Fitness: 5 Great Exercises You Can Do Outdoors
When there are mild temperatures and blue skies outside, there is little reason to restrict your workout regime to the gym or home. Take that opportunity to get outside! Achieve the cardio and fast-blasting results you want, and get a healthy dose of Mother Nature at the same time. We’re excited to share a few exercises to get that heart rate up and help you feel the burn (in a good way). Change up your routine with these 5 exercises you can do outdoors.
Outdoor Exercises
When it’s nice out, you can save a little change by putting a hold on that gym membership and get the body pumping outdoors. Working out outside can let you put your personal spin on favorite activities, such as bringing a pet with you the next time you run or take out the bike, or walking, hiking, or running with good friends.
Those with allergies may want to be aware of times of peak pollen. Taking an anti-histamine and washing off immediately after an outdoor excursion can help minimize allergy symptoms. Talk with a healthcare professional to discuss more ways to work in more outdoor exercise and achieve your short- and long-term health goals.
Walk more – Walking a few more steps every day can really up. National guidelines recommend performing an exercise, such as brisk walking, for half an hour for the majority of the week. This is a great way for beginners and those returning from an injury to begin to get back into shape.
Jog or run – Jogging helps improve heart health and your stamina. It can be a more effective way to battle the bulge than walking, as it burns more calories. Those with joint issues may want to be careful: start jogging or running slowly, and increase either time or distance up to 10 percent each week. Tendonitis can result for those who ramp up too quickly.
Cycling – Work those quads with less impact on your knees as you commute to work or explore the neighborhood on your bike. Get great cardio while also leaving less of a carbon footprint — it’s a win, win!
Swimming – Those with joint or muscle issues may want to consider swimming. No equipment needed besides your swimsuit! Besides toning up, swimming is a cardiovascular conditioner which can reduce blood pressure, relieve stress and may even help you prevent diabetes. This activity should be alternated with a weight-bearing exercise in order to improve bone health.
Hiking – Enjoy the best the season has to offer! There are a number of great parks and trails just waiting to be explored. Hiking offers you a decent leg workout and supports heart health while also allowing your mind to decompress.
Get Fit in the Great Wide Open
When it’s nice outside, you can save a little change by putting a hold on that gym membership and get the body pumping outdoors. Working out outside can let you put your personal spin on favorite activities, such as bringing a pet with you the next time you run or take out the bike, or walking, hiking, or running with good friends.
Those with allergies may want to be aware of times of peak pollen. Taking an anti-histamine and washing off immediately after an outdoor excursion can help minimize allergy symptoms. Talk with a healthcare professional to discuss more ways to work in more outdoor exercise and achieve your short- and long-term health goals.