Staying active and getting exercise doesn’t have to feel like a chore. We’ve created a list of the best ways to get active outside in the beautiful state of Arizona!

Incorporating just 30 minutes of activity into your daily routine provides countless benefits, including improving your overall sense of well-being and helping lower your biological age. Layer in time outdoors and you can also then soak up valuable Vitamin D from the sun, and reset your body’s circadian rhythm to promote better sleep.

While the possibilities are near endless when it comes to getting active outdoors in Arizona, we’ve narrowed down some of our top picks to help you get out there and start living your “fittest” life!

Hiking Havasu Canyon Trail

Havasu Canyon Trail is an 8-mile, strenuous trek that offers absolutely gorgeous views of natural waterfalls and swimming holes. Don’t let the long route intimidate you - you can always start small by conquering 1-2 miles of the trail at a time! 

Hiking can help reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even some cancers.

Mountain Biking in Prescott

The northern Arizona town of Prescott has over 250 miles of bike trails of all different terrains, and levels of intensity. You’ll be sure to find a route that matches your exact preferences and offers scenic views.

Cycling for at least 30 minutes a day can build up your cardiovascular and muscular endurance, and improve overall function in your lower body.

Whitewater Rafting Through Grand Canyon Rapids

The Grand Canyon Rapids offer the perfect conditions for whitewater rafting. You’ll get to see unique views of the Grand Canyon, one of the Natural Wonders of the World, while enjoying a thrilling and physically challenging ride. 

Whitewater rafting is quite strenuous and can help to strengthen a person's deltoids, biceps, triceps, and quads.

Swimming in Verde Hot Springs

Verde Hot Springs is a unique destination in Arizona, made up of two swimming holes set in a gorgeous backdrop. The pools are warm all year round so there is never a bad time for a swim.

Swimming offers high health impacts in a low body impact way, making it the perfect way for any individual to get active outdoors. It can even boost your mood and alleviate stress.

Rock Climbing at Mount Lemmon

Mount Lemmon has more than 2,700 climbing routes, ranging from single-pitch clip-ups to multi-pitch traditional routes, for both beginner and experienced climbers. Once you reach the top you’ll enjoy a 360 degree view of Arizona.

Rock climbing can improve your overall stamina. It also works multiple muscle groups, both in the upper and lower body, including your: back. abdominal muscles.

Golfing at TPC Scottsdale

The TPC at Scottsdale offers 18 holes with beautiful views and trails. Skip the golf cart and opt to walk from hole to hole to get even more active!

Golf not only stimulates the brain but also offers numerous benefits like improved mood, reduced anxiety, and increased confidence.

“Remember to implement habits and make fitness and activity changes that are realistic for you,” shared Val Ziske, FNP, “Make staying active easier to fit in by dividing activity up into smaller blocks of time (15-20 minutes) throughout the day. Small steps lead to big change.”

Get Active With Lifescape

If you need help getting active, partner with LifeScape's Fitness Expert, and enroll in one of our fitness programs! 

Our fitness center is equipped with everything you need to reach your fitness goals and start experiencing the benefits of getting active, including free weights, medicine balls, TRX bands, Bosu balls, resistance bands, and our Fit3D body scanner. 

Join LifeScape Concierge Care 

With Concierge Care at LifeScape, we treat you as a whole person. Our functional and integrative approach takes into consideration your history, genetic risks, and lifestyle, to get to the roots of your conditions and solve them in a holistic way.

Our comprehensive suite of medical services, including telemedicine visits, is offered by the best doctors in Arizona and unparalleled staff. Achieve peace of mind in your health, with a true partner in your care.

Get active outside and start living your “fittest” life today!

Sources:

https://www.piedmont.org/living-better/8-reasons-why-hiking-is-great-exercise

https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness-exercise/cycling-benefits

https://whitewaterchallengers.com/whitewater-rafting-workout/

https://www.everydayhealth.com/fitness/health-benefits-of-swimming/

https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/keeping-active/activities/climbing