What are the best outdoor workouts? Well, they’re simply the activities that get you moving and let you enjoy the great outdoors. With the weather warming up, let’s make it a daily habit to get outside and stay active!
Spring is almost here, bringing warmer and brighter days (hopefully!). Personally, I notice that my mood brightens up in the spring too. Seasonal affective disorder is real!
With better weather, why not take your workouts outside for a fun energy boost? Here are some great ideas to help you make the most of the beautiful outdoors.
Instead of using the elliptical indoors, why not hop on a bike and explore outside? I’m lucky to live near a greenline where I can ride my bike for miles. Biking, whether alone or with friends, is a fantastic way to relieve stress. Once, I enjoyed the scenery so much that I lost track of how far I’d biked—it was a long ride back home! Biking is great because you can control your speed and intensity—whether it’s a leisurely ride or a more intense workout.
Running is another favorite outdoor activity, especially when I’m on vacation at the beach. The wind cooling me off as I run is amazing! But you don’t need to be at the beach to enjoy outdoor running. It’s much more motivating to run toward a goal outside than to stay on a treadmill. Plus, no equipment is needed!
Swimming is another fun summer activity that doubles as a great workout. You can burn up to 585 calories per hour with a simple breaststroke. On hot days, I love spending time in the pool—it doesn’t even feel like exercise when it’s so refreshing and fun!
Basketball is another option, even if you’re not the best player. Whether it’s a game of CAT or just shooting around, it’s always fun and a good workout. Plus, missing shots means more running for rebounds! Find a local basketball court and give it a try.
A lot of gym exercises can be done using park equipment. Think push-ups or step-ups on a park bench, pull-ups on monkey bars or a tree branch, or even jumping rope. This way, you get your workout in while enjoying some nice scenery.
If you’re not in the mood for something intense, a walk or hike can be a perfect stress reliever. If you have a dog, take them along! It’s great exercise for both of you. Meeting up with friends who have pets and going on a hike together is also a fun option.
Grab a friend for a game of tennis. It’s a full-body workout that improves cardiovascular health and strengthens your arms, legs, and upper body. Plus, it gives your mind a good workout too!
Canoeing and kayaking can be some of the most challenging outdoor workouts, depending on the water’s resistance. It could be calm or really choppy, adding an element of surprise to your workout.
Working out outdoors always gives me an awesome energy boost, especially after being inside all day. Spending time outside, whether in the evening or early morning, is the perfect pick-me-up.
Try these outdoor workouts and start getting more fresh air while improving your health! I’d love to hear about some amazing outdoor workouts you’ve tried.