With spring setting in nicely and summer just around the corner, what better time to start getting active? There are hundreds of outdoor pursuits available nowadays to get you out of the house and into a healthier lifestyle.
Begin by deciding which activities interest you most; from power walking to white water rafting, there are both gentle and more arduous options out there. For anyone with a family, this is the perfect way to spend some extra time together doing a special group activity. Nature walks are a great way to interact with the world around you and get the kids involved in something outside of their games consoles. Parents could set their youngsters challenges like treasure trails or tree climbing contests and you could take a picnic along and make a day of it. Walking is also a good means of easing yourself back into exercise; if you’ve taken a break over winter, your body won’t be ready to launch right back into a heavy routine.
Alternatively you might like to try your hands (and feet!) at mountain biking. This is a fantastic way to keep fit and to experience all the sights and sounds that your part of the world has to offer. Several studies have shown numerous health benefits to cycling, including a decreased risk of heart disease. Children who cycle are much less likely to be overweight and certain research suggests that women who cycle for more than 30 minutes a day can reduce their risk of breast cancer. Search around online for mountain bikes, or try a local cycle hire company in order to enjoy a day out before deciding whether you want to purchase your own bike.
Fancy yourself as the next Roger Federer? This time of year sees outdoor tennis making a welcome revival. If you can find a willing partner, why not head down to one of the local courts and knock a few balls around together? An hour of energetic singles tennis can burn almost 500 calories, so it’s definitely worth thinking about if you’re trying to lose a few pounds.
In terms of burning energy, another fantastic way to shift the pounds is gardening. An hour’s worth of high octane weeding, mowing and digging can burn between 300 and 600 calories depending on your weight! You’ll also get the benefit of somewhere really beautiful to sit out and relax at the end of a long day. You can cultivate your own little corner of heaven and absorb a ton of delicious vitamin D while the sun is still beaming it down! But remember to take proper precautions to protect against UV rays!