This article was repurposed with permission from fitbie.com.
Want to make the most of your summer? Then it's time to shake up your usual exercise mix. Sure, it's fun to spend the afternoon at the swimming pool, but the ideal weather lends itself to a new world of fitness opportunities. If you're short on ideas, take a sporty cue from Lea Michele. The Glee star was recently caught surfing in Cabo San Lucas (well, learning how to anyway).
MORE: The Worst Summer Exercise Mistakes
The good news? You don't need star power—or pitch-perfect pipes—to tackle new active adventures. Road test these five seasonal must-try sports, and summertime will get even hotter.
Note: Calories burned based on a 145-pound, 5'5'' woman.
Surfing
Calories burned per hour: 200
Muscles targeted: Upper back, shoulders, triceps, chest, core, legs
Know before you go: While you don't have to be an Olympic swimmer—the board is a flotation device—proficiency in the crawl stroke and in treading water are essential beginner skills. And learning on a longboard is key since it provides more balance than a shorter one.
MORE: Survive Bathing Suit Season With These 5 Booty Toning Moves
Kayaking
Calories burned per hour: 330
Muscles targeted: Arms, core, lower back, and shoulders
Know before you go: Kayaks differ in shape and design. Sit-on-top kayaks are ideal for beginners because they're stable, easy to climb on and off of, and typically made of lightweight, easier-to-carry materials. If you're paddling in rocky waters, wear a helmet.
Paddle Boarding
Calories burned per hour: 420
Muscles targeted: Arms, core, shoulders, back, and quads
Know before you go: Don't step right on the board and try to stand once it's in the water. Sit in the center and lift up on your hands and knees. Hold the paddle in both hands, and slowly raise yourself into a standing position. Once up, keep your knees bent and feet shoulder-width apart.
MORE: 5 Moves for Tighter Triceps (That Aren't Kickbacks or Dips)
Beach Volleyball
Calories burned per hour: 544
Muscles targeted: Arms, chest, back, legs
Know before you go: Sand is a less forgiving surface than a gymnasium floor. You'll be slower, tucker out faster, and won't have much of a vertical jump. Conserve energy by taking smaller steps, and drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
Hiking
Calories burned per hour: 390
Muscles targeted: Quads, hamstrings, calves, glutes, hips
Know before you go: Beginners should stick to well-marked, groomed trails. Wear long sleeves, long pants, and a hat to keep bugs and poisonous weeds from coming into contact with your skin. And take plenty of water, particularly if you're hiking at higher elevations, since the body dehydrates faster at higher altitudes.
More from Women's Health:
19 Ways to Spend More Time Outside
5 Things You Need for Outdoor Workouts
9 Ways to Have Crazy—Amazing Outdoor Adventures
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