SUP
Stand Up Paddle boarding is a great full body workout. I was hesitant at first to try this for fear of falling flat on my face, but it actually is not as hard as it looks and it is so much fun. I love to kayak and canoe so SUP seemed like something I just had to try. I like to think of it as a gentle Barre class on a surfboard. Now, I know you are thinking that there’s nothing about that description that sounds easy, but trust me, five minutes in you’ll be paddling away and getting a heck of a workout.
SUP is one of those workouts you don’t really feel at first or sometimes that day even because you are so focused on keeping your balance and taking in the scenery.
- Stand on the slip proof center with your legs about shoulder width apart.
- Using the ore to guide your direction, paddle away and feel the burn.
- This is a killer core workout and your arms and legs will be burning in no time.
Not brave enough to stand? Try it on your knees first. Sound too easy. Try SUP yoga.
You can also bring your pup for an added adventure....
Outdoor Yoga
Yoga is one of the best practices to add your weekly workouts. Our bodies and minds need a break from the constant barrage of workouts, worries and whatnot we throw at it. Yoga is challenging and with so many different types out there, you are sure to find the practice that best suits your needs. If you are anything like me, your mind tends to wander while practicing yoga. I’ve found that when I am practicing yoga outdoors I am more focused and engaged. I choose one sound, a bird, the wind, a fountain, etc to help me concentrate. Whether you are in a group at the park or in your own backyard, outdoor yoga is amazing. There’s nothing like finishing an hour long session, lying in vinyasa while the sun is setting behind the trees to make you bring you back to your true center.
Go for a Hike
I know this isn’t an original idea, but when was the last time you tried a new hiking trail? We are such creatures of habit. I can tell you exactly how far it is when I hit the hill on my usual hiking trail. The great thing about a hiking trail is you can make it as easy or as hard as you want. Need a recovery day from a tough lifting workout? Take a slower pace walk. Need a bit of a challenge? Try your hand at trail running. Whatever you do, try to a trail with some shade, pack some water, a snack and don’t forget the sunscreen.
Theme Run/Walks
Possibly my most favorite exercise after kayaking is running. Theme runs are a great way to get the whole family involved. The best part is that they are almost always geared for all activity levels. We have tried everything from mud, donut, bubble, glow, obstacle and color runs. The family favorite had to be the inflatable run. A 5k run with ten inflatable obstacles placed every so often. As you can see below, my husband clearly had the most fun. Find a race in your area and have some fun.
Jamie’s Killer Stair workout
If some of these activities sound fun but you are sitting at your son’s baseball game wondering when you’ll find time for any of them, here’s something just for you. Now, this isn’t going to be as peaceful as outdoor yoga or as scenic as a new hiking trail but it gets the job done. It doesn’t matter if you have five or fifty minutes, this workout will get your heart pumping. Find the closest set of stairs, ideally it would be more than one flight up.
- Start with a light jog up and down for a warm up.
- Run up the stairs, and jog down.
- Next, try skipping a stair on the way up, jogging back down.
- Lastly, hop up each step with both feet, jog down.
- Repeat as many times as you can.
Use a stone or some sort of marker to keep track of how many sets you have completed. For a cardio break and a core blast, after every complete set, hold plank for one minute.
Don’t think you can tackle any of these workouts on your own? Find the perfect personal trainer that will help on your journey to try something new.