Sun Power: Get Fit In The Open Air

Posted: 19/07/11

Jessica Laurence

Follow: Exercise, Mind And Body, Outdoor Fitness, Outdoors, Parks, Sun

Summer doesn't feel like the time to head to the gym. However if you've been exercising within its confines for months, it can be daunting thinking of ways to get fit in the open air. We've come up with some great calorie burners that will get you out in the sun (hopefully), from the ultra-challenging such as climbing and surfing, to the more sedate pursuits of croquet and badminton.

Sun power

Badminton
 If you never learned how to play tennis or are tired of over-booked and expensive courts, why not try badminton? All you need is a patch of lawn, a net, two racquets and a shuttlecock. The rules are easy to pick up, you'll work your leg and arm muscles, and you can burn around 300 calories an hour.
Tandem biking
 If you're up for a bit of a challenge, or want to persuade a friend or partner to get fit, hire a tandem bicycle. You'll have to work together to get to your destination and you may find that being able to chat as you ride makes you go further. Cycling is great for your overall fitness, especially legs, and can burn around 500 calories an hour if you get stuck in.
Croquet
 For those of you who prefer to get your exercise in as sedate a way as possible, grab your croquet mallet and head to the nearest lawn. It's a good way of improving hand-eye co-ordination and you'll burn off a scone with jam if you play for around an hour.
Jogging
 When the treadmill at the gym has you bored to tears, it's time to get down to your local park and experience the delights of running in the open air. Research has shown that exercising outdoors can make you feel more positive and boost your mood in a way that the gym can't reach. Use benches and trees as markers to pick up and slow down your pace.
Rounders
 Whether you play rounders, softball or baseball outside, you'll be reaping the mood-enhancing benefits of working out in the open air. Playing a ball game improves your throwing and catching skills, and offers a superb cardiovascular workout as you sprint around the bases.
Climbing
 One of the best ways to tone up your entire body is to go for a session on a climbing wall. There are outdoor and indoor versions of these for first-timers, while more experienced climbers can have a go at cliffs and mountains with the aid of an instructor. It's a real challenge and you could sweat out upwards of 600 calories an hour.
Outdoor swimming
 Don't limit yourself to an indoor pool if you love swimming. Why not try a lido or outdoor pool to get the added benefit of fresh air and (hopefully) a bit of sunshine? Braver souls can try sea-swimming, surfing or lake-swimming with a guide, all of which are brilliant for a sleek figure.
Walk the dog
 Come rain or shine, a dog needs a good, long walk every day. Borrow a friend's hound or offer to walk a dog from your local animal shelter. Keep up a good pace and you can burn over 300 calories an hour, not to mention how pleased you'll make your new canine friend.
Volleyball
 That beach classic, volleyball has simple rules and will have you dashing around, jumping and falling over. If you really get your competitive juices flowing, you'll forget how much exercise you're doing and just have fun in the sun. If you play it on the beach, the unstable surface of the sand will give your legs an extra good workout.

Sun Power: Get Fit In The Open Air

Sun power

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