In 2021, the American National Parks had over 90 million visitors combined. And the United States hosts 6 of the 10 longest hiking trails in the world. There’s no shortage of places to explore and activities to try in the US.
But as temperatures rise, and more people are looking to spend time outdoors, it can be overwhelming to decide which activities to take part in.
So, what are some of the best outdoor summer activities to keep you moving?
How can you enjoy the weather, while also staying active and healthy?
In today’s article, we’ll be talking about outdoor summer activities to help improve your health and wellness. Keep reading to learn more.
Outdoor summer activities to keep you moving
- Go for a hike or walk
In a survey by the National Recreation and Park Association, Americans aged 18+ were asked what their favorite outdoor summer activity was.
49% of them said going for a walk or hike.
Both activities require very little equipment to get started. They provide a convenient way to get active while also enjoying the weather.
Regular physical activity from walking or hiking can help:
- Improve endurance
- Increase energy levels
- Reduce stress and tension
- Improve cardiovascular fitness
- Improve your sleep, mood, cognition, and memory
- Strengthen your bones, muscles, and immune system
With so many benefits, it’s hard not to see the attraction of walking or hiking. Try going for a walk in your local neighborhood or exploring a trail in your area.
- Visit the beach
In the same survey by the National Recreation and Park Association, 40% of people said their favorite summer activity was going to the beach.
It’s a great environment for embracing the warm weather, while also getting active at the same time. There are outdoor activities that kids can enjoy, and outdoor activities for adults to exercise, compete, and socialize with friends and family.
But what sort of activities?
A few ideas to keep you moving at the beach might include:
- Volleyball - this can be a great way to socialize and work as a team while also getting aerobic exercise.
- Swimming - as the fourth most popular sport in the United States, swimming hosts a wealth of benefits. Exercising in water may help people with arthritis improve the movement of their arthritic joints. And it can also improve mood and decrease the risk of chronic illness.
- Throw around a frisbee or football - keep your body moving while exercising your reaction ability by throwing around a football or frisbee with friends and family.
- Get out on the water
There are a variety of different activities you can take part in while out in the water.
Whether you enjoy kayaking, canoeing with a friend, or water sports. All activities are a great way to get some aerobic exercise and enjoy the water and weather.
Kayaking and canoeing work many muscles in the body. They engage upper body muscles, legs, and even core muscles. This may result in an increase in muscle mass and strength and an improved ability to balance.
There’s an endless amount of water sports to try. From wakeboarding to water polo, participating in these activities can help improve mental and physical strength and increase confidence.
Conclusion
During summer, the weather is warm enough to enjoy the water and embrace nature. Although, we recommend protecting yourself with sunscreen and keeping cool by staying in the shade when you can, and drinking lots of water.
So, whether you decide to take up a new hobby like wakeboarding, or try out a new trail in your local area, it’s up to you to decide what outdoor summer activity you want to take part in.
Make sure to share this article with a friend, family member, or coworker you might want to go on a day trip with and try out some of these outdoor summer activities.
