Summer Fitness: Moving Exercise Outdoors

With nicer weather settling in, it’s hard to resist the temptation to go outside and enjoy the warmth and sunshine. It can also be a great opportunity to shift your workouts outdoors for not only a change of scenery, but also a change in activity. Switch things up and try some different exercises that you can’t necessarily do indoors. Remaining physically active can help to boost mobility, coordination, and balance as well as heart health and mental health too.

Here are just a few activities to try out this summer:

• Swimming: Being in the water provides gentle resistance that is easy on joints and muscles, especially for those with arthritis or joint pain. You may also want to consider signing up for a water aerobics class.
• Biking: Strap on your helmet and do a low-impact workout by riding your bike around the neighborhood or local park. It’s also a great way to practice balance!
• Walking/Jogging: Doctors recommend getting in at least 10,000 steps per day, so going on a daily stroll or jog can be an effective way to meet this goal. Keep things interesting by exploring new places, walking with friends, or working with a personal trainer.
• Hiking: Enjoy mother nature with a hike through the woods. You can see all kinds of different plants and animals while getting your steps in.
• Yoga: Change up the scenery by bringing your yoga workout outdoors. The peacefulness of nature can also be very calming. Look for outdoor yoga sessions held throughout your community to meet others and try different poses.
• Frisbee/Catch: Relive your childhood by tossing a frisbee or ball around. This works a variety of muscles, keeps you moving, and practices hand-eye coordination too.
• Tennis: Call up a friend and engage in a fun game of tennis. Share some laughs while practicing your serve and getting in your cardio chasing the ball around the court.
• Gardening/Yardwork: Working the soil, planting seeds, and pulling weeds can be quite the workout! So can tidying up around the yard by trimming bushes, sweeping walkways, and planting flowers. Do something you love, make your home look more presentable, and get a workout in all at the same time.
• Stair Climbing: Climbing a few flights of stairs can be great cardio and work your leg muscles and core. Walk the stairs in your neighborhood or at a local school stadium (during permissible times).
• Playgrounds: Have fun with your grandkids by spending time playing at the playground. Climb the equipment, push them on the swings, shoot some hoops with a basketball, kick around a soccer ball, and much more!

There are plenty of ways that you can enjoy the outdoors while getting in a quality workout as well. Even if you just start out walking each day, it can be beneficial to your health. An in-home caregiver can be a great companion for your walks, or they can help you set up times to meet with friends or sign up for activities at the local rec center. A caregiver can work with you to stay safe while aging in place and continuing to do the things you enjoy. Contact Always Best Care today at (855) 470-2273 to schedule a free consultation and find out how you could benefit from our wide range of senior services tailored to meet your needs.