Summer Fitness Ideas Take The Action Outside!

Today is the first day of summer. Now that we have longer days and warmer weather to enjoy let’s get out there! Who isn’t tired of their indoor fitness routine? WebMD asked exercise physiologists to share their summer workout tips. Whether you're at the lake, in the mountains, on the beach, or at the pool, here's how to stay fit this summer.

Exercise at the Lake: Taking the family to the lake this summer? Water is a perfect place to burn calories in the heat and humidity of summer. Swimming, canoeing or treading water is a great way to work out.  

Mountain Fitness: Want a whole-body workout in rocky and mountainous terrain? Try pole hiking, fitness walking or trail biking to add some intensity and get the heart going.

Exercise on the Beach: If you're going to the beach this summer, pack a mask and some fins and snorkel to add resistance. It's great work for the back extensors, the lower limbs, and the trunk. Or, put up a net and get a game of volleyball going, or throw the Frisbee or a football around. Even walking/jogging in the soft sand is a workout.

Poolside Fitness: Swimming is an excellent, low-impact, whole-body workout. Make it fun balancing on floaties and pool noodles to tone muscle – get everyone involved in some friendly competition for time and distance. Water aerobics can be done at home too!

Remember how fun these activities were as a kid? Being outdoors bring back all those childhood memories of the fun vacations you had. Don't get caught up in the idea that the exercise has to be a consistent 30 minutes - recreational activities can also be exercise.