The sun is shining, the pickleball courts are full and you can’t find a parking space at your favorite trailhead. It must be summer.
Here at the Well desk, we believe that the best time to exercise outside is from early January to late December. But on these perfect summer days, it’s especially hard to resist a jog through the woods or a bike ride around the neighborhood.
For anyone looking wistfully out the window at a cloudless summer day, here are a few of our favorite ways to work out in the great outdoors.
Hiking
Walking outside is an enjoyable, accessible way to get some exercise in while experiencing nature. But heading away from civilization can be intimidating.
Here we lay out a few of the fundamentals, so you can go hiking with confidence. Grab a rain jacket, pick a good route and venture out. For more of an upper body workout, grab a pair of trekking poles.
Trail Running
All told, running is a better workout than walking. But jogging on pavement can get old — and hot. For more of a challenge, and all the benefits of an escape into nature, hit the trails.
Even if you live in a city, you may be surprised by how many trail options you have nearby, if only you look for them. And by the time you’re in the woods, it’s hard not to get hooked.
Gravel Biking
If you want to cover more ground, hop on a gravel bike.
Part mountain bike, part road bike, these hybrids can offer a way to explore corners of your community you may otherwise never have noticed. And with a little bit of discipline, gravel riding can be an excellent workout. Here are a few tips for getting started and some resources for finding your first gravel adventure.
Lap Swimming
On those days when it’s too hot for a walk or run, you may want to break out the swim goggles.
But getting into a lap lane next to experienced swimmers can feel like trying to join an exclusive club. Also, without a little guidance, it can be tricky to create a workout that’s interesting and pushes you to improve.
Our primer for getting started with lap swimming is below, and here are some tips for improving your form.
Tai Chi
For a gentle form of exercise that trains balance and mobility, it’s hard to beat tai chi. A blend of martial arts, dance and mindful meditation, the practice is ubiquitous in city parks across China and increasingly popular in North America.
Some research has suggested that tai chi can have a positive effect on mental health and can help prevent falls by older adults — especially by those who have trouble with other types of exercise. It’s also a fun way to improve mobility in problematic joints.
Kayaking
Whether you live near a coastline, lake or lazy river, there’s a good chance you have some fun opportunities for paddling nearby. People have been kayaking in North America for thousands of years, and it’s still one of the most popular ways to enjoy the outdoors in the summer.
For one thing, it’s a sublime way to feel connected to the water without getting wet. Second, if you do it right, it’s a great shoulder and core workout. Here’s how to perfect your stroke.
Erik Vance is a staff editor for The Times’s Well desk, where he focuses on coverage of fitness and a healthy lifestyle.
The post 6 Outdoor Workouts to Try This Summer appeared first on New York Times.
