You may be tired of the sun and sweat, but in several weeks when the cold breeze is messing up your “do”, blowing your skirt up to reveal your hiney, and forcing you to cover your perfectly browned shoulders with a jacket, you’ll regret not having done some of the following activities.
Taking advantage of summer’s beautiful weather, we went out and found the 4 most exciting activities that both allow you to challenge and tone your body, but to also bask in the sun!
1. Zip Lining
Zip lining is suspending yourself in a harness (much more comfortable than a metal diaper) and letting a pulley system of ropes fly you across lakes, trees, or just the plain ground. Agility required depends on the zip line course, but this sport is really fun for anyone: you, your grandma, your kids, and your husband.
Although once considered an exotic activity only found in countries with rainforest canopies, raging rivers, and towering forests, zip lining has become very popular in the US. Several parks and lodges offer the amenity, although we’re hoping one day they’ll build one in Manhattan so we can indulge in our secret Spiderman fantasies.
2. Rock Climbing
Rock climbing is more about the experience than having strength, although once you climb your feet and leg muscles will be steely. As one climber put it: “For me personally, it’s all about discovering the natural world around and within you. Climbing will bring you to lots of lovely places and will definitely give you a unique perspective on the world below you.”
Transcending and challenging gravity is an experience like nothing else – test your body and your mind and see the limitations. This is one of those sports that teach you about yourself and the people around you.
Rock climbing is about knowing your body and how to balance it or reposition it. Women who do Pilates or yoga will be able to scale mountain walls like Tom Cruise. Scary, maybe, but thrilling? Yes! If you’re into this, check out our post on Arches National Park and consider scaling those surfaces For information, climbing spots and answers, check out rockclimbing.com. Always go with experienced climbers, use the proper protective gear, and take a camera!
3. Paddleboarding
Paddleboarding is one of the fastest growing sports in the US. Popular in Hawaii and recently featured in an episode of Shark Tank, this sport makes those of us who are athletically challenged feel and look as sexy as surfers!
Paddleboards are like surfboard but longer, wider, and sturdier. The difference from surfing? You stand up on the board and use a paddle (similar to those used in white water rafting) to move along the waves. You can dodge and duck waves or just ride them and feel like Queen of the World. Check out these tips for beginners.
The best part? Paddleboarding can be done on almost any body of water. Whether you go to the beach and try it on the ocean or on a small lake, paddleboards can be used anywhere. And the health benefits are amazing. It offers a full body workout and is becoming a favorite cross-training activity.
4. White Water Rafting
This is my personal absolute favorite summer activity! Imagine being sweaty in a black, plastic dinghy floating along a river. Suddenly, your paddle feels resistance! You start racing down the river; you’re flung into your fellow passengers, getting kissed by ice cold drops of water until you hit a whirlpool and you’re drenched in a delicious bath of tingling water.
Ahh. There are some great rivers to raft in the US and they all have varying classes of rapids so if you’re a beginner (or you think you’re a pro, like me) you can find a passage to raft. Some call North America a haven for rafting – close your eyes, point to a place on the map and you’ll probably find a great river to run within a hundred miles.
And, trust me. After a day of rafting your arms will feel so strong you’ll be inviting everyone to your personal “Sun’s out, Guns Out” show! If you prefer solitude or a sport that gives you the “one with nature” feeling, try kayaking instead! Kayaks are great for still water as well and your abs will thank you…later.
These four sports are great not only for developing and toning muscle, but also for training the mind. Discipline, patience, dedication, and fluidity are all things that we need for mental peace. It helps in our professional and personal life to be able to take things in stride and focus and prioritize.
And they are great ways to get in touch with nature. Many of us forget the beauty of the world around us, outside cities. Caught up in work and our relationships, we find it difficult to find the quiet that nature offers.
The earth offers thrills and lessons that are irreplaceable. Maxim encourages women to get back to nature; as a company we value the Earth and do our best to be eco-friendly. Our products are environmentally friendly and thus, healthier for women. Because we don’t use dioxins in the creation of our products, we protect nature and women’s health. So, go outside, have fun, and reap the mental benefits of summer activity!