With the weather warming up, summer is a great time to get outside and be active. Whether you’re trying to embrace a healthier lifestyle or want to take up a new hobby, there are plenty of ways you can get fit and have fun this summer beyond walking (which is a wonderful form of exercise, of course!).
Here are six activities that are easy to learn and will help you get into summer shape:
- Tennis – The quintessential racquet sport loved by people of all ages is tennis, which is accessible whether you’re brand new to the sport or have played occasionally throughout your life. Tennis is low impact and easy to pick up later in life. You’ll burn lots of calories and will improve your hand-eye coordination, range of motion, and flexibility.
- Pickleball – Pickleball has a funny name, but it’s one of the best sports for active seniors to learn and enjoy. The USA Pickleball Association describes pickleball as a sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It can be played indoors or outdoors on a badminton-sized court and a slightly modified tennis net with a paddle and plastic balls that have holes. If you’re making your move to Trilogy® in the near future, you’re in luck! Many Trilogy communities have pickleball courts and beginner clubs. It’s a social sport and a fantastic way to meet neighbors.
- Gardening – Join a gardening club or visit your local home gardening store for some advice on how to plant a vegetable or flower garden. If you just want to dip a toe into the waters, start with a few pots. Herbs and spices and vegetables like tomatoes tend to grow well in containers, and you can mix them in with flowers if you like. Gardening gets you outside, and don’t underestimate the cardio involved in digging and weeding, if you’re looking to pump up the heart rate a little!
- Golf – It’s never too late in life to take up golf, a game loved by people of all ages for the health benefits and ease of entry (in other words, anyone can learn to golf). Walking the course rather than riding in a golf cart is an ideal way to get those daily steps in (Golf Digest Magazine says that the average golfer burns 1,400 calories walking 18 holes) and improve your cardiovascular health. You’ll also build core strength swinging those clubs. And let’s face it: most people enjoy the social aspect of golf most of all. On any Trilogy golf course, you’re certain to meet neighbors and build friendships.
- Yoga and Pilates – Yoga has all kinds of benefits and it’s perfectly ok to start as a complete beginner! Numerous studies have shown reductions in blood pressure when practicing yoga postures, meditation and breathing. A regular yoga practice can also help with stress reduction, improved balance, and improved moods.
- Bocce – You may have heard of bocce before, but what is it exactly? Bocce is a little like bowling, but outdoors and with smaller balls. The game is played on a hard surface or packed soil court. Players roll a small ball (the jack) onto the court and take turns attempting to bowl their own ball as close to the jack as possible. It’s a mentally stimulating game that’s a whole lot of fun—and several Trilogy communities even have bocce courts and social clubs!
It’s great to hit the gym to stay fit, but why not try something new this summer to change up your workouts? Give one or two of these activities a chance—you might very well discover a favorite new pastime. If you’re near a Trilogy community, stop by for a tour of the clubhouse and sport courts, which make it easier than ever to get into activities that are new to you.