We live in a beautiful part of the world – especially during the summer. Getting out there into nature and enjoying sports of all kinds is such a joy this time of year (okay – it’s a joy in winter too, you just need more gear). But going from ZERO to SIXTY and hopping on your Stand-Up Paddle Board the first day it gets above 65 degrees may not be smart.
Many of us look forward to engaging in exciting outdoor activities during our summer. However, it’s essential to prepare our bodies for these endeavors to prevent injuries and enhance our performance. Hitting the gym NOW – will help you strengthen your muscles for your summer adventures.
- Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP): Stand-up paddleboarding is a fantastic water sport that requires a combination of balance, core stability, and upper body strength. While enjoying the serene waters, you can focus on strengthening the following muscles at the gym:
- Arms and Shoulders: Exercises like dumbbell curls, overhead presses, and lateral raises target the muscles in your arms and shoulders, including the biceps, triceps, deltoids, and rotator cuff muscles.
- Core Muscles: Planks, Russian twists, and stability ball exercises help strengthen your core muscles, including the abdominals, obliques, and lower back.
- Arms and Shoulders: Exercises like dumbbell curls, overhead presses, and lateral raises target the muscles in your arms and shoulders, including the biceps, triceps, deltoids, and rotator cuff muscles.
- Mountain Biking: Exploring the thrilling trails on a mountain bike demands leg power, endurance, and upper body strength for control and stability. The following muscle groups can benefit from gym workouts:
- Legs: Squats, lunges, and leg presses target the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, providing strength and stability for powerful pedaling.
- Upper Body: Rows, pull-ups, and push-ups strengthen the muscles in your back, shoulders, and arms, aiding in balance and control during rugged terrains.
- Legs: Squats, lunges, and leg presses target the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, providing strength and stability for powerful pedaling.
- Trail Running: Trail running is an exhilarating activity that challenges your endurance, agility, and lower body strength. Prepare for the trails by working on these muscles at the gym:
- Legs: Incorporate exercises such as step-ups, single-leg squats, and calf raises to strengthen the quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, and glutes.
- Core: Engage in exercises like Russian twists, bicycle crunches, and stability ball exercises to develop core strength and stability during uneven terrains.
- Legs: Incorporate exercises such as step-ups, single-leg squats, and calf raises to strengthen the quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, and glutes.
Engaging in summer sports and outdoor activities is a fantastic way to stay active and enjoy the beautiful weather. By targeting specific muscle groups in the gym, you can enhance your performance, prevent injuries, and fully embrace these adventures. Whether you’re stand-up paddleboarding, mountain biking, playing beach volleyball, or trail running, a well-rounded gym routine can help you build the strength, stability, and endurance needed for an incredible summer season. So, step into the gym, focus on those muscles, and get ready to make the most of your outdoor pursuits!