1. Play With Your Dog

Dogs aren't concerned about their heart rate zones like humans are, but most dogs love to romp and play outside. If you have a fenced-in yard, you can take your pal outside for a game of fetch or frisbee. Dog parks are another good option for some off-leash fun. Alternatively, take your dog on a walk or run, but keep him leashed for safety. Playtime with your dog will not only help keep you active but will keep your pet healthy too. Depending on the breed, most dogs need 30 minutes to an hour of exercise per day. 

2. Plant a Garden

Gardening has many benefits. First, clearing the space, planting the seedlings, pulling weeds and picking your harvest can work up a sweat. A garden can also improve the aesthetic appeal of your yard and attract beneficial insects, such as honeybees. It's also a great way to get more fresh produce into your diet. If you're particularly ambitious, you can even take your harvest to the farmer's market to sell it.

3. Shopping and Mall Walking

If the great outdoors isn't your thing and you find walking around the block boring, consider strolling through your local mall or outdoor market. There are usually lots of interesting things to look at and you'll get some exercise doing something you enjoy. Malls also make good walking venues for days when it's raining or extremely hot. 

4. Do Some Spring Cleaning

Housework can be a good calorie burner, but if you really want to torch some calories, consider doing a deep cleaning. Spring cleaning is a good time to do those chores you are always putting off until later, such as cleaning the leaves out of the gutter, scraping the gunk off your oven door or cleaning the mold out of your shower grout. 

5. Go for a Bike Ride

Biking at a moderate pace can burn 600 calories an hour. Because there is no impact with the ground, biking can be gentler on the knees than running or jogging. In addition to being great exercise, biking can be a lot of fun and it can be used as a mode of transportation, which is good for the environment and can save you money on gas. However, if you don't enjoy biking outdoors, you can also get the exercise benefits of biking by riding a stationary bike instead.

6. Go for a Run

One of the nice things about running is that you don't need any special equipment. All you need is a good pair of running shoes, some comfortable clothes and a place to run. You can find both indoor and outdoor tracks to run on at schools and fitness facilities. Many parks and recreation areas have trails that you can run on. You can also run or jog on the streets or sidewalks of your city or town, but be sure to take safety precautions and obey traffic signals. 

7. Climb a Mountain

If you're the adventurous type,  you might want to try out rock climbing. However, it isn't a good idea to take up this activity without any training. Find an instructor who can help you learn how to participate in the sport safely. If climbing actual mountains sounds scary, consider looking for climbing walls at local fitness facilities. 

There are lots of fun ways to stay active over the summer. These are just a few of them. Studies have shown the best exercise for you is the one you will do consistently, so instead of focusing on the "best" activity, find one you enjoy. 

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