Now that the winter months are well and truly behind us, we can start to think about the better weather ahead of us. That means you need to throw open the curtain, shake yourself out of your winter slumber and enjoy spring as we move closer and closer towards summer.
Right now is also the best time of the year to start thinking about getting outdoors and getting active. You don’t want to be reliant on the gym to get your daily dose of exercise when the weather is good and you can spend some time out in the open instead. Don’t stick to the conventional ways of getting fit and staying in shape either. There are so many great alternative ideas out there.
It’s better to get in shape now so that you can make the most of the summer months. Whether you want to shift some weight or just tone up your beach body before the big summer vacation, the active ideas shared below will help you to achieve your goals. You’ll also be able to enjoy the great outdoors and have some fun at the same time. So, now is the time to read on and find out more about the activities you should try right now.
For More Intense Workouts, Go Trail Running
Running can get a little dull and repetitive if you never make an effort to spice things up a little. So, if you’ve tried running before, or you’re used to using a treadmill, you should give trail running a try. It’s something completely different, and it doesn’t follow the same old formula as other types of running. It’s all about exploring new landscapes and varied terrains as you run.
It can actually be a better form of exercise than most other forms of running too. Because the ground on which you’re running will be rocky and varied, your body will have to continually adjust and get used to new ways of running and moving. You also have to pay closer attention to your footing because it’s easier to trip and slip if you’re not 100% focused on where you put your feet.
Play Frisbee Competitively
Frisbee is not just a game that kids play. And it’s not as dull and repetitive as you might remember it being. Ultimate frisbee and competitive frisbee games are now pretty common, and it’s a sport for adults to get involved in. It can get pretty heated, and many players take it very seriously. So, if you were a good frisbee player back in your younger days, you might want to give this a try.
Try to find a group or meetup near you. They’re more common than you might realise. You don’t have to be that formal about it if you don’t want to, though. It’s also possible to get together with some friends and have an afternoon of fun in the park with a frisbee. You get a real workout when you’re spending hours chasing after that frisbee over and over again.
Take Part in a Scavenger Hunt
Scavenger hunts are often geared towards adults who want to get active; they’re not just for kids. The point of a scavenger hunt is to find a list of things that are hidden in various locations. There is often a time limit or a competitive element to speed things up. They can be a lot of fun, and you will certainly get active for a prolonged period of time.
Many scavenger hunts are aimed at families, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make the most of them. Sometimes, the best way to get fit and active is to get your whole family involved. Everyone can get together and stretch their legs. It gives everyone the chance to improve their health, so give it a try as a family team unit.
Try Zorbing
If you’ve never given zorbing a try before, you might not understand why it’s on this list. Isn’t it just about climbing inside a big ball and being thrown around as you roll down a hill? Well, yes and no. Of course, that is what happens when you go zorbing, but you still have to stay active, use your body and flex your muscles if you want to do it properly.
Anyone who’s tried zorbing will tell you that it really does tire you out a lot. You will barely be able to stay on your feet after a long zorbing session. It might not look like much of a workout from the outside. But if you try it out for yourself, you’ll quickly realise how wrong you are about that.
Tricycling
Tricycling is another example of an outdoor activity that you might assume is confined to childhood. But that’s where you’re wrong. If you’re bored of cycling or want a more leisurely want to enjoy the great outdoors, tricycling might be the ideal solution for you. It’s easy to do, very enjoyable, and yet it still forces you to get active and move your body.
It’s simple enough to get your hands on an adult tricycle. And when you’ve done that, you can ride it pretty much anywhere. Test yourself and push yourself as little or as much as you want to. And get into the habit of using yours rather than taking the car to wherever you need to get to.
Stand Up Paddleboarding
There are many common watersports that we’re all aware of. But one of the most unusual options that no so many people know about is stand up paddleboarding. It does what it says on the tin; you stand on a paddleboard and row it. This is quite an intensive activity, even if it isn’t as fast-paced as something like surfing.
You have to retain your balance at all times. Otherwise, you’ll just fall off the paddleboard, and you’ll end up in the water. You really have to use the muscles in your legs, as well as your arms to stay balanced and keep yourself gliding along the water. From a distance, it looks quite serene, but it really does offer you a good workout, so give it a try.
Taking a Walking Tour
This is one of those great outdoor activities that many people don’t think of taking part in. But if you find yourself in a new city, or you just want to learn a bit more about your home city, why not take a walking tour of it? It’s pretty easy to find a guide who offers these kinds of tours. And some of them go on for a long time, so you can do a lot of walking throughout the day.
In addition, you’ll learn plenty of new things at the same time, and that can only be good for you. So, next time you’re stuck for something to do that’s active and outdoors, give this idea some thought. It could be the best way to spend your day.
Work Your Upper Body By Kayaking
Kayaking requires speed, power, and concentration. If you have never tried it before and want to give your upper body strength a real test and workout, you should definitely give it a try. As long as you’re in a location with a river that’s suitable for kayaking, it’s pretty easy to get involved, too.
If you have never done this before, it’s important to use an instructor and make sure that the right safety and protective equipment is always used. Kayaking can be done safely, but precautions need to be taken because it can be dangerous when it’s not done properly.
Play a Game of Broomball with Friends
Broomball is the perfect example of a sport that was invented by a few bored people that other people latched onto and made into a real thing. It’s as simple and basic as it sounds. All you need is some brooms and a ball, and then you can play broomball with your friends. Some people prefer to play it on ice, and that’s not so easy. But it’s simple to play out in a yard or on grass too.
It’s a great social game to play as well. Because it’s so simple, anyone can pick it up and understand what’s involved right away. There is nothing complicated about it. But it still allows you to get active and stay fit if you play it regularly.
Take on an Obstacle Course
Obstacle courses can be great fun to take on and test yourself against. They are used in army training, and ordinary civilians like you and me can try them out too. There are varying difficulty levels, and you will have to choose the one that’s right for you.
Many of them are truly grueling, and it can be hard to get out the other side on your feet. You have crawl under things, climb over other things and swing across water on a rope. And those are just a few examples of the things you might be challenged by.