Best Outdoor Activities
White-water rafting – Let’s begin with an adventure. You don’t need to be experienced to participate in white-water rafting, but you do need to make sure you do your homework. This is an absolutely fun and adventurous activity that will keep you busy. There are several different kinds of rapids, and not all of them are dangerous adventures. The Class I rapid is the easiest. It has minimal obstacles, some small waves and simple maneuvering; the Class II rapid increases in difficulty, with larger waves and several more obstacles. However, both are good for a beginner. If you’re a beginner, start with Class I, which is also perfect for your family vacation. Just remember, you are going to get plenty wet, so take a change of clothes and lots of sunscreen. For other great outdoor water fun, try kayaking or windsurfing – both are fun and challenging.
Frisbee on the beach – Beach, sun, fresh air, playing in the sand – sounds like childhood to me! I’m all for it. Don’t worry about how long you do it for or how many calories you burn, etc. Forget all that and just go out and have some fun, break a little sweat and enjoy yourself.
Hiking – If the beach isn’t your thing, then take a friend, your spouse or the whole family on a hike. Find a state park and make a morning or afternoon of it. Pack some fun and nutritious snacks and get away from all the noise, cars and pollution. This is a great time to have fun outdoors, quiet your mind and get yourself centered. You’ll feel invigorated afterwards and may even be surprised how you figure out an answer to a dilemma – by not concentrating on it.
Biking – With the onslaught of exercise machines, does anyone ride a bike outside any more? Enjoy nature with some leisurely outdoor biking. Find a safe and pleasing location and maybe even plan a lunch stop around it. It definitely beats reading a magazine on the stationary bike.
Swing away – If you have younger kids, go to a park and push them on the swings. Try to get your whole body into it and push with the legs, hips, arms and shoulders. Keep it going for awhile and see how much stamina you have. Make a game of it and try to do 100 pushes. Have your kids count while you push. I’m sure your kids will have fun with it, too.
Golfing – Play nine or 18 holes and walk the entire gold course – don’t use a cart. Never played? Take some lessons or have a friend teach you the basics. It takes lots of practice, but so what? Just go out and learn a new activity.
Tennis – Tennis is a challenging activity and can be enjoyed by those of all ages. A few lessons or even just practicing with a friend or your spouse is lots of fun on weekends or after work. In the beginning, you may need to run after the ball because it doesn’t quite make it over the net, but you’ll soon improve with just a bit of practice.
Horseback riding – People seem to forget about this one because it’s not readily accessible. However, this is pure pleasure. Aside from walking a little funny when you’re done, it’s exhilarating to ride horses in a beautiful environment.
Team sports – Lots of people play on summer softball leagues, basketball leagues, etc. If your job doesn’t offer a team, then try the local YMCA or community center. You’ll find postings of leagues based on experience level, ages etc.
Golfing – Play nine or 18 holes and walk the entire gold course – don’t use a cart. Never played? Take some lessons or have a friend teach you the basics. It takes lots of practice, but so what? Just go out and learn a new activity.
Tennis – Tennis is a challenging activity and can be enjoyed by those of all ages. A few lessons or even just practicing with a friend or your spouse is lots of fun on weekends or after work. In the beginning, you may need to run after the ball because it doesn’t quite make it over the net, but you’ll soon improve with just a bit of practice.
Horseback riding – People seem to forget about this one because it’s not readily accessible. However, this is pure pleasure. Aside from walking a little funny when you’re done, it’s exhilarating to ride horses in a beautiful environment.
Team sports – Lots of people play on summer softball leagues, basketball leagues, etc. If your job doesn’t offer a team, then try the local YMCA or community center. You’ll find postings of leagues based on experience level, ages etc.
Jogging – I get emails every day from people who say they’d like to start a jogging program. Persuade a friend to join you on a walk/jog program on three alternate days of the week. Build your pace gradually and make sure you can maintain a conversation throughout. Within two months, you’ll be amazed at the increase in your jogging time – and you’ll have less body fat. Not interested in jogging? Then don’t forget about good, old-fashioned walking in nature.
Volleyball – Personally, I love this activity on the beach with friends. It’s great for the family, too. No need to be an expert, the objective is to have fun and play in the sand. Skill is not a requirement for summer fun.
Gardening – Not everyone wants to brave white-water rafting or windsurfing. It’s important to embrace your natural personality type. Gardening can be a very enjoyable outdoor activity. You also get the added benefit of a beautiful landscape. If you want to make it more of a workout, try to get your shoulders and hips into the digging and shoveling – just keep moving to break a sweat. However, you can also go at your own pace and enjoy the leisure time of summer.
Go out and have some fun and remember-- Check with your doctor before starting this or any exercise program.
Cheers,
Eve :-)
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