More Sun, More Fun: 5 Ways to Get Moving Before Summer Ends

Summer isn’t over, not even close. With nearly two-thirds of the season still ahead, there’s plenty of time to get moving, soak up the sun, and enjoy the long, warm days. If you’ve been meaning to get more active or just want to switch up your routine, here are five energizing ways to make the most of the summer stretch.

1. Try a New Outdoor Sport

Now’s the time to finally try that activity you’ve been curious about, pickleball, stand-up paddleboarding, mountain biking, or even rock climbing. Many local parks and outdoor centers offer rentals or beginner lessons. You'll get a workout and a new hobby.

2. Join a Sunset Run or Bike Ride

Make the most of those extra daylight hours with an evening jog or bike ride. Many cities have running clubs or group rides that meet weekly. It’s a fun, social way to stay active and watching the sun set mid-stride doesn’t hurt either.

3. Swim (Somewhere New)

Whether it's a lake, river, ocean, or outdoor pool, swimming is the ultimate full body summer workout. Make it more exciting by finding a new swim spot or signing up for an open water swim challenge near you. Bonus points if you turn it into a day trip.

4. Hit the Trails

Hiking is a classic summer activity for good reason. From shaded forest trails to challenging summit climbs, hiking gets your heart rate up while giving you a chance to unplug. Pack a backpack, bring some water, and aim for one new trail a week for the rest of summer.

5. Take Your Workouts Outside

Skip the gym and take your routine to the park. Bodyweight circuits, yoga flows, bootcamps, or HIIT sessions feel way more fun in the fresh air. Many cities even offer free outdoor fitness classes, check local listings and try one out.

There’s still a lot of summer to go and no reason to spend it indoors. Lace up your shoes, grab your gear, and make these next few weeks your most active (and fun) yet. The sun’s still out, go meet it.

Discomfort and soreness are a part of life. What is not normal is living with pain. If you are still experiencing that pain, it's time to talk to your physical therapist or primary care physician.

Try to stay away from narcotics, injections and knife happy surgeons as a primary option for your treatment. There are no magic bullets, but majority of pain symptoms can be resolved with conservative measures like exercises, manual therapy and pain management.

• Irfan Ibrahim is an Owner/Physical Therapist at Rehabon Physical Therapy, Downers Grove IL 60515. He enjoys sunshine and rainbows with his three children. Loves hiking, biking and golfing but he has accepted to live with his mediocre skills. Questions??!! Email him: Irfan@rehabon.com  follow him on Facebook

  
  

• Aimee Cervantes, Rehab Tech at Rehabon Physical Therapy. Aimee is a PTA graduate and has experience at different settings of Physical Therapy. She is currently studying for her licensure exam! Aimee's hobbies are crafting and graphic design. She enjoys seeing her ideas come to life!