Summer is a fantastic time to embrace outdoor activities and stay active, but it’s also important to prioritize safety. As your trusted Chandler chiropractor, we want to help you stay active while keeping your body healthy and injury-free. Here, we’ll share some of our favorite chiropractor-approved summer fitness activities. Then, we’ll provide some essential tips for staying active and pain-free.
9 Chiropractor-Approved Activities for Summer Fitness
Whether you’re looking to achieve a particular health goal or you simply want to stay active, these summer fitness activities can boost your physical and mental well-being.
1. Walking and Hiking
- Why: Walking and hiking are low-impact activities that keep your muscles and joints active while also promoting excellent cardiovascular health.
- Where: If the summer heat bothers you, don’t be afraid to walk indoors on a treadmill. To make it more enjoyable, however, we recommend choosing scenic trails, strolling through a park, or walking around the neighborhood.
- Chiropractor Tips: Use supportive footwear to prevent strain on your feet and joints.
2. Swimming
- Why: The benefits of swimming for overall health are many. This summer fitness activity can give you a full-body workout, is easy on the spine, and helps you stay flexible. Plus, it’s a great way to keep cool during our HOT summer months!
- Where: Indoor and outdoor swimming pools are often easily accessible, even for those with mobility challenges. Local lakes could be an option, too, and maybe even provide you with the opportunity for a walk through a park.
- Chiropractor Tips: Wear sunscreen whenever swimming outdoors to prevent sunburn.
3. Cycling
- Why: Biking is a fun way to improve cardiovascular health and leg strength.
- Where: Make this summer fitness activity really enjoyable by cycling on designated bike paths or exploring scenic trails.
- Chiropractor Tips: Ensure your bike is adjusted correctly to fit your body to help prevent back and knee strain. Also be sure to wear a helmet for safety.
4. Yoga
- Why: This activity enhances flexibility and strength while promoting relaxation, stress relief, and better breathing.
- Where: Yoga can be done in a studio, inside your home, or even outdoors. Outdoor sessions can be particularly refreshing when they’re done in a scenic area and during the coolest parts of the day.
- Chiropractor Tips: Focus on proper form to prevent injuries, reduce stress, and even manage back pain.
5. Kayaking or Canoeing
- Why: This summer fitness activity provides a great upper-body workout while strengthening your core muscles.
- Where: Choose local lakes or rivers for scenic fun that may also give you a chance to go swimming (intentionally, of course!).
- Chiropractor Tips: Use proper form when paddling to prevent back, shoulder, and neck strain.
6. Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
- Why: Get a low-impact workout to improve balance, core strength, and overall body fitness while enjoying the water.
- Where: Explore small local lakes and rivers or add this summer fitness activity to your vacation agenda. Many resorts offer paddleboarding activities either on-site or nearby.
- Chiropractor Tips: Start in calm waters and then progress to more challenging conditions.
7. Gardening
- Why: While you may not consider gardening to be a summer fitness activity, it actually has many benefits. In addition to growing your own healthy fruits and vegetables, gardening is a great way to stay active and connect with nature – a plus for your body AND your mind! It also engages various muscle groups, improving strength and flexibility.
- Where: Unless you have a greenhouse setup, most people garden outdoors. But gardening doesn’t have to just be at home – it can be a community activity, too! Volunteer at your local community garden and meet new friends while staying active and contributing to your neighborhood in a positive way.
- Chiropractor Tips: Use proper body mechanics to avoid back strain, especially when lifting bagged gardening materials or bending over for long periods of time.
8. Tennis or Pickleball
- Why: This is a fun social activity that can enhance cardiovascular health, flexibility, and agility.
- Where: Many communities have tennis or pickleball courts available for public use.
- Chiropractor Tips: Wear good-quality footwear, warm up properly, and play on well-maintained courts to help prevent injuries.
9. Golf
- Why: Golfing can improve cardiovascular health and coordination. Additionally, if you choose to walk the course, you can get even more physical activity.
- Where: Your local golf course … of course! Or, if you have a large enough piece of property, invite some friends over and spend the afternoon practicing your golf swing.
- Chiropractor Tips: Prevent back and shoulder injuries by using proper swing techniques.
Related article: Will Chiropractic Care Take Your Golf Game to the Next Level?
Essential Summer Fitness Tips From Your Chandler Chiropractor
Now that you know WHAT to do to stay active this summer, let’s talk about HOW to do it so you stay healthy and pain-free. Follow the tips below to get the most out of your summer fitness activities without experiencing injuries:
Stay Hydrated: Adequate hydration is important ANY time of year but especially during the hot summer months we have here in Arizona. Since dehydration can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and even heat stroke, it’s critical to hydrate well before, during, and after exercise.
Warm Up and Cool Down: Regardless of which summer fitness activity you choose, warming up before you start can help prepare your muscles and joints and potentially prevent injuries. Similarly, cooling down with gentle activity and deep breathing can help your body return to its normal state and help you avoid stiff muscles.
Exercise at the Right Time: With daytime temperatures often topping out at 90 degrees plus here in Arizona, it’s important to schedule your summer fitness activities appropriately. Reduce your risk for heat-related illnesses and make your workout more enjoyable by exercising at the coolest times of day.
Wear Appropriate Gear: Lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking clothing helps regulate your body temperature and keeps you comfortable. Don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat, UV-protection sunglasses, and sunscreen to shield yourself from the sun. Proper footwear is also essential to provide the support and stability your feet and ankles need during physical activities.
Maximize Your Summer Fitness Routine with Regular Visits to Your Chandler Chiropractor
Perhaps the most important tip of all is to remember to consistently visit your chiropractor, even during the busy summer months. With regular chiropractic care, it’s possible to identify and correct misalignments and imbalances BEFORE they create more significant issues or injuries.
Staying active all year long, including the hot summer months, is a great way to boost your physical and mental well-being. Schedule an appointment with our Chandler chiropractor today to maximize your summer fitness and enjoy healthy, pain-free living!