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5 Outdoor Workouts That Really Work
Your Health Magazine
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5 Outdoor Workouts That Really Work

There really is no better time to get your workout outside than when the weather gets warmer and the skies get clearer. Nature offers an ultimate setting for great fresh air, natural terrains, and a full mental boost that comes from being around greenery. Outdoor workouts are not only invigorating but also highly effective in burning calories, building strength, and improving overall fitness.  If variety is what you’re after, below we’ve shared 5 outdoor workouts that really work.

1. Trail Running
Trail running is far more challenging compared to regular jogging or treadmill running. As ground has varying slopes and natural barriers, you are forced to use more muscles-mostly in the legs and core-compared to flat ground. This constant need for adjustment helps improve balance and build strength while burning more calories compared to running on flat ground.

Not only trail running works your glutes, hamstrings, quads, and calves harder, but it also works out your mind. Being out in nature has actually been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, making this form of exercise as good for your mind as it is great for your body. Plus, trail running is an inexpensive workout-all you need is a good pair of trail running shoes, and you’re ready to go.

Beginners should consider taking their time on the trail and watching their step to avoid getting injured. You can mix it up with some hiking if you aren’t quite up for a full run.

2. Outdoor Boot Camp
Boot camp workouts are intensive ways to challenge yourself and enjoy the outdoors. Most of the workouts are a form of HIIT, which incorporates jumping jacks, push-ups, burpees, lunges, and sprints in any combination. Because boot camps can easily switch between cardio and strength training exercises taking little time, they are perceived as an efficient resource by which multiple fitness domains can be challenged in a small amount of time. This allows you to work on strength build-up while at the same time improving cardiovascular results.

One of the great things about outdoor boot camps is the atmosphere-everyone’s together, a lot of them are group-based, and the fun, competitive atmosphere keeps you working harder. Boot camps are highly versatile, and you can tailor your workout to focus on specific goals like fat loss, muscle gain, or stamina. You can create your own circuit, incorporating bodyweight exercises like squats, planks, and mountain climbers into your lone workout. Perform each exercise for 45 seconds, then have 15 seconds of rest; repeat for three to five sets for a really effective and dynamic full-body workout.

3. Beach Workouts
There are few things as pleasurable as combining a workout with the serene beauty of the beach. Workouts on the beach, such as running, jumping, or even doing yoga on sand, add that extra factor of instability with the shifting surface beneath a person’s feet. This instability in the ground compels the muscles, especially those of the core and legs, to work harder, hence making each movement more effective.

Whether you are sprinting along the shoreline, playing beach volleyball, or going through some dynamic bodyweight circuit, beach workouts ensure a rise in caloric expenditure, strength building, and a boost in cardiovascular fitness.

The natural resistance provided by the sand means you’re working harder without even realizing it, and it’s a low-impact surface that absorbs shock, making it gentler on your joints. If you have plans for exercising on the beach, try not to be exposed under the midday sun and schedule the workout either early in the morning or later in the afternoon so you can keep cool while exercising.

4. Park Bench Routine
A park bench can be ordinary-looking, but just like popular TriActiveUSA parks equipment, it can turn out to be one of the most powerful tools for your workout. You can do a variety of bodyweight exercises targeting your legs, arms, chest, and core-from step-ups and tricep dips to incline push-ups-on a simple bench. The height and stability changes because of the bench add that extra element of challenge-the core is inevitably activated during the performance of the movements.

Park benches are, of course, convenient and versatile: you can easily incorporate them into a regular walk or run in which you can casually stroll along while getting in some functional fitness. Try incorporating a mini circuit of 15 step-ups on each leg, 15 tricep dips, 15 incline push-ups, and 20 seated leg raises in. Complete the circuit three times for an effective and quick full-body workout outdoors.

5. Bicycling
Cycling is probably the most efficient way to exercise outdoors. It is adaptable for both beginners and advanced-level athletes. Whether it is on-road cycling, mountain biking, or casual rides in and around the neighborhood park, cycling helps in the body’s lower extremities ongoing development; the rate of cardiovascular endurance is increased, and calories get burnt in a rather entertaining and low-impact method.

With each pedal stroke, major muscle groups are engaged, including every muscle in the glutes, quads, hamstrings, and calves. Biking is an aerobic workout that exercises your heart and lungs. It adds an adventurous element in which a workout is never boring: going down new paths or biking in generally scenic areas encourages one to push harder. To begin the cycling routine, especially for a beginner, cycle on flat terrain first, then progressively introduce hills and more challenging routes.

Benefits of Outdoor Workouts
Besides the physical benefits of working out outdoors, there are loads of mental and emotional advantages, too. Science proves that outdoor workouts lower cortisol levels-those hormones associated with stress-improve states of mind, and boost energy levels.

Outdoor exercises prevent the monotony of indoor workouts, offering new challenges and experiences to keep you going. You can mix it up by simply changing your workout environment and using natural terrain to your advantage. You’ll appreciate not only the physical reward but the mental refreshment that comes from being outdoors.

Final Thoughts
Whether one is an accomplished athlete or they are just starting their journey into a life of fitness, these five outdoor workouts will take one’s exercises to the next level and improve overall well-being.
From the dynamic challenge of trail running to full-body engagement on a park bench, every workout outdoors lets you appreciate something beautiful while you reach your fitness goals. So grab your gear, head outside, and get moving. You’ll not only see results but have a great time doing it!

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