Summer Fitness | Youthink
Image credit:  iStock | Going for regular runs with a friend during the summer is another great way to get in shape without having to go to the gym.

Fitness Tips: Stay Out of the Gym This Summer

by Makaila Jones - Bishop O’Byrne High School, Calgary AB Jun 7, 2011

Get your body summer-ready without going to the gym.

The sun’s shining, school’s almost over and the bikinis and trunks have been dusted off. Now's the perfect time to get your body primed for the summer season. But if you're dreading another trip to the gym and the same old exercises (or intimidated by all that complex equipment), why not change up your workouts? Here are three fun and effective ideas to consider when planning your next workout.
 

Outdoor Fitness Activities

Take full advantage of the sun this summer. Whether you're doing some pull-ups on the monkey bars at a nearby playground, biking on some great local trails, going for a sunrise run or gathering your friends at a park for an outdoor game of soccer, incorporating all that the great outdoors has to offer into your workout will allow you to get in shape while enjoying some fresh air!
 

Home Workout Activities

Even in summer we get rainy days, but that doesn't mean you can't still get a sweat going. Many health and fitness magazines have great exercises that you can follow right at home - and the best part is many of those exercises use your body weight as resistance, which means no bulky equipment. Another option is to invest in a really good workout DVD. Even the cheesy ones from the '80s will do!  Some of the most popular ones are Turbo Jam, the Hip Hop Abs series and P90X.
 

Get Toned With Yoga

This form of exercise has been gaining popularity each year. People try yoga for a variety of reasons - whether it's to deal with chronic pain, go on a spiritual journey, increase flexibility or just relax - but it is also a great way to achieve that toned body. There a lots of places in your community that offer drop-in classes with reasonable fees. However, if you're hoping to do this one on your own or with a few friends, buy a DVD (I suggest Rodney Yee) and schedule a weekly yoga session.
 
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