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| Image by Cordeiro used under the Creative Commons License |
There are few seasons that make staying healthy and exercising more appealing than summer, as it allows you to get out in the sunshine, fresh air, and warm weather—a lot more appealing than winter’s snow and cold. But even when motivation is high, it can be sometimes difficult to figure out the best ways to stay active and in shape. So if you’re trying to plan your path to a summer full of healthy choices and exercise, here are a few things you can do to get you on your way.
Begin by walking
The easiest way to begin living a healthier life is by simply leaving your car at home and walking to local destinations whenever possible. This will not only build muscle and stamina for the more intense activities you will do when working out, but it will also burn calories and help your cardio. Another benefit to walking as opposed to driving places is that it has no negative environmental impact.
Head to a local park
Today more and more parks are beginning to install a variety of exercise equipment and spaces for activity, from running tracks to pull-up, push-up, sit-up stations and more. Many public parks also have sports courts available for free use, such as tennis courts and basketball courts. Also, take a look online as you might find an exercise class that meets in the local park, which you could sign-up for.
Join a program
The easiest way to ensure that you stay on top of your fitness is to be held accountable by someone else, and a great way to do this is by signing up for classes, sports teams, or exercise groups. Fortunately summer is the season where these are most available, so there is no better time to sign-up, get fit, and also meet some new healthy friends while you’re at it.
Consider an active holiday
Doing something strenuous on your holiday might sound like the exact opposite of a vacation, but a trekking and camping trip will not only force you to stay active during your time off, but it will also bring you to many beautiful sites that are only accessible to those who are willing to put in a little bit of effort. You can always reward yourself with a few days at the beach after you’ve finished your expedition.
Prepare for winter
There is nothing worse than getting fit in summer and then losing all the benefits of that hard work as soon as the season changes. When the weather starts to get cold and you no longer want to exercise outside, look to join a gym; or, consider buying your own fitness equipment such as a cross trainer or a treadmill, check out retailers like Tesco to find the best deal. Whatever you do, keep working out as staying in-shape is way easier than getting back in-shape.
Remember, that whether you’re the type of person who loves or hates exercise, there are plenty of great reasons and ways to stay healthy and active in summer.