Are you looking for a new way to spice up your workout routine? Look no further than the great outdoors! Outdoor fitness is quickly gaining popularity, as more and more people are embracing nature with outdoor workouts and activities. With the natural environment providing a stunning backdrop, you can turn an ordinary workout into an adventurous and thrilling experience. Now, let’s explore the benefits of embracing the great outdoors for fitness!
1. Exploring the Benefits of Outdoor Fitness
Staying physically active should be a cornerstone of any health-conscious lifestyle. However, the best form of fitness for each individual can vary widely. While gym memberships can be a great way to stay active, many people are beginning to discover the unique benefits of outdoor fitness.
- The fresh air and beauty of the outdoors provide a natural stimulant to elevate moods and promote well-being.
- Training outdoors allows athletes to take advantage of the natural terrain such as rocks and trees to add depth to a typical workout.
One advantage of outdoor fitness is it offers an escape from the confines of any gym. By leaving the gym space, athletes are free to explore the world around them with every workout. Not only can training outdoors offer a refreshing sense of exploration, but it also provides an opportunity to boost one’sstamina. By changing up the terrain and intensity of workouts, athletes can push their limits and take their workout to a whole new level of intensity.
Another bonus of outdoor fitness is that it is free and accessible to everyone. Nature provides an obstacle course or playground where athletes can dial in their own technique and perfect their skills. By combining the power of nature with the power of the athlete, creative workouts become endless. Additionally, outdoor fitness can be done virtually anywhere and anytime, perfect for individuals with busy schedules.
2. Going Green: Reaping the Rewards of Nature-Based Workouts
Exercise in natural settings has numerous health benefits. From a physical perspective, your body is more in tune with its surroundings and more likely to move in ways that align with the terrain. From a psychological perspective, it’s hard to beat being out in nature.
- You’ll get loads of fresh oxygen, reducing fatigue and improving concentration.
- The sights and smells of nature instantly alleviate stress.
- You can set your own pace, with no need to hit certain speeds or heart rate levels.
- You’ll be more likely to keep exercising, since new settings offer visual and emotional reward.
From backpacking to mountain biking, there is no reason to limit yourself to conventional gym workouts. Whether you’re looking for team sports or solo activities, you’ll find something to enjoy. Outdoor trail races, duck canoe races, rock-climbing competitions and river rides are just a few of the possibilities.
Plus, if you plan in advance, outdoor adventures can be surprisingly affordable. For example, you could look into volunteering on expeditions or kayaking outings. There are also plenty of cheap group lessons available and, depending on the type of exercise, you probably won’t even need special equipment.
3. Feeling the Fresh Air: Embracing the Power of Outdoor Exercise
As the robin alights on the windowsill, signaling the coming of spring, it’s time to embrace the fresh air and partake in an outdoor workout! Whether you choose to run, cycle, or take a leisurely walk, there are numerous health and fitnes benefits to taking your workout outdoors.
- Increase Vitamin D: According to the Harvard Health letter, Vitamin D has been known to improve cognitive performance. Plus, it’s free and natural – and your best way to get it is some good ol’ sunshine.
- Endorphin Boost: Exercise releases endorphins, which have been proven to reduce stress, improve mood, and even potentially reduce pain.
- Better Focus: Studies have found that outdoor physical activity can help one stay on task longer, pay attention better, and maintain focus over time.
What’s more, ever-changing scenery, fresh air, and environmental surroundings may also lead to greater motivation while exercising. So why not take advantage of the bright morning or crisp evening air and get moving outdoors?
For those looking to take their fitness to the great outdoors, here are some tips:
- Invest in comfortable shoes and athletic gear.
- Bring water and a snack if needed.
- Choose routes that meet your skill level.
- Set small goals and record your progress.
The world is your playground – so take some time to enjoy the beautiful outdoors and feel the fresh air as you embrace the power of outdoor exercise!
4. Staying Safe Under the Sun: Tips for Enjoying the Great Outdoors
Summer has officially arrived and that means temperatures are on the rise and outdoor activities are in full swing! Whether you’re camping, swimming, or simply enjoying a picnic lunch, staying safe while basking in the sunshine is key. Here are some tips for taking in the great outdoors without taking any unnecessary risks:
- Limit Exposure: Too much of a good thing isn’t always best. UV exposure builds up over time so if you’re going to be outside for extended periods of time, keep an eye on your skin and use sunscreen.
- Be Aware of Your Surroundings: As cute as alligators may look, it’s best to steer clear. Educate yourself on the local wildlife so you can be prepared and take extra caution on trails where dangerous creatures may be.
- Choose the Right Attire: Bright colors are more visible when in nature, so brighten up your outfit to increase your visibility. Additionally, make sure to wear sturdy shoes if you’re planning any hikes and breathable materials if you’re going to be in direct sunlight a lot.
- Bring Supplies: Sunburns are never fun but they can easily be avoided with a little sunscreen. Along with the sunscreen, make sure to bring plenty of water, bug spray, and a first-aid kit for good measure.
It’s always a good idea to take extra precaution when going out into nature but that doesn’t mean you can’t still relish in the sunshine. Make sure you’re prepared and aware of the environment so you can enjoy the summer to the fullest!
5. Making it Fun and Accessible: Ideas for Unique Outdoor Workouts
It is important to remember that physical exercise should be something you enjoy doing, not something you dread. There is no reason you should feel stuck in the gym. Outdoors you have an open playground and the possibilities are endless. Below we provide some ideas to make outdoor workouts more fun and accessible:
Change Up Your Routine
- Choose activities that use different muscles and put you in different situations. This will make your workouts more interesting and reward your body with fresh types of exercise.
- Find ways to bring the indoors out. You can use equipment like resistance bands, kettlebells, and TRX straps, to make every workout a challenge.
- Mix things up and treat yourself to different forms of exercise. Going for a run one day, a yoga session the next, and volunteering at a beach clean-up the day after.
Competition
- Challenging yourself by introducing competition can be particularly fun and is a great way to keep motivation high.
- Organize activities like virtual races, relay runs, and team fitness challenges with family, friends, and coworkers.
- Keep it social and create friendly competitions, with the aim to stay fit and encourage each other.
Convenience
- Set realistic goals for yourself and accommodate them to your lifestyle.
- Sometimes, you are only able to squeeze in a 20-minute workout in the morning. That’s totally OK.
- Choose activities that fit the time you have available and that you look forward to.
6. Becoming One with Nature: Connecting Physical and Mental Wellbeing
Making time to spend outside, surrounded by nature, and just giving yourself a break from the hustle and bustle of our urban lifestyles can have a profound and lasting impact on both your physical and mental wellbeing. Studies have shown that nature-based activities can help manage stress, reduce depression, and increase physical and mental energy. Here are just a few activities to reconnect with nature and promote your physical and mental wellbeing:
- Gardening: Get your hands dirty and enjoy the reward of fruits of your labor. Gardening can help reduce stress as well as high blood pressure.
- Hiking: Explore the natural trails and take in the tranquility of forests, meadows, rivers and lakes.
- Bird Watching: Get to know your local bird species, which can bring you closer to nature and provide a sense of relaxation while honing your powers of observation.
When you are one with nature, your senses are your guide. They will help you appreciate the present moment; be that the smell of the wet grass after a rain shower, the sound of a river in the distance, the gentle touch of a breeze on your skin, or the sight of a brilliant sunset. This process of stillness and sensation can help in both connecting with and staying in the present moment, leading to improved moods and relaxation.
It is also a great way to spend more time outdoors, soaking up the therapeutic benefits of natural light. And while being in nature can help reset your mind, it can also help you stay active and burn those extra calories. From running to jogging to kayaking, there’s no limit to the physical benefits you can experience when connecting to nature.
Outdoor fitness doesn’t have to be intimidating. With just a few simple steps, anyone can enjoy the beauty of nature with outdoor activities and workouts that are both fun and rewarding. So, make like some of our favorite adventurers and take your fitness regimen outside – you may be surprised at how much you enjoy it!
