Gym fatigue is real! If staring at the same walls day after day is crushing your motivation, it’s time for a change. What are some of the ways you can spice your workout and get fit in the great outdoors? Let’s find out!
Why Go Outside?
Nature’s Therapy
Sunlight, fresh air, and scenic views work wonders for your mental well-being. Exercise in nature can reduce stress, clear your head, and leave you feeling energized. When you’re exposed to sunlight, it can trigger the release of feel-good hormones like serotonin, improving your mood and overall well-being for a happier you!
Keeps Your Pockets Bulgy
No gym memberships here! Public parks, trails, and even your own neighborhood offer great workout spaces that are free of cost! Sure, you might fall a bit short on equipment like weight plates, especially if you’re strength training, but you can make up for it with a little out-of-the-box thinking!
Social Connections
Turn your workouts into a social event! Imagine running on a sunny day at the beach, working out, and socializing with your pals! Fun, right? Exercising outdoors provides opportunities to meet up with friends, work out in groups, and simply enjoy the camaraderie!
The Great Escape: 4 Outdoor Workout Ideas
Walking: Duh!
For most of us who are getting into our fitness routine, walking is the easiest thing to get us started. It can be light on our joints, making it a great fit for those with injuries or joint pain. Moreover, research has shown that regular walking can improve cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.
Pro Tip: There are different types of walking paces you can match. Brisk walking is a moderate-intensity walk where you maintain a pace that makes it slightly challenging to hold a conversation. If you’re up for an even bigger challenge and looking to crush those fitness goals, you could try power or even hill walking! Choose the type of walk that best suits your ability level, and try to work your way up!
Swimming: Make a Splash!
Whether swimming on a beautiful, sunny day at the beach or at public spaces like the local club, swimming works the entire body and almost every muscle group, providing a well-rounded full-body workout. Especially with summer around the corner, an invigorating workout like swimming can be a cool escape on hot days!
Pro Tip: Consider taking swim lessons or watching online tutorials to improve stroke efficiency. Good form maximizes workout benefits and reduces the risk of injury. Once you’ve mastered the art of swimming, you can choose to swim for longer distances at a steady pace (endurance swimming) or between high-intensity bursts (sprint workouts) to get that heart rate up!
Biking: Wheels of Fortune!
It’s time for you to dust off that old bike in your basement you’d promised to ride every day! Biking is a great way for fitness enthusiasts to take their workouts to the road! It builds excellent strength and muscle definition, particularly in your quads, hamstrings, glutes, and core muscles. There are a few options you have when you go biking. Road biking focuses on smooth, paved surfaces for speed and endurance. Alternatively, if you’re looking for more of a challenge, mountain biking involves riding off-road trails with varied terrain, such as steep inclines. Watch out for those slippery slopes, though!
Pro-Tip: When choosing the right bike for you, think about the kind of riding you’ll do the most. You can visit a bike shop for recommendations on correct sizing and adjustments. Always remember, safety first! Wear a helmet, learn road hand signals (if needed), and be aware of your surroundings!
Hiking: Take in the View!
Picture this. You’re walking with your pals on a sunny day up the mountain, taking in the view. You’re talking, laughing, and just living in the moment. Sounds fun, right? For those who want to socialize and make a few memories, hiking or backpacking is a great outdoor exercise option! Hiking, especially on varied terrain, elevates your heart rate for a great cardio workout while working your leg muscles.
Pro-Tip: How can one get started? When choosing a hiking spot, choose your hike’s distance, elevation gain, and difficulty ratings. Research local hikes spots that fit your fitness level pack the essentials, and hit the trail! Don’t forget to wear proper hiking shoes, bring plenty of water to quench that thirst, carry snacks (you’ll thank us later!), a map or GPS device, and a first-aid kit!
Break a Sweat!
Ready to trade in those fluorescent gym lights for some sunshine and adventure? The best part about outdoor workouts is that you get to design them your way! Choose activities you enjoy, find inspiring locations, and set your own pace. Whether you hike a trail you’ve never explored, rent a bike and hit a scenic path, or try a pool workout, it’s time to ditch the rigid gym routine and tailor your fitness to the things that put a smile on your face!
