Make This Summer Yours: Fun and Accessible Ways to Get Moving
Staying active can feel challenging—especially when juggling work, family, and everyday responsibilities. The good news? Getting exercise this summer doesn’t have to be time-consuming, expensive, or overwhelming. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to fitness! Whether you’re looking for something quick, low-cost, beginner-friendly, or fun, there are plenty of options to move your body in a way that fits your lifestyle. Below, you’ll find a wide range of ideas to help you stay active—both in and out of the gym.
Going to the Gym
Going to the gym for the first time can be daunting. The unfamiliar environment, machinery, and other people can be very overwhelming. But it’s important to remember: everyone is there for the same reason—to work toward their fitness goals.
Here are some quick tips to make your trip to the gym feel less intimidating:
- Show up with a plan. Showing up to the gym with a specific list of exercises to accomplish will make the trip more efficient and can boost confidence.
- Focus on warming up. Properly preparing the muscles before any exercise is important. This can be as simple as spending 5–10 minutes stretching and going on a brief walk or jog to ensure the body is ready for the workout.
- Bring water and stay hydrated before, during, and after a workout.
- Be mindful of others in the gym. After using any equipment or machine, wipe down all surfaces with a wet wipe.
- It is ok to be a beginner! Whether it is on a treadmill or a weight rack, every person in the gym started somewhere. Taking it slow is not just okay, it’s smart. Progress comes with time and consistency.
Great Workouts at Home
There are many reasons someone may not want to go to the gym—whether due to cost, time commitments, or the stress it can bring—and all of those reasons are valid! A great workout can still be done in the comfort of home, no membership required.
- For those ready to commit to a routine, dumbbells and other small gym equipment can be a worthwhile investment in long-term fitness.
- Some workouts can easily be done using household items. Rather than a dumbbell, try a milk carton or a heavy backpack. Some specific workouts can be done using a chair or against a wall.
- Body weight exercises can also be very productive. There are many different body-weight exercises that can target every muscle, no equipment necessary.
- The internet is a powerful tool! There are countless free websites and videos that guide you through workouts designed to feel good and suit your body. Plus, many apps make it easy to create and follow a personalized fitness routine right from your phone.
Alternative Exercise Options
The gym and weights aren’t the only ways to exercise—there are countless ways to get moving! There are plenty of fun alternatives to a “traditional workout,” with options to fit every budget and fitness level.
Here are some of the most popular outside-of-gym workouts to consider:
- Running or walking – This is a common alternative because of its ease. All that’s needed is a pair of shoes and a comfortable outfit. Start slow — This could mean running or walking for less time, covering shorter distances, or maintaining a slower pace. It all counts!
- Cycling – Cycling can be a great way to work up a sweat while also exploring the beautiful nature surrounding Kitsap County.
- Pilates – Pilates has gained popularity over the last decade and is focused on helping a person’s strength, flexibility, and posture.
- Yoga – The biggest pro about yoga is that it can be done for free and can be easily adjusted for difficulty and time. There are plenty of free yoga routines that can be found across the internet.
- Dancing – Whether you’re grooving to your favorite pop songs at home or interested in learning styles like Salsa, Ballroom, Country, or Swing in a studio, dancing is a fun and energizing way to stay active. Plus, there are plenty of free tutorials available online, especially on YouTube.
- Swimming – Swimming is one of the best exercises as it works out the whole body. Swimming has been shown to have major health benefits and is great for everyone!
- Cleaning the house – There are plenty of ways to turn everyday tasks into an exercise. Simple housework can be enough to work up a sweat.
Try Picking Up A Sport
Trying to pick up a new sport might seem intimidating at first, especially if it’s something you haven’t done before; however, sports can offer a fun and effective way to get a great workout.
- Basketball – A full-court game isn’t required for a good workout. Simply finding a court at a nearby park and shooting hoops or playing a small one-on-one game can raise the heart rate.
- Tennis – Tennis is a fun and competitive way to get in a good cardio workout with a friend! The sport can be budget friendly as there are many free and accessible tennis courts through Kitsap County, and a racket can be as cheap as 15-20 dollars.
- Pickleball – Originally created in Kitsap County’s own Bainbridge Island, pickleball is an easy-to-learn and fun sport for all ages!
- Martial Arts – Even without plans to use combat skills, many locations throughout Kitsap County offer opportunities to learn various martial arts styles.
Explore Nature
A great workout doesn’t require being inside the house or gym. Kitsap County and its surrounding nature offer breathtaking settings to stay active!
An extensive list of trails can be found using the Washington Trails Association Hike Finder Map. This map includes some of the shorter nature trails found in Kitsap County and the longer, more challenging trails that can be found throughout Washington. If you are looking for the most picture-worthy trails in Washington, check out this list of the best hikes in Washington.
No matter the distance or difficulty of the trail, there are many important things to consider before going on an adventure. Questions to consider before a trip include: Is the trail the right difficulty? Will there be a companion or young kids? Is there a solid plan in case of getting lost? Is there enough food and water? What will the weather be like?
Hiking is not the only way to exercise while taking in the beautiful nature around Kitsap County. Outdoor exercise doesn’t even need to be done on foot! Similar to the map of hiking trails, the best water trails in Kitsap County can be found on the Kitsap Peninsula website for Water Trails.
Exercise with Others
No matter the exercise goal, working out with others can boost motivation and make the experience more enjoyable. Having a workout partner or joining a group fitness class adds accountability, making it easier to stay consistent and push through challenges. Exercising alongside others often creates a sense of community and support, which can help maintain long-term commitment.
Beyond motivation, working out with others can introduce friendly competition, encouragement, and even new workout ideas. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or a group class, sharing the fitness journey makes achieving goals more rewarding and fun!
Exercise doesn’t need to be dreadful – there are so many ways to keep yourself healthy in fun and unique ways! There’s no such thing as the “best exercise”; the most effective way to stay fit is whatever feels enjoyable and engaging. Remember to celebrate every accomplishment and take pride in each step toward becoming the healthiest version of yourself. Here’s to success and enjoyment on every fitness adventure!
