Healthy Hobbies for a Fit and Fun Summer

Burning calories is something everyone is interested in.  What they are more interested in is how they can burn calories without having to exercise for hours.  

Before I go any further, this isn't about what you can do instead of exercise.  This post is about things you can do in addition to a moderate exercise program.

Now, say you don't want to hit the gym everyday all summer.  Plan two or three days a week to workout for 30-60 minutes.  Make those two or three days a priority.  Think of them as an appointment that you can't miss or reschedule.  Incorporate strength training and cardio each workout.  I mean who can't spare an hour and a half out of the 168 hours in a week.  After that, you need not to stress out about the gym or burning calories... as long as you have a few health hobbies that keep you moving.

Here are a few health hobby ideas in no particular order:

Swimming-This is the most obvious on the list.  And I'm not talking about laps.  Spending time in the pool is a great way to burn calories.  I know nobody that just stands in the pool.  There are a variety of games you can play and the bigger your imagination, the more there are.  I had a friend when I was younger who played in the pool every day.  This kid was lazy and overweight, but he loved "swimming".  He actually lost around 15lbs one summer just by playing in the pool every day.  If he had changed his eating habits, he would have likely lost much more.  Now, remember to be safe around the water this summer. 

Golfing-Golfing is a healthy habit, even if you are using a cart.  You may read this and that about how golfing is good exercise if you ditch the cart. I'll tell you this, I may not be a great golfer, but I do know that neither riding in cart nor walking on a golf course is golfing.  Golfing is going from hole to hole, hitting a ball, and enjoying the company of a few friends and family.  Obviously, you'll burn more calories if you walk, but don't let that stop you from getting to the golf course for a round of golf.  If you don't like the idea of walking, use a cart.  It's better than watching TV. all day.

Cooking-Cooking this summer is a wonderful hobby to pick up.  In our busy lives, we do less cooking and more pushing of buttons.  There are so many "quick and easy" meals these days that you can go a whole week without having to do any real cooking.  So, break out the old recipe book (or go buy a new one if yours is way out of date) and make something new for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  You may think of it as work right now, but cooking can be a lot of fun.  You can even get your family involved; whether they help with cooking, they pick out a recipe, or set the table, cooking can become a healthy hobby that brings the family closer.  Not to mention, what you actually cook will likely be healthier than any microwave meal you might eat.  Lastly, you'll burn calories preparing and cooking the meal. For an added bonus, do the dishes the old fashion way and burn off a few more calories (or throw them in the dish washer and play some frisbee with the family).

Gardening-It'll get you moving and encourages creativity.  You can do this alone or with family and friends.  And, the more work you put into the better the rewards (more calories burned and a better looking garden).  This is a much underrated activity.  Not only do you get the benefits of being active, but you also get to care for and nurture nature!  It’s good for the environment and fun to look at (can be fun to eat depending on what you planted).

What are some other healthy hobbies you have?