10 Ways to Exercise Outside This Summer

 

Whatever type of exercise you’re into, taking it outside in the summer months can help to refresh your routine and make it more fun. So take advantage of the warm weather and enjoy your workout on the beach, in the park or in your own back garden with these ideas that combine exercise with fresh air.  

 

1.  Sea Swimming

We're spoilt for choice when it comes to beautiful places to swim around the islands. If you're not sure which bay to choose, reach out to Guernsey Swim All Seasons for information on group swims or take a look at our list of The Best Sea Swimming Spots in Guernsey. As well as ideas for high and low tide swims and locations for dawn or dusk dips, this guide also has a mini-list of tips on how to stay safe and be seen.

 

2.  Beach Yoga

Many of our local instructors take their yoga classes outside during the summer months. Yoga Elements has a range of outdoor classes to choose from or you can simply take some time to yourself to quietly stretch out your body and settle your mind first thing in your garden. We're also big fans of Yoga at Jerbourg with Jess - so keep an eye out for her pop up classes there.

 

3.  Outdoor Gyms

There’s outdoor exercise equipment dotted around the island, at Delancey Park, Saumarez Park and at Styx Community Centre. They’re all next to the childrens’ outdoor play areas, so you can even combine a mini-workout with a trip to the park with the kids.  Not sure where to start? Take a look at My Top 5 Exercises In The Saumarez Park Outdoor Gym with Andy Perkins for mini-video tutorials.

 

4. Mother And Baby

If you have a young child and childcare is stopping you from getting back into exercise, why not bring them along. There are a few different classes to choose from, including Lighthouse Adventure Fitness' forest core strength workouts at Le Guet and Pushy Mums' post-natal classes in Saumarez Park. You can work at your own pace and safely build back up your strength and fitness, with baby in tow.

 

5.  Cycling 

Visit Guernsey is a fantastic resource for locals as well as tourists, and their Cycling Routes guide is a perfect example of this. There are eleven routes to choose from, and you can select an easy, moderate or hard route depending on your ability or mood. Each comes with a map and a description of the places you will see on your trip, and they take in the whole island. It's a perfect way to exercise and enjoy the fresh air early in the morning or during the light evenings.

 

6.  Retreats

Set aside some time to focus solely on your health and wellbeing with a summer retreat. Lighthouse Adventure Fitness is hosting a one day mini-retreat which will combine exercise with mindset and nutrition coaching to help you kickstart your training this summer.  With focus on stretching, mobility and strength based exercises, the retreat will combine challenging on and offshore activities whilst you explore the islands rugged scenery.

 

 

7.  Activities At Sea

Living on an island there are lots of different ways to combine exercise with fun on the water. Make this the summer you try something new, whether it’s surfing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding or coasteering. If you’d like lessons or safety advice, Outdoor Guernsey can help get you started. 

 

8.  Walking

If hiking is your exercise of choice, there are so many beautiful places to explore on our islands. Whether you prefer the coast or the countryside, you'll find stunning views around every corner with the  Visit Guernsey Hiking Routes, a collection of 20 self-guided walks which include strenuous cliff walks for more serious walkers. You can also combine work with gentle exercise by scheduling a few walking meetings into your working week. It doesn’t work for every meeting, but there are times when you could trade the boardroom for a walk along the seafront or around Candie Gardens. Not convinced? Here is a little more persuasion: Why You Should Take Your Meetings Outside.

 

9.  Running 

There are lots of runners out and about at the moment, with many in training for the Guernsey Half Marathon. The roads may not be an ideal training ground, but the light mornings and evenings help and the coastal footpath out west is 14 miles long, offering a flat route from Grandes Rocques, all the way to the Vale Castle. For endurance runners, the south coast cliffs offer a challenging network of paths that stretch for 28.5 miles from La Valette to Pleinmont - that should keep you going for a while!  If you’re looking for an easier option, the Guernsey Parkrun is a free, fun and friendly 5k community event that takes place every Saturday morning at Pembroke. You can walk, jog or run, it’s entirely up to you!

 

10.  Team Sports

Many team sports play outdoors all year round, and there are clubs with outdoor facilities which you can use in all weather. Tennis, netball, football, petanque, golf, sailing, horse riding... get back into your favourite pastime, or try something new this summer. If you're looking for inspiration The Sports Commission has a directory with contact details and information on lots of clubs and associations - take a look! 

 

Have we missed any of your favourite ways to exercise outside in the summer months? Tag us on social!