11 summer activity ideas for you to try?

Summer is an ideal time to start building a more active lifestyle. Moving more outdoors is great for your mind, body and soul – and we’ve got plenty of ideas to get you started.

Slimming World’s active lifestyle programme is all about getting fitter at your own pace, in a way that fits with your lifestyle – so feel free to skip, repeat or adapt any of these ideas to suit you.

11 summer activity ideas

Plan an active day out

Exploring a new city, walking around a theme park, hitting up an adventure playground… you can quickly rack up the steps during a day trip. To enjoy an even bigger health boost, walk at a brisk pace – one that gets you breathing faster, raises your heart rate and makes you feel warmer (while still being able to hold a conversation).

School teacher Kelly, who’s lost 18st with Slimming World, took her class on an adventure holiday and loved getting involved in the activities. From abseiling and kayaking to rock climbing and obstacle courses, she loved every active moment.

More on the blog: Join our ‘Walk the World’ step challenge

Go on a bike ride

Cycling is excellent for your heart and lungs (and easy on your joints), so dust off your bike and you’ll soon start to feel the benefits. Slimming World member Nicola lost an incredible 10st (63.5kg) and now cycles every day.

More on the blog: Discover our beginner’s guide to cycling

Organise a treasure trail

A trip to the woods is great for keeping the kids entertained during the holidays. Add a treasure hunt into the mix to turn it into a real adventure! Plan your own course and clues, or head to Treasuretrails.co.uk to find routes near you.

Move your workout outdoors

Did you know that you get a bigger mood boost when you work out in nature? Plus, getting a bit of sunshine helps to top up your vitamin D levels.

Slimming World member Sharon enjoys keeping active with seaside walks (accompanied by her furry friend!).

Head to the coast

From kite-flying and frisbee to games of bat-and-ball and beach volleyball, there’s a bucket-and-spade load of activities to enjoy at the seaside. Or, release your inner child and build a sandcastle (all the squatting, digging and walking counts as exercise!).

Our member Becs lost 3st 11½lbs (24.3kg) and found the confidence to go paragliding with her niece while enjoying a beach holiday in Turkey.

Take a walk

Fresh air, lovely views, birds chirping… no wonder a study found that people who head outside for a stroll can feel their mood lift in just 15 minutes. Any walk that makes you feel warmer and speeds up your heart rate brings health benefits, and choosing a route with a hill or two will work the muscles in your thighs and bum even harder.

Slimming World Consultant Rebecca loves going for a walk in nature to get some fresh air and clear her head.

More for members: Our 10-week walking plan will help you find your stride

Get in the water

Swimming is a brilliant activity as it works your whole body – and it’s easy on your joints, too. If you find doing lengths a bit dull, take a trip to a water park or enjoy an energetic paddle at a wild swimming spot (weather permitting!).

More on the blog: Six swimming tips for beginners

Give water sports a go

Kayaking, sailing and surfing are adrenalin-pumping ways to squeeze in some activity. You can do them at a water sports centre or at the seaside.

Losing 3st (19kg) reignited Em’s passion for paddleboarding. She says: “It’s changed everything. I’m able to do difficult things that I didn’t dare do before out of fear and embarrassment. Plus, I’m able to get on my board with much more grace, and for me that’s a real win.”

More on the blog: Four of the best outdoor activities to try

Have a bash at tennis

Does Wimbledon always inspire you to try your hand at tennis? If so, there are plenty of reasons to head to your local court. This full-body workout improves coordination and helps your heart health when it’s played regularly. It’s sociable, too – meaning it’s great for your mental health.

More on the blog: Try your hand at tennis with our beginner’s guide

Spruce up your garden

Energetic digging and raking count as cardio, while pushing a wheelbarrow or mower and carrying heavy pots will add some strength training, too. It gets your muscles working, boosts flexibility and leaves you with a garden that’s had a glow-up.

Slimming World Consultant Andrew is raking in plenty of health benefits by tending to his garden!

More for members: Slimming World members will find a handy beginner’s guide to turning gardening into a workout on our exclusive member website.

Do a little dance

Are you going to a music festival or garden party this summer? Let your hair down and show off your moves to get your heart rate up and the feel-good endorphins flowing.

Slimming World member Sarah Wynter said yes to her first festival after losing 6st 12lbs (43.5kg). She says: “I danced until 2am, walked for miles and spoke to complete strangers (something I’d never have had the confidence to do before). I absolutely loved it – so much so, I’ve already booked for next year!”

More on the blog: Try one of the dance workouts from our brilliant collection of members-only activity videos

How will Slimming World help me get more active?

Our active lifestyle programme supports you to build up your fitness levels at your own pace. When you join Slimming World, you’ll get access to our full get-fit tool kit, including:

• expert support to help you recognise, then overcome, any personal barriers
• more than 90 fun, easy-to-follow activity videos 
• a series of guided walking podcasts
• activity awards to celebrate your progress
• fitness quizzes and articles, including exercise guides and activity ideas
• member-exclusive podcasts to listen to on the go
• a helpful online tracker to plan and record your activity