The weekend is finally here, which means it's time to kick back, relax and enjoy some well-deserved rest and relaxation. If you're trying to get in shape this season, weekends are also opportune times for squeezing in a great workout. Those two days off can be well spent at the gym or undertaking a high-energy routine, but you probably won't feel like pushing yourself too hard on your vacation from the office.

Here are some fun and easy exercises you can do that are not only enjoyable, but will also blast off several hundred calories per hour and the best part is, you can squeeze them into your weekend schedule with ease:

1. Rollerblading. Rollerblading is a great total body workout, a challenging routine that will get your hamstrings, thighs and glutes in great shape! Just strap on a pair of rollerblades and a helmet, and head out to an area skate park or biking trail for a fun calorie-burning activity.

2. Boating. If you're the outdoorsy type, hit the lake on a canoe or kayak for a great upper body workout. Not only will you be giving your core muscles and abdominals a wake-up call, but you'll also get a killer adrenaline rush that will keep you pumped all weekend long.

3. Cross-country skiing. Head out to the nearest ski park for a fun cross-country skiing adventure across the trails. You don't need real snow to make the most of this adventure that will give your upper and lower body a serious challenge. This activity also burns several hundred calories per hour.

4. Running. If you're used to hitting the treadmill all week, take your activity outdoors and go for a long run at an area park or down a biking trail. The change of scenery will do your body - and mind - some good, and you can team up with a friend or group of runners for a fun, calorie-burning adventure.

5. Swimming. Hit the pool for an energizing and fun workout that will get your body in tip-top shape. Swimming is a great way to give large and small muscle groups a vigorous workout, and it's also a fun routine to look forward to each week.

Let's face it. When it comes to working out and getting in shape, most of us hit the gym for the treadmill or elliptical trainer to get that sweat-inducing workout that promises to burn mega calories.

As exhilarating as these workouts are, the reality is most of us also adapt to the cardio routine within a few short weeks, which means the effects will diminish over time and it gets harder and harder to burn more calories in less time. If your goal is to get in shape or lose weight, you'll need a strategy to get out of "cardio crazy" mode.

Signs that you're going cardio crazy include:

• Spending more than one hour on the cardio machines during each workout session
• Dreading your trip to the gym each day because the cardio workouts aren't fun anymore
• Obsessing about how many calories you've burned with each step on the stair stepper and every round of spinning classes

The best way to get out of a cardio rut is to add resistance training, weight lifting and different types of aerobic exercises into the weekly routine.

You can:
Hit the outdoors for a change of scenery and get started on a trail running program. Just strap on some super-grip running shoes and head off to the nearest state park or nature trail for a running route with resistance.

Take a deep breath and hit the yoga circuit. Pick up some comfy yoga capri pants and try Bikram yoga, which is guaranteed to make you sweat away your cares, or head outdoors for a sunrise yoga session to embrace the day. If you've been hitting the cardio machines a little too much lately, yoga can help bring your body into balance and give you a much needed stretch session.

Dive into swimming and water aerobics. Pick up a swimsuit and hit the diving board for a change of pace. Swimming is a great aerobic workout and burns several hundred calories per hour. You can also start training a number of core muscle groups with lap swimming or water aerobics. Pool routines will give your body a much-needed break from the usual cardio circuit.

Low-impact exercise ideas and benefits.

Despite what you may think or may have been taught in physical education class, low-impact exercises can definitely help you get in shape and become much healthier.

Low-impact are not just for people with physical limitations. They can be great for anyone: if you are just starting an exercise routine or you just want a couple of workout days that are less stressful on your body, low-impact exercises may be for you. Low-impact exercises are a lot easier on your joints and less stressful on your body overall. Unlike running, low-impact exercises won't jar your body and put strain on your joints and muscle groups. There are quite a few low-impact exercises that you can do. Add a variety of different low-impact exercises to mix up your fitness routine.

Water aerobics is an excellent choice for a low-impact exercise. Doing aerobics submerged in water lets you work your entire body - without the strain of pounding the ground. The water acts as a resistance but not so much that it strains your body. You can definitely get a full-body workout doing water aerobics. Plus, it's fun to play around in the water like you are a kid again. Most gyms that have swimming pools offer some kind of water aerobics class.

Swimming is another great low-impact exercise that is easy on your joints and will work your entire body. You will work your arms, your legs and your core while swimming. Swimming also raises your heart rate and puts you into calorie-burning mode. Most gyms with swimming pools offer times when you can free swim laps in the pool. If you do not know how to properly swim, classes are also available at recreation centers and local gyms.

Yoga is a very popular low-impact exercise. Yoga focuses on your breathing, posture and flexibility. Many people consider yoga to be a spiritual mind and body experience. In yoga there are no swift movements or jumping up and down. It mostly involves different poses and holding those poses to strengthen and lengthen your muscles. Power yoga will get your heart rate up the most, as this form of yoga moves quickly from one pose to another.

Stationary bikes are a great option for low-impact exercise. You can purchase one for your own personal use or any gym or recreation center in your town will have stationary bikes. Stationary bikes do not put pressure on your knees like running does. They are very simple to use - all you have to do is pedal! Most stationary bikes have some sort of pre-set programs that you can do or you could just time your bicycling to see how long you can go for. Many bikes even have monitors that will track how far you have gone, how many calories you have burned and your average speed per mile. Some gyms even offer low-impact cycling classes that you can take. If you get bored easily this may be for you, as the instructor of the class will keep you energized and keep you going longer.