Summer is your best chance to make the most of your free time and find something fun you can do alone or with friends and family. The sun is shining, and you’re feeling great and want any excuse to leave the house and do something. There is no better time to find a fun activity that might become a hobby, but if you’re unsure which activity to pick, here are ten sports to help you stay active this summer.
Running
There’s a reason why you see so many people pounding the pavement as soon as the weather cheers up. Running is easy to get into because all you need is a pair of ladies or men’s running shoes, and these needn’t be too expensive if you’re a novice. Many people believe they hate running or can’t run, but they are just running the wrong way. Apps like Nike Run Club come with a host of training plans for all levels, while Strava and similar platforms also help you track your progress and see that every mile counts.
Walking Or Hiking
If you don’t want to go too fast too soon, you can opt for walking or hiking. The UK is full of stunning walks, from Cornwall to the Cotswolds and the Peak District and Lake District. You can find walks for all levels and go at your own pace and like running, you only need a pair of suitable shoes to ensure your experience is enjoyable.
Cycling
If you’re not one for running or walking, cycling is the next best thing if you have a bike. You don’t need to invest in all the gear. All you need is a path and comfortable clothes, before setting off wherever you like. At first, you might not go too far, but the more you explore and the more you build your leg muscles, the easier it will be to conquer those stubborn steep hills. Just make sure you remember your signals when turning the corner, and for the love of God wear a helmet. There’s nothing cool about head trauma.
Golf
While many people assume golf is a game solely for wealthy retirees, it has grown in popularity amongst the younger generation in recent years. Of course, everyone will tell you that golf is a horrible game, even if they’ve played it for decades, yet it is a great chance to get out of the house and enjoy the fresh air. If you take a fancy to that sweet feeling of striking the ball just right, you might want to invest in a golf training aid to improve your form and skills. You never know, you might enjoy your next round.
Swimming
If you’d prefer to cool off rather than sweat off several pounds, swimming gives you a full-body workout that is low impact and high potential. Your local leisure centre should offer a time for adult swimming, but if you want to enjoy nature and cool off, the swimming ponds at Hampstead Heath are fun and open all year round (yes, even on Christmas Day) in case you get the wild swimming itch.
Beach Volleyball
You don’t need to be a tanned Adonis to enjoy beach volleyball, and there are places to place even though the UK is not known for its pristine white sand beaches. By itself, volleyball gets the blood pumping and is much faster than you might first expect. This makes it a great activity to stay fit and exercise all your muscles to boost your conditioning.
Kayaking Or Canoeing
People who love to get out onto the water should look no further than kayaking or canoeing. You can do this alone or with a partner and row easily along a canal or even on the ocean. There are plenty of places across the country, including water parks or centres as well as free kayaking where you can explore your surroundings in a more relaxed environment while still getting a great arm workout and the freedom to know you can go as quickly or as slowly as you like.
Tennis
With Wimbledon sure to capture the hearts and minds of people across the globe, it’s no surprise that the tennis courts will fill up sooner rather than later once the weather improves. Like volleyball, tennis provides an excellent full-body workout, especially considering you don’t need to play for that long if you’re just learning how to serve or establish a competitive rally. While it can be tricky to become good at tennis, taking lessons or just playing casually with a friend or partner can still give you a great excuse to get outside and work up a sweat.
Disc Golf
If you’re looking for something unique and fun, disc golf is a great chance for casual outdoor activity. Although there are disc golf leagues, most people play just because it’s a low effort but always enjoyable. With disc golf, you can get out of the house and get your daily step count in. Eventually, you might even become good enough to consider joining a league at your local park.
Surfing
You might think that the UK does not have the waves for surfing, but you’d be wrong. You can surf in many places, such as Abersoch or off the coast of Cornwall. The National Watersports Centre also offers a fantastic environment for learners. With surfing, you can learn balance, and it can kickstart a passion that will encourage you to try surfing elsewhere. If you’re stuck for a destination for your next holiday, maybe you’ll feel drawn to Australia, Bali, South Africa or California for a top-notch surfing experience.
Fun In the Sun
There’s nothing better than getting outside and building up a sweat, whether you’re doing something competitive or just having fun with friends and family. These ideas should give you plenty to think about when choosing your summer sport, and it could even become your sport that you use to stay fit, unwind, and stay sane.