The secret of outdoor workouts

More people than ever before are aware of the risks associated with obesity and sedentary lifestyles nowadays. Numerous long-term and potentially fatal medical disorders, including depression and cardiovascular disease, have been connected to these risk factors.

With the ability to enhance cardiovascular health, develop lean muscle, and boost energy levels without having to pay for a gym membership or commit to a class, outdoor exercise equipment is a fantastic substitute. Putting the park’s exercise equipment outdoors raises serotonin levels, sharpens mental focus, and gives visitors a more uplifted and joyful sensation. Having free, easily available outdoor exercise equipment in your neighborhood gives individuals a location to work out and maintain their health. *

Advantages of Exercise Outside

It has been scientifically shown that being outside is healthy. Exercise outside, even for little periods, may have a positive impact on our health. Compared to those who walked inside, a brief trip outdoors enhanced participants’ attentiveness and memory, according to 2023 small research published in Nature.

Research has shown that the advantages increase with the duration of exposure. According to different 2019 research, those who spent at least 120 minutes outdoors each week reported feeling better about their health and wellbeing than people who spent less time outside.

What are some ways to spend more time outside?

Go there to work out. Though it is a terrific strategy if you have the room and finances, don’t worry—we’re not suggesting you need to schlep hundreds of pounds worth of bumper plates to your backyard in order to receive a little vitamin D while you squat. All you need to work up a sweat in the summer heat is your body. The 12 exercises we’ve put together are short and simple enough to do outdoors the next time you’re craving some fresh air.

Outdoor fitness improves the mood

Exercise has been shown in several studies to positively affect happiness and mood. In fact, it has been connected to a higher sense of general pleasure and a decrease in the symptoms of despair and anxiety. However, there’s also data to suggest that exercising outside could have an even bigger effect.

Numerous studies found that engaging in mild physical exercise outside in the presence of sunshine or vegetation significantly improved mental health. Managing mood disorders may also benefit greatly from outdoor exercise.

If you’re wondering how much exercise you should be doing, the American Heart Association suggests 150 minutes a week of moderate exercise, ideally spaced out over the course of the week. For those who are serious about their health, doing at least 300 minutes a week of exercise might reap even greater rewards.

Outdoor fitness lowers your stress levels.

Anxiety, nervousness, and even loneliness sensations may be lessened by exercising outside in nature. You might feel more a part of the environment around you when you are outdoors, even if you are by yourself.

Researchers collected stress data from three distinct environments—a natural location, an indoor training facility in an urban area, and a municipal park—for a study on the relationship between stress response and levels of nature.

Comparing visits to the other two sites, researchers discovered that visiting natural areas had the most beneficial effects on lowering both physical and psychological stress. In actuality, compared to the other two alternatives, people who visited the natural environment reported far lower levels of stress.

Outdoor Fitness help to Discover a Range of Terrain

Walking on uneven ground, jogging over rocks and uphill, or bodyweight workouts on a nearby track use diverse muscle groups, promote strength development, and improve balance and coordination. Here are some ideas to change up the outside terrain:

Local mountain bike paths focus on building certain muscular groups, including the hamstrings, quadriceps, and glutes.

According to a hiking review study from the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, hiking on local trails may have immediate health advantages, including improved immune system functioning, improved attention span, lowered blood pressure, and reduced stress levels.*

Another alternative is running, which is also one of the most affordable sports. Other than a decent pair of running shoes, you don’t need any, which might account for its appeal. Look for colleges and high schools that often open their tracks for public use or trails. These locations provide a greater range of running options and are better for your knees than asphalt or concrete sidewalks.

Outdoor Fitness Ideas for Seasonal Workouts

Exercises for Spring: Detoxification and Renewal

As springtime draws near, engage in activities that suit the weather. Discover how to make the most of this sunny season by participating in outdoor Pilates and hiking amid fields of blossoming flowers.

Summertime Explorations: Exercise in the Sun

There are several outdoor activities available throughout the warmer months. Engage in beach workouts, paddle-boarding, and other summertime sports to be active while taking advantage of the sun.*

Fall Fitness: Appreciate the Beauty of Autumn

The vivid foliage of autumn provides a fantastic backdrop for outdoor workouts. Discover how to include fun exercise routines like picking apples and trail running amid the fall colors.

Outdoor Fitness Save your money.

Keeping fit on a budget may also be achieved by exercising outdoors. The cost of joining a gym and registering for services might pile up. But all you really need to work out outdoors are some decent running shoes and weather-appropriate, cozy workout attire.

Lisa Howard, CPT-ACSM, a former personal trainer and athlete, says you may also use pre-made equipment for circuit training, including playground equipment at a nearby park or school. Running tires, pulling ups, and doing chin-ups on the monkey bars are a few examples. According to Howard, you can even utilize the swings for suspension workouts like TRX systems.

Outdoor Fitness Boost your enjoyment

Achieving a long mountain bike ride or returning to your vehicle after a strenuous walk may provide emotions of great satisfaction and delight, which serves as a powerful motivator to keep up physical exercise. Researchers discovered that the most important incentive for any kind of green exercise was simply pleasure in a study looking at reasons people stick to their exercise regimens outside.

hope these functional fitness routines have given you some ideas. They’re an excellent way to get exercise and take in the scenery while we’re outdoors! We understand that working out inside may sometimes be difficult to stay motivated, so experiment with different movement-based activities like walking or jogging upstairs. This will maintain attention while strengthening important muscles in the body, such as the lower back or core. (1)

In conclusion, the nicest thing about working out outside is that it enables us all to get in shape without having someone yell commands at us. We know precisely what works best for our bodies when we establish our own objectives and work toward reaching them on our terms, rather than having someone else tell us what they believe would work best for theirs! (2,3,4,5)