Hot summer weather can be challenging when trying to stay on track with your fitness goals, but don’t let the heat get in your way. Rain or shine, we all need to get moving to maintain our fitness and health, but it’s crucial to respect the elements nonetheless. Heat exhaustion is no joke; hundreds of people are hospitalized every year with heat-related illnesses. So, how do you maintain your fitness regimen when the mercury rises? Here’s our guide to staying active during the year's hottest months!
Ready to embrace the sizzle this summer and create new opportunities for physical activity? Let’s get started!
Stay Cool, Stay Active
First, let’s face the facts. Excuses don’t achieve goals. If you’re committed to reaching your potential, getting stronger, and staying healthy, don’t let the dog days of summer stop you. The summer heat is no excuse to take a break from your fitness routine. Instead of giving in to lethargy, find new ways to beat the heat and stay active with indoor fitness activities in air-conditioned environments. If you’re not sure where to start, we have your back! If you’re starting a new activity, we recommend you talk to your doctor first, abide by safety rules, and don’t attempt anything beyond your skill level. Find reputable instructors to teach you new skills and avoid unnecessary risks. Safety comes first! Now with that out of the way, here are some of our favorite indoor activities!
- Try indoor rock climbing: Many cities have rock-climbing gyms where you can rent equipment and book a few sessions with a climbing instructor to show you the ropes. Indoor and outdoor rock climbing are great for physical strength and mental focus.
- Join a fitness class: Group exercise classes have numerous benefits for your physical and mental health. You’ll strengthen your muscles and joints, get cardiovascular benefits, and join a community of like-minded people. The sense of community you get from these classes is motivating and energizing and can give you an extra push to stay on track with your goals. Plus, there are so many options for indoor group exercise: dance classes, yoga, spinning, weight-lifting, and strength training; there’s something for everyone.
- Learn a new martial art: This may not be the most obvious choice for a new activity, but it’s incredible for your physical health and mental strength. Even if you’re a beginner, learning and improving is still possible. Find a reputable gym that offers classes with experienced instructors.
- Take dance classes with your partner – or a friend. Dancing is an all-body workout that helps you strengthen your muscles and improve heart health. You burn lots of calories, and it’s fun!
Water is Your Friend
Nothing is more refreshing than that first dip in a pool on a hot, humid summer day. Water activities aren’t just invigorating; they’re also great for your overall fitness and health. Swimming is an excellent full-body exercise that improves muscle strength and cardiovascular health without putting pressure on your joints. If you want more variety, here are suggestions for water-centric activities to keep you moving this summer!
- Pool swimming: Find a local outdoor pool and start swimming laps. Swimming is fantastic for both body and mind. It engages several muscle groups, supports cardiovascular health, improves flexibility, and it can help you maintain a healthy weight. It’s also easy on the joints, making it a good option for people with injuries or arthritis. Plus, some studies show that swimming may help maintain bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Furthermore, research shows that swimming can help reduce stress and anxiety, leaving you relaxed and chill. So, grab your bathing suit and goggles and head to your local pool!
- Swimming in the ocean: Even better than the pool, but not for the faint of heart! Make sure you have the right skills for swimming in the sea before you dive in. Even if you’re an accomplished pool swimmer, it’s a good idea to take open-water swimming lessons with a professional instructor and follow safety rules and common sense.
- Surfing: Live by the ocean? Grab a surfboard, or rent one, and give surfing a try! You might discover a new passion!
- Beach volleyball: If you’d rather stay on the beach most of the time, this is a great way to get active while enjoying the ocean breezes.
- Aquafit or other aquatic aerobics activities: Many community centers and pools offer classes for all ages. These activities are great, even for people who don’t know how to swim and for seniors or people with injuries.
- Kayaking: It requires some training, but it’s a fantastic workout with benefits for your physical and mental health. Find a kayaking club where you can learn the basics and then head out onto the water!
- Paddle-boarding: Less training is required for paddle-boarding than kayaking, but brace yourself for a few splashes and involuntary dips until you find your balance.
Explore Local Attractions
Discover the attractions around you, whether that's a nature reserve or a museum. Summer is a great time to explore your surroundings. Remember, if you're moving, you're being active. Here are some ideas for attractions to visit in your local area.
- Museums: You can get thousands of steps and walk for hours while exploring a museum, plus you get to learn a thing or two about your local history and geography.
- Art installations or galleries: Great for a little dose of culture while getting all your steps in.
- Aquariums: Family-friendly activity where you can all enjoy walking for hours.
- Botanical gardens: Studies show that spending time outdoors near plants and flowers has a therapeutic effect on our mental health. Make sure you avoid the hottest time of the day.
- Local festivals: Check out your local news source for any exciting events happening around you. Most cities have some festivals or other events during the summer, which can be lots of fun to visit. Just steer clear of all the unhealthy snacks if you can!
The Power of Community
Creating a workout or exercise community is a great way to stay motivated and achieve your goals. Finding a workout buddy gives you numerous benefits, and here are some of the main ones.
- When your workout buddy is counting on you to show up for your session, that can keep you motivated to stay committed to your goals.
- Another benefit is that a workout buddy can make the most challenging workout feel like fun. You’ll be less likely to get bored or quit.
- It’s also safer to exercise with a friend. When you work out with a friend, someone is with you in case of emergencies, such as injuries, medical issues, or crime. They can call emergency services and get help.
- How does getting fit together help you become better? It’s encouraging to have someone with similar goals. You can support each other when you’re not motivated and keep each other accountable.
Ready to take on the summer and crush your fitness goals? At Level Select CBD, we have a vibrant community of like-minded people interested in plant-based wellness, sports recovery, and natural fitness. We believe that success is contagious, so share your summer activities and progress with us to help inspire and motivate! Follow and tag us on Instagram @LevelSelectCBD or email us!
