Cool Moves

Click here to access this week's Weekly Topic

Walking outside in August can feel like stepping into a sauna—and not in a good way. What might have been a relaxing post-work jog around the neighbourhood in May can feel like a slog with summer heat radiating off the pavement below your sneakers. Your WW Freestyle weekly suggests ways to be comfortable while keeping up with activity. Then read on for cool moves just right for your lifestyle and locale.

While going on a hike in a shady forest sounds like a great summer move, it can be tough to get out of the city. But the urban jungle offers all kinds of cool moves that the actual jungle might not! Why not try one of these ideas before summer ends?

• Grab some pals or the kids and explore the parks. Most cities with good urban planning carve out some green space to boost city residents’ moods. Find a shady biking or running trail.

• Take a barre class. (Tip: Sign up and pay for one in advance and you’ll have time to get excited about it and be less likely to bail out beforehand because you’ve already paid.) Barre mixes Pilates, dance, and yoga, focusing on building individual muscles to the tune of motivating music. If you enjoy your first class, consider signing up for a monthly or weekly pass to keep you committed to moving more.

• Live or work on the fifth floor? Take the stairs for a quick indoor workout.

• Explore the museums and sites you never seem to get to the rest of the year—they're air-conditioned, you'll get in lots of steps, and you'll get a bit of culture or science knowledge to boot!

• Go ice-skating! Some indoor rinks are open all year.

Public pools, playgrounds, and gyms, oh my! The ‘burbs are a great place to get in some cool summer moves.

• Take advantage of your local pool. Whether it's the town pool, a friendly neighbour's pool, or your own (lucky you), you can transfer your activity to water. Swim laps for a full-body workout, or walk back and forth to give your legs a good workout. Even jumping and splashing gets your heart rate up while you have a blast.

• If you have kids home for the summer—or even if you don't!—try some cool indoor sports: Go bowling, visit a rock-climbing gym, or even play indoor mini golf. Older kids love laser tag, escape rooms, or virtual-reality adventures. Or take a day trip to a water park; for most kids, from the lazy river to the log flume, these rides are a peak experience.

• Switch your daily walk to the early morning or in the evening when temperatures are lower.

Lucky for you, nature is the best gym. Being surrounded by beautiful landscapes provides not only a sense of awe, but also ample space for moving more. Try one of the following activities before summer ends.

• Go for a long hike in the shade. Google where overlook hikes are in your area, pack some snacks and a lot of water; grab a friend, dog, or family member; and head out! Finding a hike with a great view at the top gives you something to look forward to after a long trek uphill (and a fun photo op, of course).

• Refresh and relax the old-fashioned way at a nearby pond or watering hole.

• Tour a cave—they're typically at a brisk 50 to 60 degrees year-round once you move away from the entrance. Be sure to go with a reliable guide; search the web for "cave tours near me."

• Not necessarily cool, but a fun outing: If you fancy some fresh fruit for your #healthykitchen, visit a local "U-Pick" farm for peach, tomato, or blackberry picking. It’s a great way to move more and “grocery shop” at once!