Make the Most of Your Summer With These Outdoor Workouts
by Catherine Santino
Every year, it seems like winter will never end; but at long last, the time has come when kids are out of school and fun vacations are being booked. With the dog days of summer right around the corner, you're probably starting to take more of your everyday activities outside, like mealtimes, meetings, and coffee breaks. Why not take your workouts outside, too?
The sunny weather and longer days are a perfect excuse to indulge in outdoor workouts. And luckily, you don't really have to change up your routine to take your sweat sessions outside! Here are a few workouts you can do just as easily outdoors as indoors.
Hiking
You've been working hard on the stair climber all winter long — why not take your skills to the hiking trails?
Grab your friends or family and head out to a nearby trail (or take a scenic drive to a different town) and spend the day exploring nature and challenging yourself on a new terrain. Be sure to wear proper footwear to get the most out of your hike and to stay safe on the trail.
Cycling
When the sun's shining, hit the open road on your bike, or rent one if you don't own one. Find a scenic trail and spend the day taking in the view, maybe even stopping for some crunches or pushups along the way. Cycling is a great exercise because it works your leg muscles while providing an effective cardio workout — and it's pretty fun!
Running
If you're feeling adventurous, get off the treadmill and take your running habit outdoors. Pick a favorite summer destination, and if it's doable, run there for a challenging spin on your normal routine. Maybe it's to a friend's house, a hiking trail, the beach, or a local pool (a refreshing dip can be so satisfying after all that hard work).
Walking
Walking is a great way to clear your head and take a quick break in the warmer months. It also serves as a form of transit and is an exercise that almost anyone can do, regardless of where they are on their fitness journey.
Save yourself some gas money (and benefit the environment) by walking to the grocery store or to meet friends for lunch. If you live close enough, take a walk to work on a sunny morning, stopping along the way for coffee or the morning paper.
Get Creative!
There are so many ways to turn your indoor workouts into outdoor workouts and enjoy all that summer has to offer. For instance, you can get creative with "equipment."
Instead of planking on a gym mat, try propping the bottom of your feet up against a tree to hold your plank. You can also use a park bench to assist with pushups, or sprint up a set of bleachers to emulate a stair-climber exercise.
You might have to get a little innovative, but in the end, you'll likely feel refreshed and energized after a sun-filled workout. Don't forget to load up on sunscreen and grab your water bottle before heading out! As always, please consult with a physician prior to beginning any exercise program. See full medical disclaimer here.