“Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy…” so goes the folksong. And it’s true! Vitamin D is powerful stuff, helping your bones and your immune system stay strong – and good health is a big reason to feel happy. (Sidenote, did you know there’s a whole council for Vitamin D? Check it out here.) One of the main ways to get Vitamin D is by feeling that sunshine on your shoulders – your bare shoulders, that is. And hopefully you’re getting a daily dose of sunshiny stuff now that the weather is warming up.
Want another way to boost your mood and enhance your health? Exercise outside and sweat in the sun! Check out 10 activities for the great outdoors:
#1 – Hit the Trails
Hiking has long be a fan-favorite for savoring excellent weather and scenery while working out. Pack a picnic and hit some trails in your neck of the woods, or plan an urban trek and visit new districts in your city.
#2 – Hit the Beach
Live near the water? Walking along the seaside can be so relaxing; walking or running in the loose (dry – not packed) sand can be hard work! The next time you have a beach day and walk along the shore, take your toes away from the water and trek through the dry sand for a harder workout.
#3 – Get in the Garden
Okay, so this item often falls in the “chore” category, but mowing the lawn, planting tomatoes, and pruning trees are all activities that require movement on your part. Map out your To Dos, get outside and get them done in the sun! Don’t have a green space of your own? Many parks have work days that are open for volunteer participation. A quick search online should tell you where you can exercise your green thumb (and more)!
#4 – Volunteer
Speaking of volunteer participation, most organizations would love some extra help to tackle projects this spring. From highway clean-ups to walking dogs to building houses, there are lots of ways to donate your time and get some extra exercise outside. Your town’s website or Parks and Recreation Department would be a good place to look for opportunities.
#5 – Think (and Play) Like a Kid
We grown-ups often forget that fitness inspiration can be found watching kids play; children stretch, reach, swing, climb, and run all while full of glee and laughter because exercise can be FUN. Round up your buddies for a game of kick the can, tag, or even hide and seek. Head to a park or field and play kickball, softball or flag football if you have a big group!
#6 – Go Dancing
Stay with us here, we’re not suggesting you coordinate a choreographed flashmob-style dance sequence (pictures, please, if you do) but in the warmer months many towns and cities have live music in parks and squares. It might just happen one day a week, and maybe during a farmers’ market, but if you hear music playing take it as your cue to get your groove on. Dancing can lift up our spirits and burn calories – and it’s free! Grab a partner or feel the rhythm solo and get those feet moving.
#7 – Go Sale-ing
With spring cleaning underway, folks are feeling inspired to lighten up, and you might see garage sales popping up all over town. Walking around your neighborhood to peruse the goods can be a great way to get moving – and to get to know your neighbors! Don’t need anything new (to you)? Host a garage sale! Sorting, boxing, setting up, and cleaning up all those items can be a lot of work and will get your blood pumping, as will the excitement of a big sale!
#8 – Sign Up to Walk or Run
Springtime is a great season to find a 5K, 10K, Half or Full Marathon in which to participate. If there isn’t one you’re ready for now, sign up to complete on in the summer or fall, and start your training while the weather is warm. You’ll get outside, get in great shape, and get ready to complete a memorable event – a win, win, win!
#9 – Take a Fitness Vacation
We all know about working out to be in great shape FOR vacation, but what about booking a vacation with the sole purpose of exercising while on your trip? These days a quick search online will show you a myriad of options, from yoga retreats to hiking expeditions to surf camps. This list from Greatist has some stellar ideas.
#10 – Take FitStar Outside
Who says FitStar Personal Trainer and FitStar Yoga have to happen indoors? With a mobile device (or the new Fitbit Blaze!), you can get some fresh air while you work out. Just make sure you stay in the shade so you (and your electronics) don’t overheat.
Want some more fun ideas? Check out this list from Shape magazine to get moving in the great outdoors.
Do you have a favorite way to sweat in the sun? Tell us in the comments below!
Keep Moving,
– Team FitStar
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