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Want to get more active? There’s no better time to start than in the summer months. Long days, light evenings and warm weather provide the perfect conditions to get outdoors and try new things. You could even stay indoors if you prefer.
Exercise isn’t just about going to a gym or playing a sport – you can do it just about anywhere and it doesn’t have to cost you a fortune. It’s great for your mental and physical health, and you can socialise with other people too. Here are a few ways you can increase your activity levels this summer.
Walking
One of the most accessible physical activities is walking. You don’t need to invest in anything to get started, just put on a pair of comfortable shoes and get out there. If you need to build up your stamina, you could just walk around your local area.
If you’re able to do a little more, you could expand your horizons and take to some of your local walking trails. Hiking is a more adventurous form of walking, usually taking you through more challenging landscapes and conditions. It’s best to upgrade your footwear if you’re doing long distances or walking on trails.
Cycling
Have a little more to spend? Cycling can be incredibly fun if you can afford the investment. Most people should be able to access discounts through their employer’s Cycle to Work scheme which can make it much more affordable.
You could opt for a road, mountain or hybrid bike depending on where you want to ride. Road cycling is more risky because of the vehicles around you but you can look to make a claim if someone hits you while you’re on two wheels. It may be best to hire a bike and see if you enjoy the experience before looking to buy your own.
Jogging
Taking it up a notch from walking, jogging is a little more strenuous but it can help to increase your cardiovascular fitness more quickly. You’ll need some supportive trainers but you don’t have to venture far to get started. There is a great Couch to 5k program created by the NHS which you can follow yourself and slowly increase your capabilities. It takes it nice and steady at the start, but over time you’ll be able to run further without stopping.
Swimming
If you want to avoid straining your feet or legs, you could try swimming. It’s more gentle on your joints but can be just as beneficial for fitness. Find your local leisure centre to get started and take time to become familiar with the water if you’re not used to swimming.
When you start to excel at indoor swimming, you could be more adventurous with an outdoor swim in a lake or the sea. Be careful not to overexert yourself because cold water and strong currents can be dangerous.
These are just a few of the ways you can get more active this summer, but there’s an almost endless list of possibilities. Fancy trying yoga? Always wanted to play tennis? Find something that you enjoy and the results will come over time without feeling like a chore.
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