Outdoor Fitness

Spring is here and the weather is has been beautiful! Time to start exercising alfresco! Taking your routine outside is also a good way to break out of a workout rut and challenge yourself in a new environment.

Get off the pavement

Take advantage of the varied terrain nature has to offer. While most cardio machines will only let you go forward and up, outside you can also tackle downhills, test your lateral movement skills and more.

Look for props

Even if you do not have access to hiking trails or a body of water, it is usually easy to find a park or playground. Try using benches for dips and push-ups. Think monkey bars are only for kids? They are also good for stretching and practicing pull-ups. Put your legs to work doing step-ups and calve raises on curbs.

Keep changing

If you do the same workout over and over, not only will your mind lose interest, your body will get bored and you will plateau. Lucky for you, no two workouts are the same outdoors. Either the wind is different or the temperature has changed or you just pick a different route, so your body has to adapt. You have no excuse for doing the same workout in the same place two days in a row.

Be prepared

Using nature as your gym can save you money, but there is one piece of gear you should not skimp on: shoes! Make sure they fit well and are made for outdoor terrain. You want grippy, lugged soles that bite into dirt and a wider outsole for more stability on rocks and other uneven surfaces; you may want added ankle support too. Sunscreen and water are must-haves year round. Also, check the weather report and plan your workout accordingly. In order to beat the heat, pollution, and damaging UV rays, exercise first thing in the morning.

Enjoy yourself

You are more likely to get in a sweat session when it does not seem like a chore. Try to recapture that sense of fun you had when you were a kid playing on the jungle gym or frolicking outside. It does not have to be drudgery... make it up as you go.

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Three reasons why outdoor exercise is so healthy:

1. Fresh air is so good for us :: You have heard the news about the quality of indoor air, right? In short, the air in our homes is a lot dirtier than we think. So if you cannot get outside for a fresh-air workout, at least open a window while you are on the treadmill.
2. Sunlight gives us a dose of Vitamin D :: Vitamin D is super good for you. It is credited with a long list of health benefits, including boosting your mood.
3. It is calming to be near nature :: Past studies have confirmed the link between nature and happiness and well-being... so this is a two-for-one deal: you get physical AND mental exercise!

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Source :: Shape Magazine