Outdoor Activities To Try This Summer

 As the nights get longer, you may feel the urge to get outside and active. As well as being a good way to improve your physical health and fitness, getting out and about is a great way to care for your mental health too. 

If you need a little more convincing, read on. 

Why is getting out and about good for your health?

Although going to the gym and pumping some iron is some people’s idea of fun, it isn’t for everybody. Yet even if you’re an avid gym-avoider, to keep yourself in good health, it’s recommended you do at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week. 

Just some of the benefits of outdoor exercise include:

• It lowers blood pressure – Studies have shown that physical activity outdoors can help reduce high blood pressure. Rather than seeing the bare walls of the gym, being outdoors encourages you to keep going, meaning it makes exercise much less of a slog. The end result? You’ll probably do more of it! 
• It helps you sleep – By getting out and about in nature, you’ll not only feel better during your session, but you’ll probably sleep better too. 
• It’s free – With living costs rising to their highest levels in decades, gym memberships can be an expense that you could do without. By utilising the great outdoors, you don’t get hit with pesky gym subscriptions or joining fees. 

What are some fun activities to try?

So, we’ve convinced you to get out and about. But what can you do? 

Luckily, there are plenty of activities you can try, including:

• Mountain biking through the UK’s national trust parks – In the UK, we’re lucky enough to have an array of stunning parks and countryside. If you’re brave enough, a great way to explore is on a mountain bike. However, as this is an adrenaline filled activity, just make sure you know what to do if you have a personal injury. 
• Go hiking – Whether you opt for the Lake District, Snowdonia or other mountainous regions, hiking is a fun way to improve your fitness and endurance. Just make sure to pack plenty of water and snacks to keep you going!
• Try open water swimming – A trend that’s been taking the fitness industry by storm is open water swimming. Proven to boost serotonin levels and make you feel good, it’s a great way to feel alive. Just be sure to read up on the dangers of swimming in cold water and don’t jump into water where you’re unsure of the depth. 

Final thoughts… 

Getting fit can seem like a daunting task. Yet it doesn’t have to mean hitting the gym every day. If you’d like to get fit, healthy and embrace nature, why not give some of the above a go?