By the time June arrives, I’m ready to get outside whenever and however I can. My usual activities—whether I’m reading a book or fitting in a workout—are exponentially more enjoyable in the fresh summer air, beneath the warm sun (as long as it’s not too hot, of course). All winter long, I trudge through my cardio routine, avoiding the rain and early nightfall by burning calories on the stationary bike and treadmill. But now, it’s summer, and that means not only that we can get our hearts pumping outdoors, but also that we can do so by engaging in a variety of activities beyond the usual gym repertoire.
In search of something beyond the routine slog on the treadmill or the obvious outdoor run, I sought out some pastimes (and even chores) that don’t instantly conjure up visions of exercise but actually offer legitimate calorie-burning opportunities.
In the Water
Sure, we’ve all heard that swimming laps and water aerobics will keep us fit, but there are plenty of less fitness-focused activities that can also count as, well, exercise.
Snorkeling: Burn Factor = 318 calories*
Many of us lucky enough to be hitting a tropical beach this summer will find ourselves strapping on fins and snorkel masks to check out the local marine life. The upside to getting those masks tangled in our hair (along with obtaining some classic holiday-card photos) is that we’ll burn over 100 calories for every hour we’re exploring.
Kayaking: Burn Factor = 318 calories
Many oceanside areas offer kayak tours to check out nearby landmasses and wildlife. While smelling that fresh, salty sea air and figuring out just how to make that canoelike thing turn the way we want, you’ll torch just as many calories as you would on a stationary gym machine—sans sweaty-shorts guy panting next to you.
Waterskiing: Burn Factor = 382 calories
Quit roasting in the boat—strap on those skis and be a part of the action. Whether you’re a practiced pro or a first-timer, skimming across the lake’s surface with the wind on your face is so refreshing (and slightly scary!) that burning calories will be the last thing on your mind (which doesn’t make it count as exercise any less).
