Now that summer is in full swing, many people are naturally inclined to want to spend more time outside. After months of being cooped up indoors, we naturally crave sunshine, fresh air and lighter shoes! Now is the perfect time to take your fitness routine outside, and while walking and jogging are easy, affordable options, there are a lot of other ways to get active outside.

 

Go hiking. Find a state park or nearby mountain/canyon and get your hike on! Just remember to wear sturdy, supportive shoes, layers to adjust for your changing temperature and sunblock. If you're going to make a full day of it, bring plenty of water and snacks, such as nuts or a meal replacement bar.

 

Go whitewater rafting. I went rafting for the first time in 2008, and it was a blast! There are companies all over the country that can set you up with everything you need: the raft, paddles and a knowledgeable guide. Get together a group of friends and tackle the rapids - just be sure to wear quick-dry clothing!

 

If high-speed paddling isn't your scene, try a canoe trip instead. You can canoe down rivers and creeks and take advantage of the current, or paddle in lazy circles around a lake. Bring along a buddy to help man the oars.

 

Go swimming. Find a public pool, a lake, or head to the beach (but watch out for dangerous critters!) and dive in. Swimming is a fantastic, low-impact way to torch a ton of calories. You can use pool lanes to do laps, or take advantage of the open water at the lake/ocean to add a little extra resistance.

 

Rent a jet-ski! If you are at a lake or the beach, grab some friends and spend a day riding jet skis. If you go as a group you can split the cost of the rental; plus it's more fun to ride tandem, taking turns being the passenger and the driver. Just be sure to wear your swimsuit or board shorts — you're almost guaranteed to fall off at least once.

 

If water sports aren't your thing, stick to dry land on a bike. Lots of parks and recreation areas offer bike trails, and it's much easier to get distance on two wheels than on two feet. Spend two or three hours biking and you can easily log 30 miles. Just be sure to wear proper clothing and a helmet — and be prepared for sore buns the next day!

 

Play like a kid again. Pack some water and snacks and head to a nearby park. Spend a few hours (or the whole day) just playing. You can try frisbee or soccer, or for equipment-free fun, revisit games from your childhood: tag, red light green light, hide and seek, etc. Finish the afternoon off with a picnic!

 

If you like your outdoor games to be a bit more organized, try an outdoor sport. Take up golfing, or join an adult softball league. You'll have planned workouts, get to meet like-minded locals and maybe even be rewarded with a championship trophy.

 

If you live anywhere near the mountains (or feel like driving to some), give ziplining a try. Guides will teach you the basics, and then you'll hike up the mountain and zipline your way back down. You'll be rewarded with fantastic views, the wind in your hair and the exhilaration of flying down the mountain. 

 

Take up gardening. Go outside, rake up any leaves that might be lingering, turn over the soil, embellish the landscape, grow your own food  — the possibilities are limitless. And in the end, you'll be rewarded with a nicer yard, and healthy fresh, veggies. It's win-win!

 

So what about you? How do you like to spend your outdoor time in the spring? Do you have other suggestions to add to this list?

 

This blog was originally posted at themodernista.com.

 

Photo: jupiterimages