Summer is upon us and that means endless outdoor activities await! Summer is the best time of year to engage in various outdoor activities. If you are looking to get in shape this summer, do yourself a favor and get outside and get active. With warm weather and sunny skies, our options are limitless for activities we can get involved in. Check out some great summer activities that will allow you to live a happy and healthy summer.
Outdoor Sports
Sports that can be played outside with minimal equipment are the best to engage in for summer fun. These include basketball, soccer, beach volleyball, wiffleball, frisbee, and others. These are games you can easily play at the beach, the local park, or your backyard! The great part about these games is that you incorporate the social aspect into them and invite friends to join you. With this, you’ll be working up a sweat and burning some calories and also having a ton of fun at the same time.
Safety Tip: For non-beach activities, make sure you are wearing proper footwear, as the risk of foot and ankle injuries are prevalent. Make sure you bring food and water with you, as the summer heat can often drain your energy levels more quickly. You will need to replace lost electrolytes and fluids. Some light stretching following your activity is a good idea to prevent tightness in your muscles from occurring.
Hiking
Going on hikes are a great way to get exercise. Whether you go on a one-mile loop around the lake or a 5-hour hike up a tall peak, you will still be engaging the muscles in your body, and burning calories as well. Hiking is also a great activity to benefit mental health. By indulging yourself in nature, and taking a break from the stressors of everyday life, hiking can be an escape for many people. Hiking also allows us to take a break from the technology we are dependent upon every day. After a few hours on a trail, this will enable us to clear our minds. Completing a difficult hike is also an accomplishing feeling, and usually, there will be an unforgettable view at the end. Grab a friend and hit the trails this summer for some great physical and mental benefits that hiking brings!
Safety Tip: Make sure to pack food and lots of water, especially for longer hikes. Make sure you have dressed appropriately, wearing proper footwear, and have all the necessary gear needed for your hike. It is also a good idea to do some research beforehand on the trail and area in which you will be hiking. Also, you should carry your cell phone in your bag with you in case you are in an emergency situation that you need to contact someone.
Swimming
Whether you are at the pool or the beach, swimming is a summer favorite that can get you in great shape. Swimming targets every muscle in your body and can strengthen your aerobic capacity significantly as well. On a hot day, going for a nice dip can be very refreshing, and it acts as a great workout as well. If you enter the water with a purpose to swim laps for exercise, then you will surely be able to reach your goal and see results if you remain consistent.
Safety Tip: When swimming at a pool or public beach, make sure to stay within the designated swimming area, and in range of the lifeguards. Also, make sure you know your limit, and take breaks when needed.
Running/Bike Riding
Summer is one of the best times of the year for runners and cyclists. Often, many athletes have been confined to treadmills and stationary bikes during the colder months, and they are ready to get out and spread their wings when the weather permits. Running and bike riding are great exercises for building aerobic capacity, building strength in primarily lower body muscles, and burning a lot of calories. This is also very beneficial for mental health, as getting outside and being exposed to the sunlight and having the wind blow through your hair can be quite alleviating. These activities can help you stay competitive as well, as many 5k, 10k and marathon races are held in the warmer months for endurance athletes to test their skill in friendly competition.
Safety Tip: Runners and bike riders have to be cautious of their surroundings. If on a busy road with cars, make sure you steer clear of traffic and keep yourself out of the way of danger.
Have A Fun And Safe Summer
No matter what you engage in this summer, make sure you have fun and be safe! Making sure you get outside and take advantage of the beautiful weather is key to having a healthy summer, no matter how high the intensity of the activities you partake in. Be sure to follow the safety tips above and most importantly, make sure you are drinking tons of water throughout the day to replenish lost fluids. Summer can be a fun time, but it can also be a time where people are suffering from injuries due to the increased level of activity.
If you get injured this summer, be sure to contact our team at Farmingdale Physical Therapy East, where we provide quality care to our patients. It is our main goal to ensure our patients are treated properly so that they can recover as quickly as possible. Get in touch with us today if you or someone you know has suffered an injury of any kind, and we will be happy to help!
