Admit it. School started in the fall and was all fun and games for the first week. After that you were already looking forward to summer vacation again. Long sunny days full of sunscreen, cannonballs, and family vacations melted into warm summer evenings spent doing anything you pleased. Oh, to be a kid again. Sigh. While we can't rewind time, we do suggest taking a good hard look at your summer and your fitness routine through the eyes of a child. What was fun to you as a child will most likely be just as enjoyable to you now, maybe more so because you'll have the adult wisdom to really let it sink in and enjoy every minute of it.
So really, truly, sit down and decide what you want out of the summer and make it happen. When fall rolls around you'll find yourself with new hobbies and interests and be a bit healthier to boot because all of our suggestions for you will get your heart pumpin but will be so enjoyable you'll forget your getting in a workout because it won't feel like one.
Jump On In
With kids if you can, mainly because they NEVER STOP MOVING. So by keeping pace with them you will in turn burn some serious calories. Don't just sit poolside and keep an eye on them. Cannonballs, dive from the diving board, play ball, handstand contests, dive for toys, toss them in. Follow their lead and do as they do. Just do us a favor and remember the sunscreen so the only burn you'll be feeling is in the muscles you forgot you had.
Hit it early and you'll be subject to some seriously breathtaking sunrises and other sights such as mist on the lakes, and wildlife out and about that you would have missed had you started a bit later. Our brother has hiked nearly every peak in Utah it would seem so we are privy to his recommendations of must sees. This was one of them and as we wiped the sleep out of our eyes we were glad he dragged us out of bed. Long summer days make it easy to hit the trails in the am. Dress accordingly as cool mountain air is extra chilly in the morning.
PaddleBoard
While we are still fairly new to paddle boarding ourselves we were pleasantly surprised at how easy was to pick up. Sure we aren't bending into a yoga pretzel on them yet but we are getting it. I mean come on sword fighting with paddles takes a bit of coordination. Costco has boards for sale both hard and foam, and/or do a little research and find classes or rentals in your area. With the increased popularity boards are becoming more and more available. You can find a few moves we have mastered and our first post on Paddleboarding here. More to come as we continue to learn. Try kayaking if you feel really uneasy about standing on the board. You'll get a great workout from the paddling and feel safer in a boat.
Explore the National and/or State Parks
While in Colorado last year we made an unplanned trip to the Great Sand Dunes and what was going to be a quick stop and see turned into several hours of exploring the dunes. Barefoot. Thats a workout. We enjoyed each others company, took in some amazing views, and left wanting to schedule a return trip next time we are anywhere in the general area. A few National Parks we would recommend are; Antelope Canyon and the Grand Canyon in Arizona, and Zions, and Arches both in Utah.
Wakeboard
Wakeboard, Wakesurf, Waterski, or Wakeskate. Anything that requires you to stand up from the water and hold on while being pulled is going to work some serious muscles. Every summer we are both reminded just what it takes as we have our first run of the season. No boat? No problem. Wake parks are opening up around the country where you can pay a small fee to be pulled on the lake by a machine rather than a boat. There are also surf locations (Flowrider in Ogden Utah and Indoor Flowrider at Provo Beach for Utah locals) that are opening up that allow you to surf indoors on a wave. We are dying to try it out. A good way to learn before subjecting yourself to the less forgiving waves of the ocean.
Take Your Workout OUT
At least for us, working out in the great outdoors tends to feel more enjoyable than slaving away on a treadmill or elliptical. Up until about a week ago we were fairly convinced we were the only women/moms using the local playgrounds for toning and resistance training translation doing squats while pushing kids on swings, using the benches for tricep dips, and performing a wide variety of crunches while people in passing cars looked at us like we were crazy. Then twice in one week we stumbled upon two separate parks with 3 different women working out while their children played around them. One did simple exercises while the other two had resistance bands strapped to the swing set and yoga mats a plenty. Go Moms! We were happy to see it and glad we are not the only ones to have stumbled upon this brilliant idea. A few of our favorite park moves can be found here. Or just do what you do at home, but outside.
Yoga Not A Lotta?
We know, we know. It's yoga. You are not flexible. Running is easier. You don't want to look or feel silly. It's hard.There are a million excuses to not give it a try and one great reason to try it. Why not? You can't knock it till you have tried it. It is a great workout and leaves you feeling less stressed for some reason. All that stretching really works. If nothing else pick up some yoga moves to stretch your sore muscles from all of the other summer activities you have been doing. Megan is our yoga expert, take a look at her new favorite spot to practice when she has the time to go farther than her own backyard.
Beach Baby
Jogged along the beach recently? If you live near the water you should. Running barefoot in sand lets your feet move the way they were intended and in turn strengthens your foot and ankle. The resistance the sand provides is also good cardio. Just be sure to start slow. 15-20 minutes until your body adapts so you can avoid injury. Gradually add 5 minutes as you become more comfortable. An added perk, the views can't be beat.
Snorkel
While Jordan was terrified of something coming out of the deep to eat her while snorkeling she survived and so can you. Find a mask and give it a go. While it is best in clear waters experiment with different times of day if your water is a bit on the cloudy side. The distraction of seeing underwater makes one forget you are still swimming, and that works quite a few muscles along your bod.
Where the Boys Are
Hit the outdoors with one of the many men in your life and you are bound to see it in a whole new light. Men are just itching to go and do, explore, take the most exerting route, get there in good time. Keeping up with one of them is often like keeping up with a child. So, grab your hubby, boyfriend, brother, Dad, friend, anyone and tell them you are ready for adventure. You'll end up with one, and you can catch up and improve your relationship at the same time.
Women Crush Wednesday
At least once a week meet up with some girls to sweat it out. Whether it's your best friends or just a class of some kind. Working out with women lets you feel like one of the pack, and a little healthy competition never hurt anybody. While we can't recall who (we know real helpful) one of Hollywoods leading ladies meets up with her best friend once or twice a week for a 7 mile hike. They push each other to work harder but are supportive when one needs to slow down. They get in a great workout, and they catch up on all the latest. So make a date with your girl(s) and stick to it.
Free Falling
Last but certainly not least. Try something new to you. Whatever that may be, and don't be afraid to fall. Because, well you probably will. It takes time to pick up a new hobby and feel comfortable with it. So fall. Get back up and try, try, again because if you don't you'll never know what you are capable of and you'll never know what you are missing out on if you don't give it a shot. Give it some thought and do what you have always wanted to try. Let this be your summer. Try something from our list or bike, rollerblade, run a race, play a sport, join a team, anything that gets you moving in a fun, carefree, "I feel like I'm a kid again" way. Because that is what most of us are missing as adults, and what we are trying to find each and every day!
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