Four Fun Activities You Can Do This Summer

Looking to stay active this summer? Do so by enjoying the great outdoors! By engaging in fun and healthy activities, you will make great memories, stay in shape, and build stronger relationships. There are many activities that can be done outside with friends and family that gets everyone involved and yields a higher quality of life. While having fun outdoors is great, injuries are always a possibility. If you’ve been injured doing something you love, United Rehab Physical Therapy can give you the help you need today. Stay active and avoid injuries with these four fun activities for the summer!

Hiking

Hiking is an activity that is a lot more rewarding than some may think. Described as a long, usually uphill walk that is lead by trails and walkways, hiking is a great way to keep your whole family active. In addition, it is shown that hiking can reduce the risk of injury in the future, such as:

Lowers blood pressure
Improved bone density
Improved osteoarthritis symptoms
Increased range of motion
Enhanced mental health

If you are living with chronic pain due to an injury or condition that is preventing you from getting active outdoors, United Rehab Physical Therapy can help you.

Swimming

Swimming is a physical activity that gives the entire body a challenge. When swimming, your coordination and lung health is improved, muscles are strengthened, and your mental health will benefit as well. Also, for those suffering from joint issues and are trying to reduce the pressure put on them, swimming is an excellent way to stay in shape and properly recover at the same time. If you suffer from some type of knee or hip pain, swimming can be an excellent option for activity. However, swimming is something you should be careful with, especially if you’re not the strongest swimmer. Be sure your friends and family are wearing a life jacket if they are young individuals and are just learning how to swim.

Paddleboarding

Almost identical to a surfboard, a paddleboard is used to stand, sit, or kneel on. The board comes with one long paddle that is used to propel through the water. Originating in Hawaii, paddleboarding has now become a mainstream recreational activity that is becoming more popular by the day. Paddleboarding may not be the easiest of recreational sports, but with some practice, owners can master the activity. The great thing about paddle boarding is that it is a challenging leg and core workout. This activity is a great way to stay fit because it is powered simply by the user. This exercise can help you lose weight and improve your cardiovascular health.

Kayaking

Kayaking is a great activity to do with friends and family. A kayak is a versatile flotation device that is used to travel across water by the consistent rowing of your paddles. This outdoor activity is a great way to tone your arm muscles and get a core burn. Kayaks are powered by torso movement as well as the leg strength of the riders which promotes many great health benefits. Because kayaking is a low-impact activity, it’s a great way to stay active if you’re recovering from a tear or strained muscle.

Take the initiative this summer and get in the best shape possible. Whether it’s kayaking, hiking, or swimming, staying active is a great way to help your physical and mental health. If you’ve found yourself injured from doing an activity you love, United Rehab Physical Therapy can help you! Contact us to make an appointment today.