Going outdoors and breathing some fresh air can be stimulating and it’s wonderful to pump up your life force. Always wanted to do outdoor sports? So, choose one of these 4 out sports and start sculpting crazy-sexy muscles while doing it!
#1 Rock Climb
Make like Spider-Man and you’ll get sleek, toned legs to show for all your wall walking! Climbing is the ultimate lower-body workout, and it zaps 707 calories per hour. (You could torch a pound in one afternoon!) To show you the ropes, self asked Sarah Hueniken, a certified rock and alpine climbing guide in Canmore, Alberta, for newbie advice.
You won’t fall All climbers begin on top rope routes, which means a thick rope connects you, via a secure anchor at the top of the wall, to a person holding your rope below. So even if you do accidentally slip, you’ll still hang there—safely!—in the air.Photo by Nineonesix via Flickr
You don’t need to know about knots At first, a more experienced climber or instructor will make sure your harness is snug and man the ropes, so you can be certain nothing crucial will come loose. The only thing you’re responsible for tying: your shoes.
#2 Kayak
Photo by Jmaldona via Flickr
If the promise of getting sexy flat abs while sitting on your patootie and soaking up the warm sunshine appeals to you, then flat-water kayaking is your ticket to bliss. Because the power to propel your boat comes from your core, every stroke will help whittle your middle. Ready to get on board? Instructor Anna Levesque, founder of Girls at Play, an outfit in Asheville, North Carolina, that runs paddling clinics and tours for women, gives you all the info you need to get your feet wet.
Everybody looks wobbly getting in the boat There’s no graceful way to get into a kayak, so consider the pressure to look cool officially off. Just scoot your boat halfway into the water, plunk your bottom on the seat, throw your legs in, and wave bye to the landlubbers on shore!
#3 Surf
Photo by Mike Baird via Flickr
There’s a reason surfer chicks are totally stoked during micro-bikini season: Their arms are toned from paddling, their legs are lean from crouching down, and their abs are ridiculously tight from all that on-board balancing. Coach Candice Hague, program director for the Women’s Surf Adventures program at the Safari Surf School in Nosara, Costa Rica, has the lowdown to get you hanging ten. If you don’t already own the perfect bikini, start shopping! May we suggest an itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny, yellow, polka-dotted one?
Spills happen When you feel unsteady, take a deep breath, throw your arms over your head (to protect it from your board), and fall backward. Keep cradling your head as you emerge from the water and say something like “That was gnarly!” Because, honestly, when else can you use those words in a sentence unironically?
#4 Hike
Photo by Kurt Rietzler via Flickr
You could plod for two hours on a treadmill to slim down, but here’s a more inspired idea: Take a hike. Trekking hilly routes burns 482 big ones each hour and tones your tush and thighs with every step. We enlisted Kathy Dragon, creator of TravelDragon.com, a search engine for hiking tours in Boulder, Colorado, to help you get on the right path. Happy trails indeed.
Pack wisely Even if you’re going for a short hike, bring provisions: at least 2 quarts of water; snacks (nuts, dried fruit, even candy bars); a rain jacket; a map; and, just to be safe, a first-aid kit and a flashlight. For greater stability and comfort, distribute your heaviest items evenly in the bottom of your pack, then add lighter goods.
…more at: http://www.self.com/fitness/2011/05/outdoor-sports-slideshow#slide=1
