The temperature is radiating 98 degrees outside, and the idea of working out feels treacherous. Not only that, heading indoors to a gym to run in place on a treadmill seems tedious. Want the challenge of a workout that’s fun and heat-friendly? Try a new activity! Here are a few alternatives to keeping up your workout during a heatwave.
Ice skating is a fun way to get moving while achieving cardio goals and staying cool. It promotes balance and coordination, improves flexibility in the joints, encourages endurance, and burns calories. Find a nearby rink, rent some skates, and practice circling the ice. In the winter, it’s a great way to get outdoors to an outdoor rink to exercise in the fresh, crisp air.
Contrary to popular belief, rock climbing requires more than just upper body strength. You need strong legs to help push you up the rock. Rock climbing may not be for the faint of heart, but you don’t need to be James Bond, either. There’s a bit of an adrenaline kick, but it also gives you a complete workout and muscle build. It engages different muscle groups, from the forearms to the core and legs. Even your fingers will develop more strength. You’ll develop intricate footwork and strategy to accomplish your climb. Rock climbers also report decrease in stress and increase in focus. You can take the workout outside, or find an indoor climbing wall (that’s air-conditioned) to affix yourself.
Live near the ocean? Surfing is a great water activity that uses swimming and balance. Surfing requires you to paddle with your arms, run (in the sand) with a board in hand, and control your leg muscles. You’ll also develop a strong core to stay balanced. And because you’re so focused on catching and staying on the wave, you won’t even notice you’re also heavily exercising. Don’t live by an ocean? Try windsurfing on a lake. It requires similar muscle groups, but you’ll also get an extra workout from picking up the sail and holding onto it while sailing at 20 mph.
Rowing is another excellent way to work out your entire body while enjoying a breeze, the water, and scenery. You use your legs and hips to push, while pulling on the oars with your arms and upper body. In fact, your legs do about 70 percent of the work, while your arms do about 10 percent and body takes care of the remaining 20 percent. Rowing involves bringing a boat, or shell, up to speed from a dead stop in the water, which requires a lot of power and strength. You’ll need to maintain that speed as well. The sport can also be calming for its rhythmic pattern.
It’s still important to stay hydrated throughout your workout and protect yourself from the sun, if you end up outside. Also learn to take breaks as needed. There’s no need to dread your summer workout just because it’s hot out! Not only will you be able to exercise and have fun during this heat, you’ll develop some new skills and pick up a new sport!