Shake Up Your Summer Workout Routine

By Genevieve Smith

Want to work out but your mind is starting to go numb from the same old routine? Summer is a great time to change up workouts and adapt to the sunny weather. Not that the whether is ever terrible in San Marcos, but the summer months are especially great for pool time and other outdoor activities. From the classic to the more creative, check out this list of low-impact workouts for a little outdoor recreation inspiration.

Swimming pool routine - Regardless of whether you’re a strong swimmer or not, there are muscle building and aerobic exercises out there to get a tighter core and your heart pumping. Fitness coach Anna Renderer has some great pool workouts to keep a body toned, from trunk twists to knee tucks. Look for workouts which can be modified for any injuries you may have sustained. The pool is great for its low impact on the body and built-in weight resistance.

Ropes course - These are outdoor obstacle courses. Rope courses can be an individual feat involving problem solving and confidence building as you learn to trust your own decisions throughout the course, or they can be tackled with a team to tighten a group dynamic. Either way, you’re getting your exercise on with the added bonus of a few mental push-ups.

Rollerblading - Take to the coast, map out a path, and get blading. Rollerblading is a great aerobic workout that strengthens your core and lower body while allowing you to travel and take in the summer mood. Make sure to wear a hat and sun-protective clothing, or opt for a pre-dusk journey to avoid direct sunlight.

Paddleboarding - If you’re new to paddleboarding, you’re in for a treat. It’s quite easy to pick up, and really works the upper body. This is a great way to engage in your natural surroundings while also working on balance and muscle building. Practice going close to the shore with an experienced paddleboarder for a smooth introductory experience.

Slacklining - Growing in popularity, slacklining involves securing a thick webbing between two anchors, such as two trees. Favored for its versatility, slacklining can be done most anywhere the two ends of the rope can be secured. Similar to tightrope walking, this activity is great for building balance and targeting the core. Incorporate a medicine ball and add in classic moves to take full advantage of your next outing. You can modify push-ups, lunges, sit-ups, dips and more by engaging the slackline and working on balance.

Take advantage of the remaining summer and get out there! Let the breeze wash over you and the sweat pour down while engaging in these low-impact activities designed to bring your heart rate up and build new muscle. There’s nothing like a new season, after all, to shake things up.

To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in San Marcos, Calif.