8 Outdoor Summer Activities That Burn Hundreds of Calories

Jun 23 2017
We love summer relaxation as much as the next person, but the sunny weather is also ideal for outdoor calorie burners! Here are eight great ways to get some physical activity this summer... Don't forget your sunscreen!



Frisbee (175 calories per hour)

That's right, Frisbee. And we're not even talking about full-blown ultimate Frisbee. (Who has the attention span for all those rules?) We just mean winging a Frisbee back and forth with a pal. You can do this anywhere: a picnic, a party, your very own backyard... If you've got an active pet pooch, you don't even need a human pal!

Gardening (275 calories per hour)

If you've got a yard, start digging! Pull weeds, and plant some new additions, from floral varieties to food-bearing plants! (Bonus: Healthy snacks by the end of the summer.) Don't have a yard, but intrigued by this calorie burner? See if there are any community gardens in your area; they're becoming more common!

Light Hiking (200 - 400 calories per hour)

Are you a Housewalking kind of person? Try taking it outside! Hikes don't have to be intense. If you're on vacation, research nearby places you can explore. If you're staying local, plan a little excursion close to home. Make a half-day out of it; pack a lunch, grab a water bottle, and get moving! Safety tip: If you're flying solo and/or heading somewhere remote, first check in with someone and let 'em know your location!

Light/Moderate Swimming (350 calories per hour)

You don't have to vigorously swim laps to burn serious calories; just hop in a pool (or the ocean), and start moving! Swimming is a perfect calorie burner for anyone who doesn't love to break a sweat. Cool off and get your heart rate up at the same time. Bonus: If you're on a seaside vacay and snorkeling is an option, you can burn around 350 calories an hour while taking in the underwater sights.

Recreational Biking (300 calories per hour)

This is another good one, whether you're staying home for the summer or traveling. If you're vacationing, pick a day and see the sights by bike! Look for rental places, and don't forget to spring for a helmet. (The girl in this photo should have!) Or just hop on your bike, and pedal around your neighborhood for funsies. Pick a cool nearby destination, and head there and back. It doesn't have to be a huge event!

Canoeing (250 calories per hour)

Tell summer boredom to take a hike. (Hey, it'll burn some calories!) Do some research, and find a destination where you can get a li'l boat out in the water. Even parks with small lakes or ponds often offer the recreation. Also fun? Paddle boating. Adventure is just around the riverbend!

Lawn Bowling (200 calories per hour)

At summertime cookouts, there's usually a bunch of adults sitting around chatting while the kids are running around having fun. Wish you could play like the kiddos? Get a friendly lawn game going for the adults! We like this because you can still carry on a conversation while you play. Get up offa that thing! Wondering where one acquires a lawn bowling set? Amazon, of course!

Casual Beach Volleyball (200 calories per hour)

Chances are, none of us is exactly Gabrielle Reece. (Unless Gabby is reading this, in which case, "Hey!") That shouldn't stand between you and a good time playing volleyball in the sand. No net, no problem -- just draw a line in the sand. (Yes, we mean that literally.) A dip in the ocean followed by relaxation on your beach blanket will feel even better after you torch some calories...
HG FYI: The figures in this email are estimates for a 150-pound person. To calculate these numbers based on your exact weight, use a fitness calculator like this one by MyFitnessPal!



Chew on this:

Nine years ago, we declared June 24th (which is tomorrow) to be Faux-Fried Onion Day. Let's all celebrate with our Clean & Hungry Onion Rings!

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