Man and child on beach
via https://shop.stockphotosecrets.com/imagedetails/43166134/02F05505-Ingimage-Father-and-son-playing-together.html

//  by 

With summer slowly creeping up on us, most of us want to spend as much time as possible in the sun! The thought of working out in a sweaty gym is just not on the same level as being outside. Luckily, there are tons of ways to stay active while also soaking up some rays. After all, being in the sun has benefits such as increased vitamin D levels and improved mental health. When you need your exercise fix this summer, try some of these outdoor activities:

How to Get a Tan While Getting Fit

  1. Hiking. Going on hikes is the perfect summer workout. You can find some awesome routes with a quick online search with varying lengths and difficulties in just about any town! You’ll definitely work up a sweat while taking in some awesome views.
  2. Swimming. Whether you live near a lake or the beach or are one of the lucky ones who has a swimming pool, swimming is the perfect way to stay refreshed while working out.
  3. Running on the beach. You would be surprised how difficult it can be to run in the sand. You’ll get your heart rate up while enjoying the beautiful beach breeze and views of the water.
  4. Biking. Biking will give you a great workout! You can bike on roads or trails; the possibilities are endless.
  5. Watersports. Kayaking, canoeing, paddleboats, and paddleboarding are just a few ways to get in a great workout while enjoying some time on the water. Grab a friend and rent a boat for the day for the ultimate summer workout.
  6. Organize a team sports game. Let’s face it, all of our competitive, hard-working sides come out during a game of kickball or
    flag football. Gather a group of friends and plan a fun game or tournament. The options for games and sports are endless. You might even be able to find a local league to join!
  7. Participate in a local race. 5Ks and other races are super popular in the summer months! You’ll be sure to have some local
    options.
  8. Exercise classes. There are so many options for outdoor exercise classes over the summer. Yoga, Zumba, or boot camps are just some of the examples from the long list of classes you can take.

It’s easy to stay active while avoiding the gym over the summer. Try out some of these options the next time you want to get your heart rate up and your muscles really working!

Written by Bridget Horgan with contributions from www.health.harvard.edu