Do you ever get frustrated spending most of your day behind a desk, looking at the autumn sun warming the outside through your window? Do you think that you should be enjoying time in the sun while you still can, not finishing up the nth report of your day? It’s a common struggle.
It’s estimated that more than 60% of us don’t do enough exercise in general, which impacts how we feel day-to-day and our health in the long run. Throughout the pandemic, many of us became “outdoor people,” choosing to spend more time outside1. So, it’s only natural that we’re becoming more excited about taking our workouts outside. If you’re someone who wants to become more outdoorsy or just looking to shake things up in your routine, this post is for you.
We’ll be covering 6 ideas on what types of exercise to do outside and how to get the most out of them.
Running – the tried and tested activity
Running is one of the first things anyone thinks about when they think of outdoor exercise. And for good reason – it’s a great way to burn calories, strengthen muscles and bones, and improve cardiovascular health2. If you’re just starting, try a brisk walk that transitions into a run.
Walking – from sunrise walks to hot girl walks
You don’t have to do anything complicated to do an outdoor workout in the park. A walk is a great way to stay in shape. You can take a walk anywhere, at any time – try to maintain a brisk pace for heart benefits. Walking can help shed pounds, and boost muscle strength and is a great option for a low-impact workout3. Whether you do it in the mornings or follow the trends and do a hot girl walk with your favorite playlist, you can still get all the benefits.
Hiking provides a challenging full-body workout
If you’re feeling adventurous, hiking is a great option. It can help you strengthen your full body, including your bones, and support great heart health4. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to connect to nature and boost your well-being.
Cycling is a great option for pushing yourself
Cycling is a great way to feel like a kid again. It helps you work harder to beat your previous best if you’re competitive and allows you to take in the great outdoors if you’re not. Cycling is a fantastic way to strengthen leg muscles, boost your balance, and keep your cardiovascular health in top shape5.
If you’re wanting to set a new personal best, consider adding 100% Golden Citrulline Malate to your routine – it helps decrease cycling time in trials and supports performance6.
Taking your gym routine outside
Is the gym getting too crowded? Time to take your workout outside. Whether you strength train, do group fitness, or love circuits, all of these can be done outside. Find outdoor group fitness sessions in your area, or get a few pieces of kit together, like dumbbells and rubber bands, and make your outdoor circuit workout.
Engage in a sport
Just because the air is a little chillier, doesn’t mean that all outside sports are off. Whether you’re into football, soccer, baseball, lacrosse, or ultimate frisbee, you can continue playing these sports outside. Find a local team or simply get your friends and family together – team sports are great for keeping active and for your mental health7.
Our top tips for great outdoor workouts
Feeling ready to get outside and start your workout? Here are some things to keep in mind to make sure you’re staying safe and getting the most out of your workout:
- Practice safety – make sure you’re aware of the risks of your activity, keep a first aid kit, and stay hydrated. Ensure your equipment is in good condition and you’re dressed for the weather.
- Remain consistent – your workout goals take time, so stick to a routine that works for you.
- Work out your motivation – knowing what gets you excited about your workout will make you likely to stick to it in the long run.
- Don’t be afraid to re-energize – if you’re working out after a grueling day at work, or you’ve simply not slept too well, make it easier for yourself by getting some caffeine. If you’re not a massive fan, try NRG Max – a pre-workout formula to get your blood pumping and prepare your body and mind for exercise.
- Make it a social experience – working out with friends and family is great for your mental and physical health.
Taking time to be active outside is great for your health and is extremely rewarding. So, do yourself a favor and incorporate one or two weekly workouts outside. With a range of things to do, from hikes and cycles to strength training and sports like lacrosse, you’re bound to find something you like. Embrace the coolness of the autumn air and go get closer to your fitness goals!
