The Okanagan's starting to heat up and get back to its normal, hot summer self.
That's not the time to be stuck in a smelly gym - using the same machines to get in your reps.
If that's your jam, then carry on.
For folks who want to take advantage of the Valley weather and have a scenic outdoor workout, here are a few ways to do it:
1. Trail Running
The Mission Creek Greenway has just over 16 kilometres of trails for power walking, biking or jogging.
If you're looking for a longer route, hop off the trail near Spiers Road and head up into the hills of East Kelowna.
Rose Valley and Knox Mountain have some great hill climbs. But Knox also has a nice loop around Paul's Tomb that takes you back along the road.
As well, the Regional District of the Central Okanagan has an extensive list of trails throughout the Okanagan.
2. Track Workouts
If you want to get in some circuit training, plyometrics or stair workouts, then bleachers and the track at the Apple Bowl have plenty to offer. The bleachers are great for two-foot jumps. The lines on the track are perfect for scissor jumps, skater jumps or broad jumps. Don't forget about the power of fartleks. If you're looking to get more intervals into your week, the Apple Bowl is the place to be. Make sure you're going at dusk or dawn and avoiding the hottest part of the day.
3. City Park Workouts
Kelowna City Park also boasts bleachers for stair climbs or box jumps, located beside the basketball courts. But there's also an extensive playground with bars perfect for chin-ups, pull-ups, dead hangs and if you're up for it - hanging sit ups. While you're in the area, hit the court and shoot some hoops. If you haven't played since high school, you'll be pleasantly surprised at the heart-pounding both aerobic and anaerobic workout you get from the game. If that's not your thing, hit the volleyball courts and bring your water bottle!
4. Resistance Training
Resistance bands can cost anywhere from $5 and up. With just a band, there's a ton of workouts that you can do for your arms and legs.
Find a tree, sign post, lamp post or anything vertically sturdy and you've got your resistance workout happening outside in the beautiful sunshine.
Arm and leg pulls can be modified in a variety of different ways.
5. Get Out On The Water
There's a ton of ways to enjoy the water - whether it's via a kayak, Stand Up Paddle board or swimming - these are all wake-free activities that can happen in the Okanagan.
Stand Up Paddle boards are often praised for its ab workout capabilites, but if a $1000 ab workout is out of your price range or you don't have the storage space, then renting or borrowing is a fun way to try. However, that's not going to give you a regular workout. For SUP and kayak experiences, grab your friends, pack a picnic and make a day of it. If it can't be a regular routine, then look at it as a social outing with an active benefit.
Swimming is known has one of the top cardio workouts you can do (next to Nordic skate skiing) and it's easy on your joints. For anyone in injury recovery mode, swimming is a great way to stay fit and build strength, without the pounding of pavement making matters worse. Keep an eye out for log or other debris and use a wet suit if you can get your hands on one.
6. Summer classes
You may want to use the summer to learn something new. Maybe you've always wanted to take sailing lessons or join a rowing or dragon boat team.
Kelowna has a variety of lessons and packages available to get you started on your new adventure.
7. Cross-Fit
You don't need a gym to do push-ups, bench dips, box jumps, sit-ups, two legged and one legged squats.
Find a place in the park and start at what is manageable for you. Start with 10 of each and if that gets too easy, work your way up to 50 of each.
As far as how much time to spend on any workout, at least 30 minutes of exercise is a great place to start.
Keep the terrain in mind. For instance, a five-kilometre trail run is going to give you a more intense workout than a five-kilometre road run.
However, your short time spent at the track doing intervals, sprints and plyometrics is hugely beneficial.
We want to hear from you!
What's your favourite outdoor workout?
Tell us your thoughts in the comments below or tag us on Instagram at @kelownanow!
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