By Olivia Lawnick, Student at Newberry College

Image courtesy of gubgib / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Summer is here! School no longer keeps you inside, so why don't you enjoy the weather while you work out? There are lots of FUN activities to keep you fit while enjoying the great outdoors, but you've got to seek them out.

I've got some ideas to help get you started. The list is diverse, so hopefully, you'll find something that appeals to you!

Take out your bicycle

Now that you are home, why not take the bike out of the garage? Biking is a great cardio exercise that is also low impact on your knees. It is definitely a favorite cross-training exercise of athletes everywhere. Get more out of your biking routes by using a fitness app like Map My Ride on your phone. You can track your route on a map as well as your calories and even speed. Looking for a bike trail? Try Pedaling.com for some ideas.

Get in the water

Another fun summer activity is obvious: swimming. You can use jumping in the pool as an excuse to cool off, as well as work off those sundaes and barbecues. If you don't have a pool, many local gyms offer summer memberships. You could also try making a trip to a water park.

Want more adventure in the water? Why not try something new? Many outdoor adventure centers offer activities like kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and whitewater rafting. These are all great group activities, so you don't have to skimp on time with your family or friends this summer break. Columbus, Ga., offers the longest urban whitewater rafting course in the world. It definitely looks worth trying out!

Take your dog on a hike

Now that you're back at home, I'm sure you missed the family dog while you were away. Why not spend some extra time with him or her? Look around for local dog parks or hiking trails. Many campuses have botanical gardens with dirt trails and paved walkways. Rutgers University and Clemson University are two favorites of my dog, Heidi. If you are more into hiking, you can use websites like Trails.com to locate a trail near you. Visiting national parks is another great way to get the most out of the outdoors this summer.

Try a themed race

What summer would be complete without a ROAD TRIP? Why not combine your love of travel with fitness? Well, there are plenty of themed and fun races being held this summer. Look up one that you particularly want to run in and plan a mini-vacation around the race! With the race in mind, you will have some extra motivation. Plus, the extra adventure will really change the pace of your summer days. In the Run for Your Lives 5k race, runners are chased by zombies along the route. To sign up as a runner or a zombie, see locations here. Another popular and fun 5k is the Color Run, no explanation needed. To register for your fun time, see locations here.
 

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