Summer sees a surge of people wanting to amp up their fitness routine. Whether it’s to look good lounging by the pool or to fulfill aspirations of outdoor adventure, summer offers unique opportunities for exercise. Here are four activities for summer fitness that are far from routine.

Outdoor boot camp

Boot camp showcases interesting and varied outdoor exercise. Boot camp can be understood as full-body functional, exercise-based circuit training. According to instructor Pam Fountas, boot camps push people to physical extremes that can’t be reached in a solo workout.

Short intervals and circuits make boot camp time-effective and challenging. Changing environmental factors are an added plus.

Fountas said the results are more than just physical.

“At the end of the day, pushing yourself to physical limits translates into other aspects of your life. Not only does it burn calories, it builds confidence as well.”

Pam Fountas is the instructor of Limitless Living Boot Camp 4 Women. Spaces are still available Mondays and Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. Email pam_fountas@hotmail.com for details.

Kayaking

It isn’t necessary to travel to cottage country to enjoy the pleasures of paddling through the water. Get a view of Kingston’s waterfront via kayak. Coordinating muscles in the upper-body, abdominal region, hips and legs, makes kayaking an especially effective workout. Whether you want to go for an intense high-powered trip or a leisurely paddle, set your own pace.

Ahoy Rentals at 23 Ontario Street offers kayaking, sailing, canoeing and cycling as recreational options. Visit ahoyrentals.com to find out about rentals, rates and hours.

ARC fitness classes

The ARC still provides creative exercise options in the summertime. A number of new classes have been added through the Fitness and Wellness program.

Piloboxing combines high-energy boxing movements with Pilates toners, making for a high-intensity workout. Hoop Dance offers a workout for your core, wrists and shoulders. A program called Recreational Fitness and Games has also been introduced where participants can choose games to play each week. Options include floor hockey, European handball or basketball.

To check out classes, fees and packages, visit gogaelsgo.com.

Running outdoors

Here’s another simple way to enjoy Kingston’s waterfront while getting some exercise. Grab some friends and try out the Beat Beethoven Run Event on June 5. People will have the chance to run a 4km or 8km track in the city while the Kingston Symphony plays Beethoven’s music. Runners are challenged to complete the running course before the 50 minutes of music is up. If running’s not your thing, just grab a gelato and watch–you can always pretend you finished early!

Visit beatbeethovenkingston.com for more information.