With the warmer weather, summer offers a great opportunity to switch up your monotonous gym routine and get outside for a change!  There is so much to do in the Northeast this time of year.  So break the monotony, switch up your routine, get your vitamin D fix and try some of these cool fitness ideas can only be enjoyed this time of year.

1. Biking – Time to break the bike out and go for a ride!  Biking can be a tremendous exercise.  Not only is biking a fantastic aerobic exercise, it is also a phenomenal leg workout, especially if you hit some hills.  Want an added challenge?  Try mountain biking through tough terrain.  Carrying your bike over streams and ravines will add an extra challenge by working in some upper body and core work.
2. Hiking – Hiking is a fantastic way to enjoy nature and get some exercise at the same time.  There are plenty of hiking trails nearby, all of varying difficulties.  Choose the one that's right for your fitness level and hit the trail!  If you are going hiking through the woods, be sure to take the proper precautions to protect yourself from tick bites.  You can learn more about tick prevention here.
3. Kayaking – Kayaking, canoeing, or rowing any boat can be a great full body exercise (think of the rowing machine at the gym)!  Kayaking and Canoeing will work your arms, back, shoulders and core.  In a row boat, you can add legs and glutes to the list of muscle groups that are getting a workout.  You will also find this to be a fantastic cardiovascular workout.
4. Swimming – While you are hitting the water, why not take a dip!  Swimming is another great aerobic exercise as well as a full body exercise that uses muscles all over the body.  Turn your favorite summer pastime into a workout by swimming some laps.
5. Softball – Whether you join a summer softball league or just play a pickup game with some friends, softball is a fun activity most people can enjoy.  Playing sports with family and friends is a great way to work out, and half the time, you won't even realize you are exercising!
6. Beach Volleyball – Not everything is a day at the beach, but when it comes to beach volleyball, it's exactly that!  What better way to get in a workout while enjoying the beach and having fun in the sun.  One of the added benefits of beach volleyball is that you work out some of your smaller stabilizing muscles in your lower body as you run around barefoot in the sand.  This can help to improve balance and agility, which becomes more important as we age.
7. Walking – Not every summer activity has to be a high intensity workout, but that doesn't mean you can't still enjoy the beautiful weather while doing something positive for your health.  Now that the weather is nicer, take the opportunity to walk a little bit more than you can in the winter months. 
8. Running – People often resolve to start running for New Year's, only to have their plans derailed by inclement weather.  Well it's not too late to start on those New Year's resolutions, and now that the weather is nicer, there's no more excuses not to!  Remember to take proper precautions and stay hydrated in extreme heat.  Early in the morning and later in the evening are often better times to run in order to avoid the sweltering heat of the midday sun!
9. Golfing – Another great summer activity that doubles as an exquisite workout is golfing.  Of course if you ride the entire course in a golf cart, the health benefits will be minimized.  Try to walk the course, if possible, and be sure to alternate which side you carry your bag on to avoid overuse injury.
10. Basketball – Basketball is really a year round sport since you can play at a gym any time.  But now that the warm weather is here, you can take that indoor game to the basketball court at the park, or even your own driveway. 

There are so many things to do in the summertime, this list could be 100 things long.  The point is to get out and get active this summer.  If you aren't exercising regularly, this time of year is the best time to start a regular routine.  Start those good habits now, and next winter it might not be so hard to find a way to stay in shape.  Need more help starting an exercise routine?  WE Care of Community Care Physicians can help!