As we all know, the benefits of consistent exercise are endless. But sometimes the same routine can get a little… Ordinary. Getting an occasional outdoor workout not only keeps things fun, but there are several other benefits as well.
Why Exercise Outdoors?
Exercising outdoors keeps your body guessing
The uneven and varied terrain engages different muscle groups, improves stability, and challenges your coordination. Giving your body a little surprise every now and then can help you make progress in strength training and functional fitness.
You can soak up the sun
To be more precise, you get the added benefit of vitamin D when you exercise. This important nutrient helps support bone health, immunity, and overall health. Be sure to apply a thick layer of sunscreen.
You can exercise
Just getting outside for some fresh air and being in touch with nature can improve your mood, reduce stress, and promote better sleep. When you find it hard to motivate yourself to get moving, a lot of fresh air can give your endorphins a surge.
How to Plan an Outdoor Workout?
Think ahead
First and foremost, the best way to start exercising outdoors is to figure out what you’re going to do and where you’re going to exercise. If you’re planning on doing cardio (especially running), draw a route map or find a great place in your backyard or park with space to move. If you want to do strength training, full-body toning, or HIIT workouts outdoors, choose your workout in advance. Planning ahead can save you time and effort in the long run.
Find the right equipment
Your equipment plays an important role in the outdoor workouts you’re doing, so you’ll need to plan accordingly.
- No equipment: Most people find it easiest to exercise outdoors with only body weight. This full-body circuit workout is perfect for outdoor workouts.
- Resistance bands: Outdoor strength training is entirely an option, and this full-body strength workout uses resistance bands that are easy to carry.
- Kettlebells: Kettlebells are great outdoor gear, not only because they’re easy to carry (hello, with a built-in handle!), but also because they have a surprisingly cardio effect. When you want to get your heart pumping, you can do kettlebell workouts outdoors.
- Yoga mats: When you need a little relaxation while exercising, a good stretch in the fresh air is an excellent recovery workout. Try these seven restorative yoga poses on your next active rest day.
Listen to your body
As much as we like to push ourselves, exercising in hot weather can quickly lead to dehydration, especially in the sun on hot days. Make sure to bring plenty of water and try to have a drink between each group. If you’re doing aerobic exercise or long-distance running, take short breaks to stay hydrated. Whenever you feel dizzy or lightheaded, go to a cool place to cool down, or soak a towel and place it around your neck.
Wear appropriate clothing
We love a proper gym as much as anyone else, but when you’re working out outdoors, there’s more to consider than just style. Having the right clothing is important for both safety and comfort. Wear shoes that are appropriate for the type of outdoor workout you’re doing, as well as lightweight, breathable clothing to keep you cool.
Pro tip: When your blood pumps, you get hot, so either wear a few extra layers of clothing or lower your body temperature when your muscles get hot. When you’re starting. If you plan to run early in the morning or evening, make sure to wear brightly colored and reflective clothing so that cars, cyclists, and other runners can see you.
Check the weather
Hopefully, you’re excited about getting started with an outdoor workout right now. But before you head out, check the weather. And not just for the rain (sprinkle a little is actually refreshing). Factors such as storms, humidity, wind, and heat index can all affect how hard you workout or how you dress. Be sure to check the air quality in your area. At some levels, exercising outdoors may not be recommended.
Safety first
When you’re doing a full-body workout or doing a HIIT workout, you’re not really thinking about your surroundings. In the gym, it’s good. But exercising outdoors in public places requires some extra safety precautions. Be sure to bring your phone and ID with you. Keep the music at a level where you can still hear everything around you. Last but not least, tell someone where you’re going and when you plan to come back.
