If watching the extraordinary feats of Olympic athletes (seriously, are they human?) has left you feeling inspired to take your workouts to a whole new level, or to weave some friendly competition into your next backyard gathering, we're right there with you. While we may not all be able to score Olympic tickets and witness the torch blazing firsthand, we can still get in on the fun and reap the many benefits of outdoor exercise. 

Welcome to the final installment in our Best of Summer series, featuring the Best of Summer Sports: From the Olympic Games to Your Backyard.

In the words of Taylor Swift and Team USA, "Baby, let the games begin."

If you love the high energy and tactical strategy of tennis, pickleball could be your next great athletic passion. With 8.9 million players across the United States, and topping charts as the fastest growing sport in the country, finding folks to share in your enthusiasm should be a breeze. 

Pickleball vs. Tennis

Like its racket-powered Olympic counterpart, pickleball is played on a court by two to four players at a time hitting the ball back and forth over a central net. But in contrast to tennis, pickleball requires lighter weight equipment (a paddle instead of a racket, a lighter weight ball), smaller court sizes, the pickleball net height is lower, and game times tend to be shorter. Because it can be played at varied paces and by players of diverse skill levels, pickleball serves up a more accessible alternative to other racket sports. 

Pickleball engages your arms, chest, back, shoulders, legs, hips, and core. 

Fun fact: Pickleball gets its name from a dog called Pickles, who belonged to one of the game's inventors. Just one more thing to love about the sport. 

What if you could have the fast-paced team action of volleyball and the air-bending fun of Olympic trampoline, all in one-- no gymnastics required? May we present, for your next (and perhaps most exciting yet) round of backyard games: spikeball.

Volleyball vs. Spikeball

Also called roundnet, this lesser-known four-player game, invented in 1980s Chicago, has seen a recent surge in popularity for the portability of its equipment (a trampoline-like roundnet and small, 3.5-inch volleyball-inspired spike balls) and its flexibility to be played just about anywhere-- from backyard to beach to basement, so long as you have about 20 to 30 ft of space in diameter. 

Spikeball was originally inspired by concepts from volleyball. While both are played by teams, competitive volleyball generally requires two teams each with six players at a time on the court, whereas a fun game of spikeball only calls for two teams of two. And, while volleyball is played on a court divided by a net, and spikeball can be played almost anywhere you can set up your equipment, the objective of both is to skillfully hit the ball with your hands in a way that prevents the opposing team from returning it. In volleyball, players attempt to keep the ball from touching the ground on their side of the court, while aiming to ground it on their opponent's side. Spikeball players bounce a ball off of the roundnet (yep, just like a trampoline), scoring points when the ball hits the ground or net rim, or bounces more than once in their opponents' possession. 

Spikeball can help to improve strength, reaction times, and overall fitness. 

Fun fact: Volleyball was created in 1895 in Massachusetts, inspired by a combination of tennis, basketball, baseball, and handball. It wasn't granted Olympic status until 1957. 

Cricket, first played in England, was once the most popular sport in the country, until it was upstaged by baseball around the 1860s, but it seems to be making a serious comeback stateside. Don't have a 500 ft field (or pitch) or 22 players at the ready for a match? Might we suggest: croquet. 

Cricket vs. Croquet

While cricket, like baseball, involves hitting pitched balls with a bat and running bases (aka popping creases) in an outdoor field, croquet offers a slower, low-key alternative for a casual day with friends. Plus, it can easily be set up in your own backyard or beside your picnic blanket in the local park. You'll only need about 100 ft of level outdoor space, two to six players, and a proper croquet set (complete with mallets, balls, hoops, and a center peg to mark the middle of your court). Take it easy, or get as competitive as you like. Croquet is low-impact, great for all ages, and can be played by just about any skill level, making it a great family game for summer. 

Croquet engages the arm, hand, thigh, and back muscles. 

Fun fact: Olympic gold medals were made of solid gold until 1912. These days, they're only covered in six grams of the precious metal. While they may not be solid gold, the medals handed out at the 2024 Paris Olympics are a true piece of history,  each containing a piece of original iron from the city's iconic Eiffel Tower. 

Sport climbing made its Olympic debut in 2020 at the games in Tokyo, Japan, with events combining competitive speed climbing (fastest time wins), competitive bouldering (climbing a shorter route without ropes, within a limited time frame), and competitive lead climbing (climbing taller routes, with ropes, while clipping into bolts on the climbing wall). This is a sport that requires a great deal of physical skill, strength, and daring.  

Sport Climbing vs. Bouldering

Not quite up for the Olympian-level climb, but want to try your hand at reaching higher elevations? Give recreational bouldering a shot. While you may not be able to swing this one in your literal backyard, bouldering gyms and outdoor community climbing walls have begun to spring up across the nation in recent years. All you'll need is a facility equipped for safety with proper gear and mats below, a pair of climbing shoes, and a willingness to be at least slightly above ground. 

Be ready for the challenge of climbing a short but tricky wall (or problem) without ropes. This sport does require some strength and balance, but like with any new endeavor, practice makes perfect. You can always build toward mastering your technique. Find a bouldering wall near you by searching here. 

This sport is an excellent workout for arms, core, back, legs, shoulders, and to help build overall physical stamina. 

Fun fact: The highest free solo climb (climbing alone, without ropes or other protective gear) ever completed was done so by American rock climber Alex Honnold in 2017, when he became the first person to free solo an El Capitan route in Yosemite National Park. (He covered 2,900 feet in just 3h 56m!) Honnold has since weighed in on the sport as an Olympic commentator. 

Olympic athletes have us absolutely blown away by what they can achieve on land, and when it comes to competing in the water, they certainly do not disappoint. Water sports like marathon swimming (a 10km course completed in open water) and Olympic diving (think aquatic gymnastics) have brought us some of the games' all time greats. American swimmer Michael Phelps, for instance, currently holds rank as the most decorated Olympic swimmer in history. 

Diving & Marathon Swimming vs. Low-Impact Aquatics

If you're looking to take to the water, but prefer something that's not quite as strenuous or long-distance (a regulation Olympic swimming pool measures 164 ft in length), check out these more accessible aquatics. Aquatic activities like water aerobics (a full-body workout), water walking (walking through water at least waist deep), and low-impact swimming (a great way to exercise without putting weight on joints or injuries) can be an excellent way to get your heart pumping while enjoying pool or beach time. 

Aquatics can work the entire body, and be an effective way to improve fitness despite joint pain or stay active while recovering from injury. (If your physician has cleared you to do so, of course.)

Fun fact: Did you know that swimmers can sweat underwater, but may never notice? Be sure to prepare for aquatic activity by staying properly nourished and hydrated, just like you would on land.  

Which summer sport strikes your fancy?

Whether you gear up to join the cult followings of pickleball or spikeball, or can't wait to take a therapeutic dip in the pool while friends set up for croquet, you're Olympic medalist material in our eyes. 

Remember to always practice safety precautions, follow the advice of your physician, and properly nourish your body by fueling it with all the nutrients you need to stay active and taking care with post-workout recovery.

For the most convenient way to step up your nutrition and stay competition ready, check out our full line of multivitamins and discover the best multi for you.

Which one will take home the gold?