The summer season brings with it cool breezes, fresh air, sunshine, and warmer weather, which is why the great outdoors beckons many of us to head outside and enjoy backyard BBQs, cookouts, and refreshing mocktails. Although summer is a wonderful season, it can be busy, chaotic, and downright stressful. With calendars so busy, you may be tempted to skip your workout. Instead, mix it up and incorporate a change of scenery with an outdoor workout in Mother Nature. Here are seven simple tips for taking your workouts outdoors for the summer season.
#1 Apply Sunscreen
Before heading outdoors for your daily workout, apply a safe sunscreen. Use 1-2 ounces of sunscreen to cover each part of your face and body, which is roughly the size of one shot glass. Remember to reapply every 1-2 hours, but be sure to re-apply more frequently if you are sweating or swimming.
#2 Get Creative
Use the summer season to step up your fitness routine. Try a new workout or find a way to commit to more mindful movement every day. Whether it is a 30-minute walk or a 60-minute sweat session, ramp up your exercise routine and recommit yourself to your healthy lifestyle. Need something to listen to? Plug in your favorite podcast as you get in some daily movement.
#3 Head to the Beach or Park
An easy way to get in an outdoor workout is to gather your at-home gym equipment and head to the local beach or park. Grab items like small dumbbells, gliders, and resistance bands, then head to your local community beach or park and get your sweat session on. If you are in luck, some beaches or parks may even have some outdoor gym equipment to use.
If not, use what you see. Park benches are great for push-ups, step-ups, and tricep dips. Some beaches and parks may even have stairs to walk up and down for a good glute workout. You may also want to call your local gym or yoga studio, as many small businesses offer outdoor classes in the summertime. Same with organizations like the local park district. Sunrise yoga, anyone?
#4 Hit the Local Trails
This summer, take your traditional indoor treadmill workout outdoors and hit the local trails. Whether you like to hike, run, or walk, spending time outdoors in Mother Nature helps clear the mind and can reduce stress. Looking for something different? Sign up for a running race such as a fun run, a 5K, a 10K, a half marathon, or even a full marathon. Do your research and find the right running race for you. Nervous to embark on a race by yourself? Recruit family and friends and sign up together.
#5 Hydrate
No matter what the season, it’s always important to stay hydrated, but it is especially crucial during the hot summer months when temperatures, heat indexes, and humidity levels begin to rise. Before heading outside for a summer workout, fill up a reusable water bottle so you can stay hydrated before, during, and after your workout. Add a splash of fresh fruit flavor with some of these classic combinations:
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Cucumber Slices + Fresh Mint Leaves
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Lemon
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Lemon + Lime
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Lemon + Strawberries (Strawberry Lemonade)
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Pineapple
You may even consider including an electrolyte packet from one of your favorite brands for more flavor and more electrolytes.
#6 Plan Your Wardrobe
When working out outside in the summertime weather, plan your wardrobe accordingly. Consider wearing a thin layer of sweat-wicking fabric to keep sweat from accumulating on your clothing. If you plan on running or walking in the early morning or late evening hours, be visible and add a reflective layer. If you prefer midday workouts, wear a hat or sport some sunglasses to shield your eyes from the bright summertime sunshine. As always, wear sunscreen!
#7 Take Advantage of Longer Days
The summer season welcomes longer days, so take advantage of the early sunrise and get in an early morning run before your day begins. If you are not an early bird, take your afternoon lunch break outside or go for a leisurely walk after dinner around the neighborhood with your family, friends, or pet. Use the longer summer days to your advantage and get outside for your favorite form of movement.
Mix up your at-home indoor workouts and head outside into the great outdoors this summer to enjoy the warmer weather with these summertime outdoor workout tips.
- Stay Healthy and Happy
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Tag us @itsnolasnacks so we can see all of your summertime workouts paired with your favorite It’s NOLA snacks.
