Summertime is just around the corner, and it can mean many things: pristine beaches, cool swimming pools, or sunbathing while drinking your favorite cold beverage. Basically, summer means a spectacular vacation to enjoy the warmth of the sun and to show off that beach body you’ve worked hard for.
On the other hand, many people spend summer time to catch up some sleep, try out new activities and new hobbies. Speaking of new activities, summer is also the right time to try some outdoor sports that may soon be among your favorite summer activity. These outdoor sports are not only meant to fill up your vacant summer days but also guarantee better overall health that will surely be worthwhile.
And now, here are some of the best outdoor sports you can try out this summer:
1. Tennis
If you want to channel your inner Roger Federer or Anna Sharapova, then you might want to try tennis. It’s an intense outdoor sport that will definitely get you moving. Plus, it is said that it can burn up to 550 calories an hour. It can also help you develop your arms, shoulder and back muscles.
2. Beach Volleyball
Because obviously! Beach volleyball is one of the most popular summer sports ever, just don’t forget to slather on sunscreen before a game. This outdoor sport can also help you burn up to 550 calories per intense game. Aside from that, playing beach volleyball can also help tone your arms, abs and legs, and a great chest exercise, too.
3. Swimming
What’s summer without dipping into cool water during a sweltering day? Moreover, why not make it more worthwhile? Swimming is a great cardio exercise that can burn around 480 calories per hour. It’s a great full-body exercise especially for runners as a way to relax their legs during an intense run. Most of all, swimming is an alternative way to exercise if you don’t like feeling sweaty due to hot weather.
4. Cycling
Cycling can be both a necessity in daily life (ex. Going to work) or a great summer outdoor sport. Regardless of the purpose, this activity is a great cardio exercise and promises to burn up to almost 500 calories per hour. So instead of driving a car why not use your bicycle? You will also do the earth a favor by reducing pollution while staying fit at the same time.
5. Golf
It may not usually be associated with summer, but golf is an underrated summer outdoor activity you may want to try. While this sport is not intense, unlike running and cycling, playing golf helps work out your upper and lower body. Before you know it, you have already burned around 300 calories after an hour of golf.
6. Frisbee
Frisbee is considered a “socially-interactive” sport. It’s like football but uses a Frisbee disc. This popular outdoor sport can help increase sprinting, endurance running, and improve agility. Frisbee can be a full body workout because it can intensely work your arms and legs. Most of all, it’s a fun way to bond with friends and family.
7. Surfing
Originally from Hawaii, surfing has become a popular outdoor sport worldwide. Aside from enjoying the sea, surfing can also provide a complete cardiovascular workout (paddling), strengthen shoulders and back, as well as the legs and core due to standing and balancing yourself on the surfboard.
Benefits of Outdoor Sports
Outdoor activities can be an enjoyable experience for people of all ages. It is also a way to appreciate our surroundings and have a break from the stress of work or school. That is why it is a good way to try out sports during summer time. After all, you deserve to have a vacation every once in a while.
Among other benefits outdoor sports can bring are the following:
- Boosts confidence. Outdoor sports can challenge you, and you can feel a sense of accomplishment once you tried something that’s not usual for you, such as a new sport.
- Enhances physical and mental health. Outdoor sports help improve your overall well-being, physically and mentally.
- Expands your circle of friends. Outdoor sports helps improve your social skills and make you feel like you’re part of the community.
- Helps make you more productive. Outdoor sports can make your time worthwhile and really get you going this summer season!
