Great Affordable Ways to Exercise This Summer
Photo from Save.Ca.
Kailyn Benoit
Now that the school year is coming to a close, most people are looking forward to warm weather, being outside, and of course, more free time. In this free time, it is good to think about ways you can stay active. For teens, working out has many benefits, such as creating healthy lifestyle habits, lowering cholesterol, and releasing endorphins to help with positive moods. Here are some fun, low-cost ways you can stay active this summer!
Explore Local Parks
Image from Visit Waukesha
Minooka Park
Minooka Park is located in Waukesha, WI. Like all Waukesha County Parks, it is open from sunrise to 10:00 P.M. This park is known for its abundance of trails, both for hiking and mountain biking. Mountain biking trails are in four-mile loops and range in difficulty. The park also has a beach and swim area, as well as a dog exercise area! A daily entrance fee of $6 per car is required.
Retzer Nature Center
Image from Fine Art America
Retzer Nature Center is a beautiful facility in Waukesha, WI that has many opportunities for exercise and education. There are nine different trails meant for hiking, each lined with signs that teach about the wildlife in the area. A boardwalk is also available for use, and extends over wet marshy areas. The trails vary in length and difficulty, but they also overlap each other, which allows you to create your own path! No entrance fee is required.
Glacier Hills County Park
Glacier Hills County Park is located in Hubertus, WI. This park was formed from Wisconsin glaciers many years ago, meaning there are many glacial trails that overlook and go through kettles. There are seven overlapping trails that vary in distance, beginning at 0.62 miles all the way up 2.6 miles. Along with trails, basketball courts, volleyball courts, beach access, and kayak rentals are available to create a better park experience. A daily entrance fee of $5 per car is required.
Image from Vrbo
Lapham Peak
Image from Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
The Lapham Peak Unit of Kettle Moraine State Forest is located in Delafield, WI. The park is open from 6:00 AM-9:00 PM, and is filled with many great options for activity. There are 17 miles of loop trails made up of 8 overlapping trails. Pets are allowed on the trails as well! Along with hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding are other activities you can do here. A daily entrance fee of $8 per car is required.
Planet Fitness Membership for Teens
Planet Fitness is now offering a free gym membership for teens ages 14-19 lasting until August 31. This allows you to utilize the gym facility with no cost! Sign up online or at the gym, if you are under the age of 18, you must have adult permission. Once signed up, you can download the Planet Fitness app where you will gain access to your digital key tag. This is a great opportunity for high school students such as yourself to stay active this summer!
At-Home Workout
Image from Men’s Journal.
You don’t need to leave the comfort of your own home in order to stay active. Even spending just 15 minutes a day on an at-home fitness routine can benefit your health. There are so many options for routines, whether you decide on a cardio circuit, a variety of ab exercises, different sets and reps of bodyweight exercises, or a mix of all of the above! Here is a list of a few things you could add to your own at-home workout routine:
Squats (stationary or jumping)
Lunges (stationary or jumping)
Push-Ups
Planks (forearm planks, right side, or left side)
Jump Roping
Jumping Jacks
Crunches (right side, left side, bicycle, toe tap, straight leg)
Burpees
Running up and down your stairs
Mountain Climbers
Sussex Opportunities
Image from Village of Sussex
There are many different activities located right here in Sussex that can keep you moving this summer. Whether you are the Civic Center, Cooling’s Meadow, Melinda Weaver Park, or Village Park, there are many great amenities offered! Some include nature trails, volleyball, tennis courts, pickleball courts, disc golf, and more!
