The Fit Blog

It’s about this time of year that many of us are thinking, “whoa - where’d the Summer go?” There are only a handful of days left before September, only a few weeks left before Fall officially begins. Did we get everything in that we wanted to? Are there things that we didn’t even think about doing that, come to think of it, we should have done?

For me, I’m wondering if I actually took full advantage of the warm weather. Sure I ran a couple times per week and played beach volleyball every Thursday night, but my bicycle is still hanging in the garage and my inline skates have remained at the bottom of a container in my basement since last year. Two Summer activities that I really love to do have gone undone through all of these amazing Summer days we’ve had thus far in 2007.

But there’s still hope, right? If I schedule things properly, I can get in some good skating and biking before sweater weather comes blowing in. But what else have I failed to do this year? What other Summer activities should I try and enjoy before I have to wait until next year?

Here’s a top 10 list of Summer activities to try and get in before the Fall comes guns a blazing around the corner.

• Mountain Biking - finally grease up the chain, pump up the tires and go for a ride on one of the secluded trails on the outskirts of the city. If you have a mountain bike and haven’t hit the trails yet, you’ll kick yourself if you don’t take the oportunity now. Live in B.C.? What are you waiting for!?!
• Inline Skating - paved paths are hard to come by in some cities. But if you know of some, inline skating can be great Summer fun. Pump the legs and get going fast - enjoy the feeling of self propelled speed.
• Swimming in the Lake - So you live in Southern Ontario and haven’t jumped into the lake yet? It’s like living in B.C. and not going riding.
• Ultimate Frisbee - Ok - not the most popular sport in the World, but Ultimate Frisbee is being played by more and more people, World wide. Check the Internet and see if a clinic is available in your area. They’re generally free to attend and give you the basics of how to throw and pass and catch and the rules of the game. It’s definitely a sport that can be highly addictive.
• Trampoline - Few people have one of these in the backyard, but if you’re one of those lucky people and have yet to work on your back flip, get out there.
• Beach Volleyball - This is definitely a Summer sport. Don’t live close to a beach? Fortunately most cities have beach volleyball courts setup at various parks, schools or, oddly enough, patio bars. Get some friends together and have a mini-tournament. Or check for some organized tourneys online. If neither of these options result in much, just get a ball and bump and volley it around with a friend of family member.
• Pickup Basketball - Get out with the guys after work while it’s still light past 5pm. Hit the court at the back of the local high school. Nothing like a swish in a chain-link mesh.
• Rock Climbing - Outdoor climbing is best when it’s warm. If you’ve had the urge to check out the grotto down the street, now’s the time.
• Hit the Track - While school’s still out for the Summer, take advantage of the vacant outdoor track at the high school. Running on a good track is brilliantly better than running on the road. In fact, some tracks are rubberized and provide extra impact absorption, making it infinitely less harsh on your knees.
• Go for a Walk with the Family - Finally, don’t forget that there’s nothing like a nice Summer night. Grab that special person in your life and go for a stroll around the block and down memory lane. Despite the seeming insignificance now, it could become a memory that you will both cherish for years to come. Take your kids - it may be something they’ll never forget.

In: fitness | | #