Thanks to the lovely, sunny weather and the long hours of daylight, summer is the best time to get out there and burn some calories. Below you will find a list of the best calorie-blasting activities to do this summer. We are sure that you will have such a good time while doing most of them that you won’t even realize that you are exercising!
Hiking
Here in New Hampshire, we are lucky enough to live in a place surrounded by natural beauty. What better a location to squeeze in a few weekend hikes? Hiking during the summer can burn up to 370 calories per hour depending on your speed and the elevation gain of the trail. If that isn’t enough to make you want to lace up your hiking boots, hiking is also a great way to release stress and boost your mood.
Yardwork
While we know that this may not be as exciting as some of the other things on this list, yard work is actually a major calorie blaster. In fact, you can burn up to 440 calories per hour if you are doing heavy-duty jobs such as chopping wood or landscaping. Best of all, you can save money on expensive landscapers and gardeners and fit in a workout at the same time!
Stand-up Paddleboarding
Stand-up paddleboarding may look easy from the shoreline but this fun, muscle-toning activity can burn up to 444 calories per hour. Stand-up paddleboarding uses your abdominal, back, arm, and leg muscles to help maintain balance on the board and to paddle, making this an excellent full-body workout. Always remember to bend your knees slightly and keep your back upright to help reduce fatigue. Try not to look at your feet as this can disrupt your balance. Stare out at the horizon instead.
Swimming
Swimming has long been regarded as an effective low-impact workout. It is easy on your joints and it provides an excellent full-body workout. Depending on whether you are swimming in open water or in a swimming pool and how fast you are going, swimming can help you burn up to 510 calories per hour. If you are swimming in a lake or ocean, always make sure to follow safety precautions when swimming without a lifeguard nearby. You should also remember to relax every once in a while and admire your beautiful surroundings!
Biking
Another great low-impact activity, biking can burn up to 590 calories when riding at 10 miles per hour or faster. It can help trim and tone the muscles in your lower legs and your glutes while giving you an opportunity to get out and enjoy the fresh air. It is also a great alternative to driving and it can save you a ton of money on gas each day! When you are biking, always remember to bend your elbows and relax your shoulders and your neck. This will take some of the pressure off of your upper body and help reduce fatigue.
Rollerblading
Once super popular in the 1990s, rollerblading is making a comeback in a big way! Rollerblading is a great way to tone and sculpt your arms, legs, and abdominal muscles while giving your lungs and heart a good workout at the same time. It can also burn an eye-watering 800 calories per hour. When you are first starting out, make sure to take it slow to avoid any slips or spills. As you chain confidence, you can then start to speed up.
Are you ready to lose weight once and for all?
We hope that this list of activities has left you inspired to take the first steps towards a healthier lifestyle. If you want to learn more about how you can lose weight and get into shape this summer, give us a call to set up a free medical evaluation. Our expert staff can create a customized program designed to help you lose weight and improve your health and provide support every step of the way!
