Fun ways to get a weekend workout

Here it is, another Friday has come and another week has flown by. "HELLO WEEKEND!" can be heard from various offices and places of work around the world. sit and make plans of what to do with these glorious few days off, does it mean dinners, happy hours, movies, bars? Just because you've got the time off to explore and get out of your routine doesn't mean that your choices can't be active and fun and help you reach any of your fitness goals. Below I'll list some of my favorite ways of staying active and healthy on the weekend!

1. Hiking

If the weather permits, this is a great way to get out and enjoy your environment. Taking a hike up some uneven terrain helps not only get your blood flowing and heart rate pumping, but it also helps build and tone the lower body. Ladies, want those strong, long, and lean legs? Go out for a nice brisk walk/hike and your legs will be ready for those shorts and skirts in no time. So lace up your boots, pack some trail mix and water, and get off the beaten path and explore your surroundings this weekend!

2. Walk the Dog

This one goes out to all the pet owners out there, got a pooch at home, no better way to get some exercise for both of you and spend some quality time than going for a nice long walk. Taking the dog for a walk may sound like a daily chore, but on a nice sunny Saturday or Sunday a leisurely stroll can get the heart rate elevated, lower cortisol levels, raise dopamine, and give your best friend some much needed exercise. Keep yourself and your pup healthy and happy this weekend, get out and have some fun!

3. Beach Day

This may seem like a no-brainer but a nice fun day in the sun can be a great way to get a nice sweat and some relaxation. Most will think that a beach day means laying around and tanning, but there are multiple ways to enjoy the sun and sand. Get your friends together, grab some healthy snacks and drinks, and get some fun games going. Beach volleyball, spike ball, cornhole, frisbee, beach football, there are tons of ways to enjoy the sun, sand, and surf.

4. Swimming

This one can be lumped in with the beach, but think of this as a nice day enjoying the pool. Have a pool party, go snorkeling, diving, or just some laps at the neighborhood YMCA. Get in the water, get the blood flowing, get the heart pumping, a total body workout that can get you toned before you even know it. Just make sure you have on sunscreen ;)

5. Paddlboard/Surfing/Kayaking

We get a couple different activities lumped in here at number 5, basically anything on a board in the water! Build that balance, core strength, and back muscles. Paddleboarding, surfing, kayaking, or canoeing, all of these activities can help get your nervous system pumping and body lean and mean.

6. Ski/Snowbard

For those of us who live in the colder climates this one is obvious, get out and enjoy the powder! Ski, snowboard, snowmobile, sledding, whatever it may be, just get out and use the mountain. Not just the elevation, but snow sports have the ability burns tons of calories by using the larger muscle groups of the legs. It may be cold, but you're still sweating under all those layers so remember to stay hydrated and you just might earn some hot cocoa for your troubles...

7. Bike/Skate

Last but not least we have bicycling and skating. Go to holdovers from times as children and this being the main mode of transportation, use either of these wheeled vehicles to get out and explore the city (or mountain)!

As you can see, there are many different ways to get outdoors and enjoy the weekend. All of these ideas will elevate the heart rate, get the blood flowing and muscles moving, and ultimately allow you to maintain those levels of fitness you've been working so hard for during the week.