One of the most difficult challenges that athletic adults face is staying healthy while exercising in extreme heat. As people grow older, the body loses the nutrients and fluids it needs at a much faster rate, and this rate increases as the temperatures rise. However, exercising regularly is an important part of many adults’ daily routines. Whether you’re going to be visiting Scottsdale or you’ve been a resident for many years, getting adequate exercise in the great outdoors will prove challenging during the hot summer months. Moving your exercise indoors will certainly help keep you cool, but running on a treadmill and working out in the gym may not provide the excitement you’re looking for in your workout. By trying some alternative outdoor exercises in the Scottsdale area, you may be able to find a new way to stay athletic and beat the heat.

Canoeing, Kayaking, or Rafting

Participating in water sports is one of the best ways to enjoy exercise during the hot summer months. You’ll be able to keep cool along the water and will most likely find that paddling a canoe, kayak, or raft is a pretty great workout. The Salt River provides plenty of great spots for paddlers of all ages and skill sets, and is just a short drive from downtown Scottsdale. You can take a guided raft tour, rent a kayak or canoe, or purchase one for yourself and go out on your own. If you choose to do so, make sure that you fully understand the dangers that lie ahead before you embark on your adventure.

Another important thing to consider is planning your entry and exit points of the river. Paddling against the current is nearly impossible at most sections of the river, so you’ll need to coordinate the locations of where you put in and where you’ll be pulling out. The most efficient way to do this is to go with a partner and have two cars. Park one ahead, down the river, and then you can drive back to where you’ll be putting in and start your paddle. Also, make sure everyone you go with has a life jacket at all times. Even the strongest swimmers can become powerless if they get caught in strong currents.

Horseback Riding

Don’t scoff at this athletic idea, horseback riding through the desert is a much more strenuous athletic feat than you may imagine. In Scottsdale, there are a variety of different trails to see that incorporate different levels of terrain. If you have even the slightest experience riding a horse, you’ll be able to check out some of the more advanced trails in the area. If you’ve never ridden a horse before, you’ll find that it involves using muscles in your arms, legs, and core that you never even knew existed. The benefits of horseback riding are that you won’t necessarily be putting too much stress on your cardiovascular system, and you will be able to pack plenty of water and snacks for your ride.

Golf

Though playing golf may not seem like the most strenuous exercise that has ever existed, swinging a golf club upwards of 80 or 90 times is a sold workout for your core muscles. While golf carts and the terrain do offer some shade, swinging clubs in the desert at temperatures in the triple digits is not recommended. So, get out early in the day and pack a cooler full of water and snacks, but don’t be tempted by the bar when you’re making the turn. Alcohol will only dehydrate your body and deplete it of necessary nutrients, so save the drinks for after your round.

John Soland is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Soland is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to health and wellness.

John Soland is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Soland is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to health and wellness. http://www.yelp.com/biz/laser-spine-institute-scottsdale

Author Bio: John Soland is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Soland is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to health and wellness.

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: health and wellness