The Word on Weightloss

Spring is here and it’s the most gorgeous time to be outdoors. The temperatures are moderate and you’re unpacking your summer shorts and swimsuits...or at least thinking about it! It’s finally time to start incorporating the outdoors into your workout routine, but for some it may not be that easy.

Often, people who regularly works out indoors at a fitness club find it more difficult to keep the high intensity workouts going through the summer months. At the gym there are multiple pieces of equipment and classes to use to vary routines and keep you motivated. Exercising outside is a different story: you have to use your own ideas to get the same cardio intense workout.

So, in order to help you avoid completely abandoning your fitness routine, here are a few fun activities you can try outdoors. Use them to expand and improve your current fitness routine.

1. Swimming
Stay cool and be active at the same time. Swimming is a great workout because it’s low impact, less stress on your joints and your bones and a better workout for your muscles. Swimming also has excellent calorie burning potential: A 150 pound person can burn 360 calories in 30 minutes! If you’re nervous about swimming try an adult swim class at a local pool or YMCA.

2. In-line Skating
Relatively inexpensive to get started, in-line skating takes little preparation. All you need is a smooth and safe path to skate on and you’re all set! It’s also a great way to enjoy new scenery that you might not normally notice. A 150 pound person can burn 563 calories in 30 minutes! Always skate safe by wearing the proper gear: wrist, elbow and knee pads and a helmet.

3. Trail Running (or walking)
Pick up your shoes and hit the road because that’s all you’ll need for this activity. Trail running is a great way to experience local trails that are usually paved and kept up just for your use. Take advantage of these luxuries if you have them. A 150 pound person can burn 400 calories in 30 minutes. If you’re running outside by yourself pick up a Road ID (http://www.roadid.com/common/id.aspx) which is a safe way keep your information on you incase of an accident.

4. Ultimate Frisbee
This is a fun non-contact sport to play with friends in the park during a beautiful day. Exercise your muscles and your competitive juices all while experiencing the outdoors. A 150 pound person can burn 300 calories in 30 minutes! Find a local team near you using http://www.meetup.com/ Meet Up.

5. Tennis
Tennis is another great low impact sport that you can plan with friends or a group. Often clubs with tennis courts have lessons or meet up groups where you can learn to play with a group of like-minded people. A 150 pound person can burn 300 calories in 30 minutes! Keep your tennis activity safe and get a good pair of tennis shoes to protect yourself from knee and ankle injuries.