Getting active is extremely important for your overall health. Each week you should aim to get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity. This can be achieved through group exercises, running, cycling, joining a sports team or doing something different like hiking. Regular exercise will not only help your mental health, but it will also reduce the chances of you falling ill, help control your weight and keep your heart healthy.
If you are struggling to get active or you want to try something new, below we have put together four different ways you can get active this summer.
Go on regular hikes
If you want to try something different, spend time outside and aren’t interested in an extreme activity, hiking could be a good way to get active. Hiking works on your cardiovascular system as well as promotes muscle growth. Depending on your fitness levels and interest in hiking, you could start by doing something local. Alternatively, you could challenge yourself and try a Portuguese way or Camino ways. When hiking you’ll spend plenty of time outside breathing fresh air whilst at the same time getting active and burning calories. You’ll also meet other people who you can make friends with and plan future hikes.
Take up kayaking
Have you ever given kayaking a go? Kayaking is something different that is really fun, especially in the hotter months. It’s great for building and toning your muscles as well as losing weight and improving your cardiovascular system. You can kayak on your own, with a friend or join a kayaking club. There are so many different kayaking routes that you can take, making it the perfect activity to see new places at the same time as getting active.
Take up cycling
Cycling is a lot cheaper than other activities and depending on your sociability levels, can be enjoyed in a group or on your own. The more you cycle the greater your fitness levels will be, which could mean you start cycling to work (getting fitter and saving transport money at the same time). Cycling can be enjoyed in most weather conditions but is a lot more fun in the summer months – especially when you get to stop off for a quick drink and a bite to eat along your journey.
Join a local sports team
If you are looking to get active this summer, then why not join one of your local sports teams. This will help you meet new people whilst getting active at the same time. It doesn’t matter what sports team you join, whether it’s a football team, basketball team, cricket team or rugby club, they will all benefit you hugely. Most clubs have beginner sessions which you can sign up for in order to give you a taster for the sport.
Have you recently started to get active? What activities have you started doing? Have you tried anything from our list above? Is there anything you would like to add that you think our readers would be interested in? Let us know in the comment box below.
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