Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors and engage in various sports and activities to get active. We encourage you to stay active during the summer season, as it is essential for both physical and mental well-being. We will be sharing some fun and engaging sporty activities to participate in this summer if you’re looking to find some new activities to do, along with tips to ensure you stay safe and injury-free.
Before beginning any exercise or stretching routine, you should consult with a qualified healthcare professional.
One activity to try this summer is beach volleyball. This sport is a popular choice to play during the summer months as it creates a fun atmosphere to enjoy a competitive game and develop camaraderie amongst others while giving you an opportunity to improve your physical fitness. Beach volleyball can be enjoyed by people of all ages and provides various benefits such as improving your endurance and hand-eye coordination.
Serving and diving for the ball can be exhilarating, but it is important to practice proper form to avoid any injuries pertaining to the shoulder and knee. An effective warm-up regimen with dynamic stretches, a light warmup, and strengthening exercises for the shoulders and core can also reduce the risk of injury as well. Running back and forth for each volley can be a ton of fun, but you’ll also want to practice safe habits by wearing adequate sunscreen and drinking plenty of fluids to ensure you’re hydrated.
Kayaking and paddleboarding are water activities that can work wonders as a full body workout. Both activities provide a way to challenge your body and explore the waters around you.
Before heading out on the water, we recommend familiarizing yourself with the proper techniques for kayaking and paddleboarding and wearing a fitted life jacket when engaging in either activity. It’s also a good idea to let your friends and family members know when you’re about to head out, and when they should expect to hear back from you.
Don’t hesitate to ask them if they’d like to come along as well, because kayaking and paddleboarding can be fun for groups.
Swimming is a low-impact activity that provides a great way to stay in shape and to stay cool during the hot and humid summer season. It is an aerobic exercise that provides a variety of physical and mental benefits, such as improving sleep and one’s overall mood.
Beach and water activities are a staple of summer fun, but they also come with their own set of risks. Before diving in, it is essential to warm up your muscles and stretch properly to prevent strains, sprains, or other common injuries.
If you prefer solid ground beneath your feet, there are plenty of land sports to enjoy during the summer months. These activities offer opportunities to explore nature while improving your fitness level.
The first of these fun land sports or activities to do to get physically active during the warm season is hiking. This outdoor activity provides an opportunity to explore new trails and take in the scenery around you. Hiking trails are a good way to get active because you can choose trails that match your fitness level.
Speaking of trails, biking is also a great way to stay active this summer. Whether you’re hitting the trails or cycling around your neighborhood, bike safety is paramount. You should always wear a helmet, obey traffic laws, and make sure your bike is properly fitted to your body to reduce the risk of injury.
If you are looking for a way to seek more excitement this summer, then adventure-based challenges might be for you!
An example of a popular challenge to try this summer would be obstacle courses. Regardless of the type of obstacle course, they can be great for involving all your senses and test your strength and endurance as you progress through various challenges.
Rock climbing is another good activity if you are looking to be challenged mentally and physically. Like obstacles courses, rock climbing can help you engage in cardio, relieve stress, and build confidence.
Getting the whole family involved in summer sports can be a rewarding experience. Activities like frisbee and mini golf can be fun and competitive for all ages and abilities. The great news is that many family-friendly activities also have low barriers to entry so you don’t need to be an expert to have fun. Ultimate Frisbee is a fun and fast-paced game that can provide a quality workout for all members of the family as you run around and throw the frisbee. Mini golf is a classic summer pastime that provides entertainment for the whole family. Both can help with improving hand eye coordination and motor skills.
Participating in summer sports and activities can be fun if proper safety measures are considered and utilized. Here are some tips to keep in mind to stay safe and injury free:
Even with the best precautions, injuries can still occur. If you experience a sprain, strain, or other sports-related injury, we encourage you to tune into the needs of your body and seek attention from a healthcare professional. When dealing with an injury, set aside time for your body to heal by reducing activities that aggravate the injury and seeking physical therapy to address aches and pains you’re dealing with. Physical therapy can be very effective for treating injuries, aches and pains. PT not only addresses any existing injuries, but also provides you with the tools needed to reduce the risk of re-injury in the future.
Schedule an appointment with a physical therapist to seek the treatment you need.
When walking into the summer season, we encourage you to explore and enjoy all the activities that the summer months have to offer. Incorporating a variety of sports and activities into your daily routine allows you to find exciting ways to improve your activity levels for yourself, friends, and family. While exploring, please remember to prioritize your safety, listen to your body, and seek professional guidance as needed. By prioritizing your safety and practicing injury prevention strategies, not only will this summer be enjoyable, but it can also keep you free from injury or further limitation.
Are you ready to enjoy the new season to the fullest? Join us at Results Physiotherapy as we’re here to help you make this the most active summer yet. We have experienced, dedicated physical therapists who are ready to support you every step of the way.
Schedule an appointment with us at a nearby physical therapy location, and kickstart your journey to optimal health!
