Stay active with these fun outdoor activities

It's a great time to get outside and move your body, and the options are endless when it comes to exercising outdoors. Here are a few ideas to try:

Hike. Explore a trail or area you have never been to before. Take the whole family along to create memories.

Do outdoor yoga. Take your yoga practice outdoors. Not only will you get fresh air, but you may also be able to soak in some sunshine.

Bike. Biking provides great health benefits while also being environmentally friendly. If you have somewhere to go, try biking to and from your destination instead of using a car.

Play pickleball, golf or tennis. Take the opportunity to try something new, like playing pickleball, golf or tennis. These activities will increase your heart rate and you'll likely have fun while doing them.

Tackle yard work. Tasks such as gardening, raking leaves and mowing the lawn are great ways to increase physical activity.

Swim. A family-friendly activity, swimming is a perfect way to enjoy a hot summer day. You don't have to swim laps for exercise, either. Simply get in the water and move around to increase your heart rate.

Walk or run. Other than the need for a good pair of tennis shoes, you don't need any equipment to walk or run. Plus, they're both free! If running is too vigorous for you, walking is a great alternative and provides countless health benefits.If you decide to exercise outdoors, keep the following in mind.

Hydrate. Drink plenty of water before, during and after being outside. Doing so will help prevent dehydration and regulate your body temperature.

Protect your skin. While vitamin D is good for you, too much sun exposure can do more harm than good. Always protect your skin with sunscreen and reapply it often. Consider wearing sunglasses and a hat for added protection.

Avoid extreme heat. The best time of day to exercise outdoors is in the early morning or evening to avoid heat exhaustion. Regardless, when it's hot outside, watch for signs of overheating such as dizziness, nausea, headache, fatigue or feeling faint.