It’s no secret that exercise is an important part of living a healthy lifestyle. But there’s something special about exercising outdoors that makes it feel so much better than hitting the gym. Whether you’re a seasoned gym goer or just starting out on your fitness journey, why not switch things up and take your workout to the great outdoors? Here are some tips for different types of outdoor exercises to get you started.
Hiking & Trail Running
If you live in an area with wooded trails, hiking and trail running can provide you with a great outdoor workout. You can customize these workouts to your fitness level by adjusting the speed or length of the trail, allowing for both low-intensity or high-intensity exercises depending on what’s best for you. Hiking and trail running workouts also provide plenty of fresh air, sunshine, and beautiful views to make your exercise session even more enjoyable!
Yoga & Pilates
Yoga and Pilates are two other popular forms of exercise that translate well into outdoor workouts. Both practices are designed to help improve flexibility, balance, range of motion, mental clarity, and overall strength—all while taking advantage of the natural beauty around you like fresh air, trees and plants, birds singing, etc. Plus if you don’t have access to specialized mats or equipment indoors, you can always use items from nature like logs or rocks as substitutes for yoga blocks or weights in order to add extra resistance during your session.
Swimming & Water Sports
Having access to a body of water nearby such as a lake or river opens up even more possibilities for outdoor exercise such as swimming laps, stand-up paddle boarding (SUP), kayaking/canoeing, etc. Swimming is especially beneficial because it works nearly every muscle in your body without putting too much stress on your joints—ideal for those who suffer from joint pain or discomfort. And since water adds added resistance compared to air when moving through it (known as hydrostatic pressure), swimming can often prove more difficult than running but with a lower impact on the body!
There are many benefits associated with getting out into nature while exercising; fresh air, beautiful scenery, improved mental well-being —the list goes on! So grab some friends and head outside today! Whether it be hiking trails near where you live or taking advantage of bodies of water nearby like lakes or rivers—there are so many ways to get active outdoors. Plus having friends join along can add an extra layer of motivation as well as boost morale during those challenging moments when all you want to do is quit! All in all, there's never been a better time than now to get out there and get moving! Happy exercising!
