Here are four fantastic summer fitness options.

Summer is here and with it, the warm weather. So, take your daily exercise outside and enjoy the many health benefits that come from staying fit.  Research shows that exercising daily helps energize you, maintain your optimum weight and even boosts your mood, while warding off illness.  Here are four fantastic summer fitness options:

• Biking – Biking is an excellent low-impact summer exercise.  It only requires two to four hours a week to improve your health with cycling.  Because it’s low-impact, it causes less strain and injuries.  It uses all of the major muscle groups while you pedal and doesn’t require high levels of physical skill.  Plus, biking increases stamina, strength and aerobic fitness.   Biking is a great way to lose weight since it raises your metabolic rate, builds muscle and burns body fat.
  
• Swimming – Swimming might be the perfect summer fitness option. It offers a low-impact aerobic workout that allows you to get your heart rate up while the buoyancy of the water supports your body and takes the strain off painful joints. In addition, swimming targets the muscles in your legs, abdomen, shoulders and arms, enabling you to build up muscle strength and tone. Research has also found that swimming can improve your mental state and put you in a better mood.
  
• Strength Training – Even if you’re trying to avoid the gym, you should be doing some sort of strength training.  Lifting light weights will keep your muscles strong.  Muscle also helps burn calories, so the more you have, the easier it is to maintain your ideal weight.  Some research has suggested that strength training can improve brain function later in life.  Remember to start light and ensure proper form to avoid injury.
  
• Walking – Summer is the perfect time to walk.  Walking has just as many, if not more, health benefits than running.  Daily walking can help you lose weight, improve cholesterol levels, keep blood pressure low, improve mood and lower your risk of many diseases including diabetes and heart disease.  It’s easy.  All you need is a good pair of supportive walking shoes and you’re on your way.  Start small and build up to longer distances.  Try to build up to 30-60 minutes of walking per day.