Summer is upon us! The sun is shining and it’s time to move our bodies! With this being said, we wanted to write a piece on outdoor workouts and activities. Too nice to be inside, right?
Give These Top Outdoor Workouts a Try
Check out our list of top outdoor workouts that you can implement this summer. Let’s dive in, shall we?
1. Outdoor Yoga and Stretching
Outdoor yoga is great for the mind and soul! I highly recommend either finding a class, playing a YouTube video, and/or creating your own yoga practice outdoors.
Doing yoga barefoot always seems to ground me too. I suggest putting away your phone and unplugging for a bit as well (unless watching a yoga video on YouTube).
Basic yoga poses such as Warrior, downward dog, and chaturanga are great for most individuals.
Please consult a medical and/or fitness professional, if you have any questions regarding if any movements or exercises are right for you.
Furthermore, stretching outside is great for the body and psyche too. A mixture of static and dynamic stretches are quite beneficial. My favorite stretch is probably pigeon stretch.
Bringing a foam roller to the park can’t hurt either.
Lastly, meditating outdoors has benefited a lot of my friends and clients. I suggest finding a peaceful place, preferably with grass and pleasant sounds. Remember, meditation is all about being present, non-judgemental, and being kind to ourselves.
If you like to know more about creating your own meditation practice, please do not hesitate to contact me.
2. Riding A Bike
This is an oldie, but a goodie! Whether you’re an advanced mountain biker or want to listen to a podcast while you leisurely bike around the neighborhood, you’re going to burn calories and get your body moving.
I bought a bike at the beginning of the pandemic, and have found it quite helpful to stay in shape-especially when gyms were closed for nearly a year.
3. Swimming
Swimming, in my opinion, is one of the best kinds of exercise around. It really helps to promote lean muscle and shed fat.
Treading water, doing the breaststroke or backstroke are great ways to tone and shape the body.
Swimming is very low-impact as well. This means that since we feel weightless in the water, it’s low impact on joints and tendons, which can be especially helpful to folks with more severe knee and back injuries.
Water aerobics is great fun too! If there’s a class being offered near you, I highly recommend trying it!
4. Rings and TRX
I’ve seen a lot of folks in parks attaching rings and TRX to trees. Both of these pieces of equipment are great for building core strength and lean muscle.
Pushups and pullups are some of my favorites to do with these!
5. Obstacle Courses
Why not get creative and make your own obstacle course in a park or yard?
This is not only a fun way to exercise; it can get the whole family involved!
6. Running and Jogging
Another oldie, but goodie!
Remember, to keep your body tall, shoulders back, elbows flush to your body, core tight, landing toe-heel, and to take big strides.
Above are the basics for proper running mechanics and will help one to avoid injury when running or jogging!
7. Sports!
Activities such as basketball, volleyball, and tennis are a great way to get the blood flowing!
I recommend going to a local park or contacting some friends to start your own games.
8. Hiking
Hiking can do wonders for the glutes and hamstrings. It can also be very meditative and/or social.
Why not walk your dog while hiking or bring your kids or invite a loved one?
I always feel refreshed after a good hike!
9. Bodyweight Training
There’s nothing wrong with bringing a towel or mat outside and doing a HIIT workout. Pushups, crunches, and squats are all great options.
You don’t need a gym to get a killer workout!
10. Gyms at Parks
Furthermore, a lot of parks have now installed workout equipment for public use.
This is a great option if gyms are still closed in your area and/or you don’t feel safe working out indoors.
11. Games!
Games such as tag, hide and seek, and red light, green light can totally count as exercise as long as you keep moving!
Again, this is a great option for groups and families!
12. Paddleboarding
A lot of my friends have taken to this activity during the pandemic. It’s super peaceful and is guaranteed to give you an awesome workout! One can paddleboard standing or on their knees depending on fitness level and comfort level.
Canoeing and kayaking are also fantastic!
Disclaimer
When working out outdoors, it’s so important to wear sunscreen and have a lot of water on stand-by. Heat fatigue, sun damage, and dehydration are real and should be avoided at all costs.
If you start feeling like you need to rest, stop, and assess what will be healthiest for you to do long-term.
Wrap-Up
I hope this has given you all some summer activity ideas regarding how to have fun and enjoy the sunshine while staying fit!
If you have any other questions or comments about top outdoor workouts or anythign else, please do not hesitate to reach out here).
As always, thanks for reading, and stay tuned!
Alexis is grateful to be a NASM-certified personal trainer and a Mad Dogg Athletics-Certified Spin Instructor. Her mission is to help all individuals achieve their best selves, and have the happiest and healthiest lives possible. Her specialities are resistance training, TRX, bodybuilding, HIIT/VIIT/LIIT, spin, corework, functional moment, nutrition, and weight loss.
She is honored to be a guest contributor for DIY Active and wishes to inspire and motivate all readers. Please feel free to email her at [email protected] for more info about wellness, fitness, and personal training including virtual options.
