Time to put the gym membership on hold. That’s because summer sunshine and blue skies beckons the outdoor activist. Moving the fitness routine outdoors keeps the body injury free. Repetitive movements from the treadmill and stair-stepper are known to cause overuse injuries. Because we use the same muscles during favorite workouts, that same motion loads muscles, joints and tendons with added stress. Adding varied workouts wakes up new muscles and invites more muscles to share the load.

1. What is summer fitness without BOOTCAMP? Whether you sign trainer-based bootcamp or simply invite a morning crew of neighbors, group fitness offers support, energy and enthusiasm. The key with organizing a bootcamp, set a schedule and stick to it each week. Try to keep sessions to one hour and opt for childcare instead of dragging kids along. Option 2—set up a designated Parent-kiddo bootcamp.

2. Poolside fun adds exercise. Outdoor swimming pools are filled with more than energetic kids splashing around. More public pools are set up with one or two lap lanes. Though you may have to fight off swimmers competing for lap lanes, swimming circles helps swimmers share the space.  Because pools are in short supply, some adult swim clubs request guest membership at local public pools and offer to pay a small monthly fee in exchange for set summer swim hours.

3. Helmet, check. Sunglasses, check. Bicycle, check. Two-wheelers hit the roads and sidewalks at the first sign of warm weather. Staying safe in traffic is one of the biggest concerns. Always use hand signals to communicate with vehicles on the road. Mount a mirror on the bike to see who’s behind. Use a light, day or night. The added attention helps drivers make no mistake that you are on the road. Always stretch before and after all workouts to help muscles ease into or out of activities.