Summer – the time to exercise
Yay for summer! Sun, surf and the chance to unstick yourself from the couch. Everywhere we see people venturing out and getting active. Join the summer revolution and make this the summer you become active also.
For many, exercise conjures up images they don’t particularly like nor want to participate in. But exercise doesn’t have to be pounding the pavements looking exhausted and sweaty. It also doesn’t have to be going to a hot and smelly gym. Use summer and our fabulous country side to get out and get active.
The biggest trick to getting active is finding a form of exercise you enjoy, that way you are more likely to stick at it. It becomes something you want to get out and do. Also having a little bit of fear associated with a goal helps you commit to it. Something that challenges you a bit, or is slightly out of your comfort zone. Something that just gives you a gentle case of the butterflies as you plan the event.
Check out the countryside by joining one of the many tramping or walking clubs around. Tramping is a great way to meet new and interesting people while getting fit. Take that first step by getting in contact – this is the scariest bit, then get out and get going. Set goals of various walks or tramps you would like to do. Plan a tramp with a group of friends.
Learn to surf, kiteboard, jetski, wakeboard or waterski. These are excellent forms of exercise, not something you would typically think of as a means to get fit, but a truly brilliant work out. These provide a cardio workout while strengthening the arms, legs, upper body and core. And it’s a bit of an adrenaline buzz at the same time.
Dust off the bike in the garage. Road cycling is a fabulous way to get fit without placing our joints under any stress. Road cycling has the added bonus of course of including a coffee stop. Looking for a bit more of a thrill, go mountain biking!
Use the resources you have available to you. Step out to our beautiful beaches. For a full on work out try going for a run through the waves. This is an excellent cardio workout while providing leg strength. What’s more it is fun, keeps you cool in the heat and there is a swim waiting for you at the end. This is easier and more fun than going for a run down the road.
Even just a simple stroll or power walk along the beach is a fabulous option. Take the neighbour’s dog, they will become your best friend forever. The sand provides resistance increasing your fitness faster, plus exercising in beautiful places is always easier. What about taking a spade and digging the biggest sandcastle ever with the kids – cardio, core and upper body strength. Get creative, have fun and get active. It is what summer is all about.
