Summer Sports for Anyone

A lucky few of you live in a climate where it’s summer all year long; where you can get out and enjoy the warm weather anytime you want.  For the rest of us…these few months of summer are precious and as you may have noticed, they go by faster every year!  So this summer, take advantage of the long days, warm nights, and sunny skies to get out and improve your physical and mental health.

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How do you do this?  It’s easier than you think.  My advice to you is to take up (or at least try) two new sports this year.  I guarantee you’ll be amazed at how good you feel, inside and out, after working hard and learning something new.  Learning a new skill challenges and stimulates your brain, but learning a new physical skill will do this and be beneficial to your physical health and well-being.

Taking up a new sport in your me time will improve your confidence, increase your ability to push yourself mentally and physically, and is great way to relieve stress and take in the fresh air.  Involving your entire family is also a positive choice for everyone.  The Women’s Sports Foundation states that families who participate in sports report higher levels of family satisfaction.  So after you complete that local kayak course you’ve wanted to try, why not spend some summer evenings teaching your family as well.  Read on for examples of summer sports you can try and how they can keep you healthy.

Swimming
Summer is a great time to hit the outdoor pool or lake and get your body moving.  Swimming uses almost all of the large muscle groups in your body without the pounding you’d get from running.  You’ll also love the new toned arms and shoulders consistent swimming will give you.  Regular swimming not only improves strength, but also increases your muscular endurance, cardiovascular ability, and burns plenty of calories each session as well.

Check with your local YWCA, recreational pool, or Red Cross to find adult swim lessons in your area.  Whether you are a beginner or are someone who wants to improve their mile swim time, courses or teams are available to meet your needs. Red Cross www.redcross.org or USA Swimming www.usaswimming.org

Nordic Walking
Nordic walking is a type of fitness walking using specially designed walking poles that has become a new trend among all ages in the last few years.  It provides a total body workout, is time efficient, and can be done by almost anyone.  If you’ve been a walker for years, this is a great way to challenge yourself this summer.  Recent studies by the Cooper Institute in Dallas, TX showed that Nordic walking can be up to 46% more efficient than regular walking. American Walking Association www.anwa.us

Paddling
Paddling can take many forms – canoe or kayak, white water or stream, lake or ocean.  The choices are limitless.  Just find what you like best and what is most convenient for where you live or vacation.  Both canoeing and kayaking are great low impact activities that can improve your cardiovascular endurance, strength, and flexibility.  Your back, arm, and shoulder muscles will be used the most while you’re moving the paddle and your core muscles work to keep you stable.

Both canoeing and kayaking are excellent choices to get outside, get fit, and enjoy the summer.  The best way to learn is by joining a local club, participating in a one-day workshop, or by renting equipment and trying it out for a day.  If you’re really up for a summer adventure, try looking for a week long excursion – you’ll be a pro in no time! American Canoe Association www.americancanoe.org

Triathlon Training
Are you someone who hits the pavement all summer on those morning runs?  If so, try switching up your workouts this year by training for a triathlon.  Combining running, swimming, and biking is a sure way to get your entire body fit and lean.  Having a multi-sport event to train for will keep you motivated, and by cross training, you’ll be less likely to suffer from overuse injuries as well. To find a race near you www.active.com or USA Triathlon www.usatriathlong.org

Kickball
No kickball is NOT just for kids anymore.  As of last summer the World Adult Kickball Association (WAKA) had over 49,000 members taking part in leagues all across the country.  In kickball games players are able to burn calories, run around outside, and have fun in a stress-free social environment.  Work on that leg strength to improve your ability to kick the ball and practice your sprints to make sure you make it home safe.  To learn more: World Adult Kickball Association www.kickball.com or National Kickball Association www.nka-kc.com

With all of these sports, and more, to fill up your summer why not get outside this year?  Summer sports are a great way to get fit, have fun, and get in shape before the cold weather sends us back inside this fall.  Enjoy!

Laurie Smith, M.Ed., CSCS, CHES
Laurie is an exercise physiologist and health educator with a passion for being physically active and encouraging others to do the same.  She is nationally certified as a Health Education Specialist, Personal Fitness Trainer, Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and Yoga instructor.  She holds a Masters Degree in Health Education and a Bachelors Degree in Exercise Science.  As an expert in health education and fitness, Laurie has spent time managing both corporate and college wellness programs, teaching middle school health education, coaching youth sport, and training individuals to reach their health and fitness goals.  Laurie was a competitive gymnast for 15 years who currently spends her free time skiing, traveling, running half marathons, and learning to surf.  Laurie believes that investing in your health is one of the best investments you can make.  Whether you put in time, energy, or money, you are guaranteed to get positive results. http://www.healthyinvestments-inc.com/, www.momsinmotions.com