5 Fun Tips for Summer Fitness

It seems in most parts of the country the icy cold winds have finally lost the battle to the warm spring air. This is the perfect time to start planning a summer full of fun fitness. Who needs to pay all that money for a gym membership just to lose a few pounds when you've got this beautiful weather? Regular exercise is essential for good health and vastly improves your overall quality of life. Here are 5 great tips to make your summer both healthy and enjoyable.

1. Walk whenever possible - With the ever growing dependence on cars the mile has grown more and more daunting to most people. Instead of driving to the corner store or ice cream parlor that is only a mile away, try walking if you have the time. An average person will be able to walk a mile in 20 minutes at a normal pace, about 15 if they are walking briskly. So if you spend 20 minutes in the store you have your self an hour outing. Feel free to take Fido along as a companion if it doesn't interfere with you going to a store. It's a whole lot healthier than sitting on the couch for an hour watching the latest reality show!

2. Ride a bicycle - This is a fun and invigorating alternative to driving to those further away places. Just going at a steady yet relaxing speed of 15 mph could get you 5 miles in just 20 minutes! It is a great cardiovascular activity while still working your leg muscles. The satisfaction of hard work and pounds lost will be a great reward. Your wallet will also surely thank you as your legs get better gas mileage than your car.

3. Visit the pool - Whether you've got one in the backyard, a friend's backyard, or just a community pool it is highly beneficial to make a stop there at least 3 times a week. The nicest thing about swimming is your getting a great workout and having a blast at the same time! Swimming is an exercise for the whole body, from head to toe.

4. Backpacking - I recently read a description of backpacking as this. Hiking is walking in the woods. Camping is staying overnight. Backpacking is combining the two. A one or two night backpacking trip can be a fresh start on a new healthy lifestyle. The adventure and excitement of hitting the trail with nothing but some sturdy boots and your pack is enough to spark a love for the outdoors from even the most sheltered city slicker. Make a habit of this a couple of times a month and you've got a great hobby and an avenue to better health. Just be sure your well prepared for a day or two of primitive living.

5. Yardwork - Although it does have the word work in it, it doesn't have to be such a chore. Mowing your grass is a good half hour of activity and saves you 15 bucks from having the neighborhood kid do it. To make it a little more enjoyable try listening to your iPod while your work. Gardening is also an excellent hobby that can be very relaxing. The fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs on the dinner table will be well worth the work also!

These are just a few ideas to get the creative juices flowing. As with any new physical activities, it is recommended that you consult your physician beforehand. The important thing is to not let the summer fly by without taking full advantage of the sunny days and fresh air! It is much easier to get healthy habits started now while snow is still a far away thought.