Routine
Mixing up your exercise routine can challenge you mentally and physically, pushing you to get out of your comfort zone and see how far you can go. Varying your exercise not only helps to avoid boredom but can also help to target different muscles and prevent injury.
Choose Activities You Enjoy
You’re more likely to stick to your exercise routine if you enjoy the activities you choose. So, think about what you like and what you find fun.
Conclusion
To summarise, exercising in the summer is a great way to keep healthy and active due to the improved weather conditions and longer sunlight hours. Regular physical activity is important as it can improve your brain health, help manage weight, reduce the risk of disease, strengthen bones and muscles, and improve your ability to do everyday activities. Summertime activities such as walking, running, biking, yoga and outdoor sports can be great ways to keep active for free! When exercising in the summer, keep in mind to take safety precautions including dressing appropriately, applying sunscreen, staying hydrated, and avoiding the hottest portions of the day. Additionally, it’s crucial to pay attention to your body and adjust your workouts as necessary to avoid overheating or overexertion.
