Summer is a great time to add new physical activities to boost your interest and keep your exercise engine going. The great thing about summer is that you can enjoy the outdoors and still get your indoor fix as well.
You might choose to lap swim at the local pool as part of your weekly routine, or start each morning with a tandem bike ride. Even a power walk through an outlet mall can provide a different twist on your usual walking circuit.
If you have been exercising alone for months you may consider joining any clubs, classes, or teams that are in your community. You can take things like an aerobics class, kick-boxing class, tennis lessons, dancing club, or even a parks and recreation softball team.
There are so many things available if you just go out there, ask around, and look for opportunities. When the warm weather comes around there are so many different activities that people of all ages can get involved in.
Mixing up your routine does more than just beat boredom; there are also physiological and psychological benefits. When you do the same type of exercise exclusively, your body builds specific strengths while getting lax in other areas.
By switching your activity mode, you broaden your physical abilities and strengthen the entire body, instead of just one area. Exercise variety may help reduce dementia risk as well.
Keep your intensity lower and the time shorter for your new physical endeavor than for your regular one. You need to give your body a chance to adjust or you run the risk of injury.
Give yourself time to learn the specific skills or techniques needed for proficiency. Consider your new interest an addition to your regular routine until you progress to your usual level of exertion; after which you can try fitting it into your overall fitness program.
If you usually walk for exercise, trying a hiking trail may be what you need to kick it up a notch. Hiking over natural terrain burns more calories than brisk walking and is a lot more fun.
In addition, when you go hiking on a scenic trail, you will typically spend more time at it than when you walk around a boring track because there is so much more to see. For day hikes, be sure to take water, healthy snacks, a map and a compass.
It is important to pick a trail that is suitable for your skill level, so do some research before you embark on your adventure. Bike riding can be an all-weather change to your exercise routine as well.
When it is dry outside, you can cycle in a local park, along specially marked bike lanes, or in a cycling club. In rain or cold, use a stationary bike indoors so as to not ruin your wheels.
You might enjoy joining a stationary bike or spinning class, in which a leader takes riders through a routine. Cycling is a non-weight-bearing exercise, so it is easier on your joints.
To avoid other injuries, make sure that you are on a bike that is sized and fitted correctly for your weight and height. It is best to get help with this from a knowledgeable person bike a bike store owner or experienced cyclists.
Summer's a great time to mix up your routine by adding water activities. Swimming is a great full body workout that will keep you cool in the summer heat.
You can swim for distance or just for fun, and you can do it in just about any body of water, including a pool, lake, ocean, or slow river. Water provides natural resistance, but more gently, so there is no impact on the joints.
This is one of the reasons why water aerobics classes have become so popular, especially with women who may be overweight. Canoeing, kayaking and rowing give you a work-out on top of the water.
This activity builds core muscle strength in your arms, torso, and legs. Many river locations offer canoe, kayak and even rowboat rentals in hourly increments, so you can try one for as long as you are comfortable with.
Author Resource:-
Tommy Greene is a personal trainer and has authored hundreds of articles relating to physical training and spinning bikes. He has been a health expert and physical trainer for over 15 years.
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