Outdoor Workouts for Spring
Goodbye winter, hello spring! Now that the ground has thawed and warmer weather is in the air, it’s a great time to take your fitness outdoors and discover new ways to move your body.
Take up running. It’s an aerobic total body workout that allows you to go at your own pace, plus it’s inexpensive and convenient. Consider participating in a marathon or joining a local running club.
Hiking or walking. If you like a slower pace of movement with scenic views, hiking or trail walking may be more in your lane. Like running, walking is a weight bearing exercise so it’s great for your bones and cardiovascular health. Challenge yourself by taking on hills to get your heart pumping, adding a weighted backpack, or by incorporating short bursts of brisk walking throughout your course.
Ride your bike. It’s a great alternative to the treadmill or elliptical. Cycling is both a cardio and strength building workout, as you burn calories and build leg muscle. Based on your terrain and gear setting, you can make cycling as difficult or easy as you’d like.
Join a league. Recreational sports leagues are a great way to meet new people and get exercise, with the added motivation of a little friendly competition. From softball to soccer, to ultimate frisbee and flag football, there’s something for everyone and they offer great total body workouts.
Try playground circuits. The jungle gym isn’t just for kids. Make use of playground equipment like the monkey bars, beams and ramps for pull ups, pushups, planks and other compound movements. Body weight exercises help improve endurance and strength and allow you to get a better range of motion compared to using weights or machines.
Head to the beach. No matter the activity, the sandy unstable beach surface adds an extra layer of difficulty to any regular movements. Beach volleyball is a fun plyometric activity that will help you develop strength and power. Like most sports, volleyball challenges you to move your body in different ways compared to traditional workouts.
Dive into the pool. Aquatic workouts have a ton of benefits and are a great option for those with mobility issues. From basic swimming to other aerobic exercises, the pool will keep you cool as you get your sweat on.
Get Zen with yoga. It’s a year-round activity, but there’s something even more peaceful about outdoor yoga under the warm sun. All you need is a mat and solid surface to find a little serenity as you work on your flexibility and muscle strength.
After a long winter, it feels awakening to breathe in fresh air and soak in more daylight hours. Take advantage while you can and get your body moving in outdoor settings!