In general, working out has incredible benefits. It strengthens muscles, increases endurance, and improves cardiovascular health. Additionally, going outside has great benefits such as providing vitamin D (strengthening bones) and improving mental health. Naturally, combining the two is an incredible way to maximize benefits and improve your well-being. The recently popular 75 Hard Challenge requires challengers to complete at least one 45-minute workout outdoors per day. Trends such as these emerge as the result of the awareness of outdoor workout benefits.
But How?
There are so many options for where, what, and how to do a workout outdoors. Visiting the beach, going to a nature trail, and trying an outdoor gym are three great new environments to try. You may also incorporate many types of exercises into your routine. For cardio, you may walk, hike, swim, jump rope, run, or play nearly any sport outside. For strength, you may visit an outdoor gym, bring weights outside, practice Pilates on a mat outdoors, or use body weight to perform exercises. Below are several ideas to start your outdoor workout journey.
Scenic Run or Walk
Running and walking are incredibly versatile. They are great alone or with friends. Going with friends increases connection and emotional wellness. You may find a flat surface, hills, or hike up a mountain. A greater incline leads to increased muscle volume, strength, and tone, especially in the quadriceps and hamstrings. There are places to walk in the city, forest trails, and paths around water. You may also spend time listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks. These are great ways to unwind and build knowledge.
Beach/Lake Yoga
Yoga is great for building balance and flexibility. It is also a great way to relax and focus on the present moment by concentrating on your breathing. Having a view to enjoy while moving your body is so rewarding! Some yoga studios offer outdoor goat yoga and puppy yoga sessions for an extra hit of dopamine! There are yoga books to follow, online videos, and apps with guided sessions. You may also utilize certain positions to improve strength, flexibility, or balance.
Biking to Breakfast
Getting outside to bike is fantastic for musculoskeletal and cardiovascular health. Find your local bike trails and roads with bike lanes, and you can get just about anywhere nearby! A great way to incentivize yourself is to pick a day of the week to bike to somewhere that excites and motivates you. Whether it’s Sunday brunch, a Taco Tuesday destination, or Friday sunset ride, you can customize your workout to your choosing.
Play Pickleball or Tennis (or any Sport)
Currently, pickleball is massively trendy. This is a fun way to create and build friendships! It’s also beneficial for cardiovascular health, endurance, and upper body strength. There are also leagues to join; make sure to check if your local gym or school has tournaments or teams to join. These sports are very affordable, as there is minimal equipment required. Similarly, basketball, volleyball, baseball, and football can all be played outside with a team.
Switch Up Your Indoor Workouts
There are many possible ways to take your workouts outside. Depending on your selections, you may achieve many goals and subsequently unlock many benefits by doing so. It’s also possible to take nearly any indoor activity outdoors (such as bringing equipment and weights outside). Overall, it is very flexible and fairly cost-efficient to exercise outside. Your body will thank you for improving your physical and mental health.
