Regular exercise is one of the most important things you can do to improve your health.

2021 is the perfect time to try something new. Start the new year spending some time in the fresh air, improving your health and challenging yourself.

While you're enjoying time outside, it's important to keep yourself protected from the sun. Our UV protective clothing is the perfect way to stay safe while you have fun in the sun.

So we’ve put together 7 outdoor activities for you to try in 2021. These will help to improve your physical and mental health, making you feel stronger and happier.

Take up Tennis

Tennis is one of the world’s most popular sports. Playing tennis is great for your body and your brain!

Tennis engages your upper and lower body. There are short periods of high-intensity activity, and longer periods of low-intensity movement. This makes the heart and lungs work harder, improving your cardiovascular system.

Tennis is also a workout for your brain. It takes strategy, planning, mindfulness and coordination. This – as well as the social aspect of tennis – can be a brilliant way to reduce stress and increase well-being.

There are plenty of other types of racket sports to try. If tennis isn’t your thing, pickleball, badminton and table tennis are all lower-intensity sports that you can enjoy.

Make sure that your activewear allows you to move freely, and doesn’t get in the way of your swing! If you’re playing outside, our sun protective clothing is the best option.

Start Swimming

Swimming is a brilliant workout for every part of your body.

Swimming will make you stronger and fitter; it works your heart and lungs, builds body strength, tones your muscles and increases your endurance. The gentle resistance from the water means that you’re always using most of your muscle groups to swim through the water.

You can try different strokes and styles of swimming. Each one works your body in a different way, and the variety will keep your swimming enjoyable and challenging:

• Breaststroke focuses on your chest, shoulders, and triceps
• Sidestroke focuses on your back and arms
• Backstroke works your triceps, chest, and legs
• Butterfly particularly targets your chest, back and thighs

Another benefit of swimming is that it doesn’t put too much pressure on your body or joints. This makes swimming the perfect exercise for someone with an injury, disability or currently in recovery or rehabilitation.

You’ll need swimwear that allows you to move comfortably. Plus, remember to have dry clothes with you that you can keep yourself warm in.

Stand-Up Paddleboarding

You might not have tried stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) before. But once you do, you’ll be hooked!

SUP involves standing on a longboard, and using a paddle to move. You’ll be glad to know that it’s done on calm waters, and is a very relaxing way to spend some time.

But SUP isn’t easy! It uses almost every part of your body, and tones your muscles. It particularly focuses on engaging your core, keeping balanced and stable while you use your strength to paddle across the water.

SUP is a fun way to stay active, and doesn’t feel like traditional, grueling exercise. You’re able to try a new activity, appreciate your surroundings, and challenge yourself. It’s also a way to enjoy the water while staying dry (as long as you don’t fall in!).

Keep yourself safe from UV rays by wearing our sun protective activewear. It blocks 98% of the sun's rays, and the UV protection doesn't wash away.

Try Trail Running

Trail running is the perfect way to make your workout more challenging, fun, and effective. Take your jogging off of the treadmill or pavement, and go off-road. Every trail has its own challenges; no two trails are the same.

When running off-road, you’re working your cardiovascular system. But you’re also working much harder for every step, thanks to the uneven terrain, hills, and route options. This makes trail running much more intense and effective than running on a treadmill or the road.

Plus, trail running provides distraction. You have to focus on your route and your footing, and you have the opportunity to appreciate your surroundings. This might make your run more enjoyable!

Just remember to have fun, but be careful while trail running. Wear running clothes that will keep you warm but don’t cause you to overheat, and protect you from the sun. Ideally, wear items that have reflective trims, so that you’re visible to other people and vehicles.

Practice Yoga

Yoga in an ancient practice that allows you to exercise your mind and body. It combines breathing exercises, meditation and movement, and has many physical and mental benefits.

The movements in yoga can increase your strength and flexibility. Meanwhile, the breathing and meditation elements of yoga can reduce stress and anxiety, and improve your quality of life.

There are many different styles of yoga. You can choose which one works best for you, or practice a variety of styles. For example, Vinyasa yoga links fluid movement with breath. Iyengar yoga is slower, focusing on alignment. Meanwhile, Power yoga involves faster movements, with core and upper body work.

Yoga can be done indoors or outside, whichever you would prefer. It can be practiced in a class, using an online class or you can move intuitively. The focus in on finding what works best for you.

Make sure that your yoga activewear is comfortable and moves with you. That way, you can move through your yoga poses without being distracted.

Take a Walk or a Hike

Walking or hiking is a great way to stay active. Plus, it’s free and can easily fit into your daily life.

There are plenty of health benefits from walking or hiking. Walking can improve your heart health, lower you blood sugar levels and improve joint pain. It can also boost your immunity, energy and mood. It works your cardiovascular system without pushing you to exhaustion, making it a great activity to enjoy with others.

Walking or hiking is also a great way to clear your mind, relax and increase your creativity and problem-solving skills. You can take the opportunity to explore somewhere new and appreciate the scenery around you.

While you're walking or hiking, make sure you keep yourself protected from the sun and UV rays with our sun protective pieces. Keep your skin safe, and stay healthy!

Ride a Bike

Biking is an incredible workout. It can be a brilliant way to easily explore your local area, or to discover somewhere new.

There are plenty of different types of biking, so you’ll be able to find what you most enjoy. You can explore roads, cycle lanes or mountain bike trails (depending on what type of activity you’re looking for). It’s also the perfect exercise to enjoy on your own, with friends or with a new group of people.

Don’t worry if you haven’t cycled in a while. As they say, it’s like riding a bike! You’ll be able to pick it up again quickly.

Outdoor Activities to Try in 2025

Try these outdoor activities, and start the year being the healthiest and strongest version of you. Remember to stay safe in the sun.

Take a look at our activewear that will help you to keep your body and mind active, as well as keeping your skin safe. Enjoy the outdoors with peace of mind you are protected from the sun.