Good Times in the Great Outdoors: 3 Activities to Try this Summer

Summer’s the perfect time to try a new outdoor activity. Three members of the Huel tribe talk up their latest passions. 

Looking to mix up your exercise routine this summer? You’re not alone. Surveys show people are taking up more outdoor activities and going on more activity-based holidays than ever before. 

But what kind of outdoor activity should you try? 

We asked around the Huel offices to find out what new pursuits people are taking up this summer. Here are three fun, accessible and exciting ideas to get you inspired. 

1. Trail running

2. Beach yoga

3. Paddleboarding

1. Trail running: “A totally different kind of exercise"

“I’ve always run roads, but a mate invited me trail running this spring, and I’ve been addicted ever since. It’s a totally different kind of exercise to road running, with different challenges. I can’t recommend it enough” - Alex. 

What is it?

As the name suggests, it’s simply running on trails. Any offroad route will do - be that through the woods, a canal towpath, mountain trails or simply a dirt track around your local park. 

If you’re used to running on roads, the shift to a different surface can be surprisingly large. Trail running is generally slower, engages different muscle groups and works your balance. 

You’ll also need to adjust your running style (short, quick steps are recommended). And you need to contend with things like rocks, roots, bushes, uneven ground and gravel - making each footstrike a bit different. 

What are the benefits?

After they start trail running, many people can’t imagine going back to treadmill trudging and pavement pounding. Here’s why:

• Nurtured by nature: Trail running is all about the great outdoors. Routes will take you through forests, up mountains, over streams and under canopies. It lets you reconnect with the natural world - which is revitalising, and known to boost mental health.  

• Cool community: There’s often a really friendly community around trail running, with welcoming clubs open to all levels and experience. 

• A dynamic discipline: Trail running is always far more varied than road running. You need to continuously adapt to changing terrain, making it less monotonous than jogging on flat, even surfaces. The need to constantly adapt makes it more mentally stimulating too. 

• Nice for your knees: Many people find running on softer surfaces puts less strain on their joints. 

How do you get started?

Alex recommends starting out with others: “My friend [who introduced me to the sport] showed me the ropes. I also found a local trail running group near me on Facebook. They organise runs and plan really interesting routes”. 

Here are some more trail running tips for beginners :

• Adapt your running style: As mentioned above, short steps and fast feet help navigate uneven surfaces more safely (you’re more likely to slip if you take big bounding leaps). You want to land on your midfoot for better stability, and lift your arms out to the side for balance. Constantly scan the ground about 10 feet ahead of you for obstacles.

• Start easy: It’s a different discipline to road running. Start slow, take breaks, and walk when you’re tired - especially up hills. 

• Don’t try and match your road pace: Trail running is just slower than road running - go slower, be safe, and enjoy being in the great outdoors. It’s not a race. 

• Go with others: As Alex suggests, it’s best to run with others. They can advise you on safe routes and techniques. 

• Finding routes: There are loads of great apps for finding routes. OS Maps, Komoot, AllTrails and Strava are all good options. 

Do you need any special gear?

If you’re just doing a one-off taster, you can probably go in your regular running shoes (assuming they still have decent grip) - so long as conditions are dry. 

However, if you’re going to run trails often, it’s really worth investing in a pair of trail running shoes. They’re a different beast to road runners, with way more traction, cushioning and even plates to protect your feet from sharp stones. Most are water resistant too. 

If you already have a full draw of running clothes, you don’t need to go out and buy trail running clothing. But some people choose to - it can be a bit hardier against the weather. You’ll obviously need a way to carry your water and snacks too. 

Any safety issues to consider?

Depending on where you go, trail running can potentially be a bit more risky than road running. There’s a higher chance of slips, grazes and twisted ankles due to uneven surfaces. It’s easier to get lost in the great outdoors, and there will be fewer people around to help. Animals can be an issue in some places - keep your distance from cattle in particular. 

General safety for trail running:

• Always tell someone your route

• Avoid running alone, especially in unfamiliar places

• Bring a small first aid kit for scratches and grazes if your slip

• Bring a phone with a full charge of battery

• Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately

2. Beach yoga: “This is what yoga’s about”

“One morning I was doing chaturanga while facing up the beach. The tide was running under my belly and the sun was rising behind me. I just thought: this is what yoga’s all about for me” - Amie.

What is it?

It’s yoga, but on the beach. Rather than practicing in a studio, you work through your routine by the sea. You’ll want to find a fairly level spot. Sand higher up the beach is obviously dry, but is also less stable. Wetter sand near the water can be more compact, but you might get wet (which isn’t necessarily a problem). 

It goes without saying, but it’s obviously very different to doing yoga on a hard floor. The sand will move under your feet, the weather will affect what you can do, and no beach is completely flat. You will struggle to do certain poses (though sand’s usually pretty forgiving if you fall). 

What are the benefits?

“I just love that connection with nature” Amie says of her beach yoga experiences. Getting your stretch on by the seashore allows for some pretty special experiences:

• Tide and flow: Amie tells us that she times her movement from one pose to the next by the sound of the waves washing up the shore. Pretty idyllic right? More generally it’s just a great way to embrace nature and spend time in a beautiful setting.

• Vitamin D and downward dog: Practicing yoga on the beach gives you a good dose of vitamin D. Aim to do it in the mornings or early evenings after the full heat of the day has passed to reduce your sunburn risk (and wear suncream any time).

• Core by the shore: Doing yoga on an uneven surface such as sand may work your core harder, since you need to engage more muscles to balance.

• From stretch to splash: Once your yoga routine’s complete, you can wash the sweat and sand off by jumping in the sea - and maybe even fitting in a swim. 

How do you get started? 

If you’re already experienced with yoga, you can pretty much go whenever you like. That being said, it might be worthwhile signing up to a beach yoga class - they’ll know the best spots and it can be a fun way to meet likeminded people. 

Amie suggests some other general tips to get the most out of it:

• Choose your beach well: Not all beaches are great for yoga. Ideally, you’re looking for a fairly flat beach without too much crosswind (a protected cove is ideal). 

• Beach towel, not mat: Yoga mats should be kept for home or studio work - they’ll get covered in sand, damaged, and tend to slip out of place. “I use an old beach towel for my hands to reduce slippage and chafing from grains of sand, but plant my feet and body directly on the sand” Amie says.

• It’s not the same as a studio: You’re definitely not going to be able to do every move you do in the studio on a beach. Treat it as a fun way to work on your balance and do a simple flow - keep positions like handstands or king pigeon pose for the studio. 

• Embrace the sand: It’s a beach and you’re doing yoga positions, so you’re going to get sand everywhere. Amie recommends dressing appropriately - loose, light fitting trousers and tops are preferable to tight leggings and vests. You can also wear a swimming cossie underneath your clothes for a post-practice dip. 

Any safety issues to consider?

Generally, beach yoga is pretty low risk. But there are a few possible issues to be aware of. 

• Best for still days: “I’m lucky to live close to a quiet beach, so can go whenever the weather looks good” Amie says. But she’s learned the hard way: “On more than one occasion a big gust of wind has blown sand in my eyes - not ideal when you’re mid-flow”. 

• Sunrise/sunset are best: You’ll avoid the heat of the day, are less likely to get sunburnt, and can enjoy the view. 

• Sun protection is a must: Always wear suncream when doing yoga on the beach. A hat, sunglasses and water are also essential. 

3. Paddleboarding: “A whole new perspective”

“On my first SUP (stand up paddling) day out, I glided along the river near my house, right by the footpath I’ve run and cycled on a thousand times. But from the middle of the river, you get a whole new perspective” - Jazz

What is it?

An increasingly popular watersport where you stand (or kneel) on a foam or inflatable board and move yourself along using a paddle. Can be done on all kinds of water, including canals, rivers, lakes, estuaries, reservoirs and the sea. 

SUP’s also a great activity to try in the summer when the weather’s better. If you fall in, you can warm up faster and don’t need a wetsuit. 

What are the benefits?

Once you’ve mastered standing up and paddleboard locomotion (which are both pretty easy), it can be a very enjoyable way of spending your time:

• Swanning around: SUP is a unique way of getting close to nature while gliding along waterways. Jazz describes how “I love gliding past ducks and other water birds or paddling under the shade of a weeping willow”. 

• Meditation in motion: Many people find paddle boarding allows them to meditate as they glide along gracefully. It’s a really calming, mindful kind of activity. 

• Water-based workout: Paddleboarding is generally a fairly gentle kind of exercise - although you can get into more intense SUP racing. But it’ll still work your core and leg muscles, and improve your balance.

How do you get started?

Having access to a board and paddle is obviously essential. It’s best to hire one a few times before making the plunge (no pun intended) and buying a board outright - just to make sure it’s really for you. 

Jazz suggests the following tips for SUP beginners:

• Get some instruction: Whether you do a class at a club or a friend teaches you, it’s really handy to get some tips on posture, foot position and balance. You’ll pick it up quickly, but some instruction will mean you spend less time falling in. 

• Join a club: There are tons of super friendly paddle boarding clubs. They’ll let you use or rent equipment, and can also organise trips. 

• Choose an easy location: Especially for your first attempt, you want to paddle on a calm surface on a still day. The sea can be good, but if it’s choppy or the wind picks up, it can make balancing really hard. 

Do you need any special gear?

Besides the board and padel, there are few other things you’ll need:

• Suitable clothing: In cooler climates, you’ll benefit from a wetsuit or dry suit. 

• Sun protection: Hats, sunglasses and suncream are essential. 

• Waterproof bag: Great for carrying water, snacks, keys, cards and electronics. 

• Water shoes: Will keep your feet protected against whatever’s lurking at the bottom of the river/canal/lake should you fall in.

Any safety issues to consider? 

SUP can be hazardous in certain situations. Some basic health and safety tips include:

• Know how to fall in: It’s best to fall in the water ‘flat’, rather than going head or feet first. This means you’re less likely to get hurt by rocks, junk or even just an unexpectedly shallow river/lake/seabed.

• Wind and storms: Don’t go out when it’s windy and there are storms - especially on the ocean. 

• Go with others: Always do SUP with others in case you get into difficulties. Even strong swimmers can get into trouble. Tell a friend, parent or partner where you’re going and when you expect to be back.

Related: How to get into wild swimming

Ready to try something new this summer?

Summer is the perfect season to try new outdoor activities. Whether you’re inspired to run trails, try beach yoga or glide away on a paddle board - or something else - the warm weather and long days mean you can get the most out of your new hobby.  

For more exercise inspiration, read our guide to making workouts more fun.