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Are you in an exercise rut?
Tired of the same old routine at the gym— treadmill, weights, sweaty locker rooms?
Ditch the gym and head outside for your workout. There are many fantastic alternatives to the gym that will keep you both fit and happy.
Fresh air, sunshine, and nature can do wonders for your mood and also give you a much-need break from your daily routines.
If you need to break up your routine, try something new. But what exercise is best?
Keep reading to learn the best outdoor activities to help you get in shape
1. Hiking
If you’re looking for an outdoor activity that can both help you get in shape and also help with improving mental health, give hiking a try.
Getting outside for a trek through nature can help us clear our mind, as the natural world gives us a break from the stress of our smartphones and daily life.
No matter where you live, you can probably find trails near you for hiking with friends or on your own. Check out local or state parks and recreation areas.
Most trail walks are signposted with the difficulty level and distance, so make sure you find a walk that’s appropriate to your fitness level.
Invest in hiking shoes or boots with tread, to keep you from slipping, and bring along a backpack with water and your essentials.
2. Golf Is One of the Best Outdoor Activities
Have you ever tried golf? It’s an extremely popular outdoor activity, for several reasons.
First, it’s a lot of fun from a social perspective, as you get to spend the day on the greens with friends. It’s also great exercise, with many walkers walking all nine or 18 holes.
In addition to cardio, swinging and putting also gives your torso, abs, and forearms a solid workout, building strength each time you tee off.
Ready to get started? Here’s where to find golf courses near me.
3. Cycling
Riding a bike is a fun way to spend time outside while getting some serious exercise.
Cycling is one of the best options for cardio, and each time you cycle you’re improving the health of your heart and lungs.
It’s also a good strength workout, especially for your lower body. Each time you peddle and power up a hill, you are building muscle in your thighs, glutes, and core.
Even if you’re new to exercise, you can still get started with cycling. Look for a flat bike trail where you can ride at your own pace. Over time, you’ll build up more endurance and can tackle the challenge of hills!
4. Swimming
If you love the outdoors, swimming might be the best activity for you! It’s a top choice for anyone, but especially those with joint problems, as swimming is low impact.
Unlike running or sports that have you pounding the ground, swimming relieves the pressure on your body, making it much easier on your knees, elbows, and joints.
Swimming laps at an outdoor pool or in the ocean is a good way to enjoy the water. However, you can also consider water aerobics classes or just playing water volleyball and splashing around, as it still gets you moving.
Enjoy the beautifully warm weather and stay cool, all while getting some exercise.
5. Gardening
You may be surprised to learn that gardening can be a fantastic workout—you don’t need to leave your home to work up a sweat.
If your lawn isn’t looking its best, why not devote a Saturday to gardening? Moving the lawn, raking leaves, laying mulch, or kneeling to plant flowers or prune are all sources of cardio.
Not only will you get some fresh air and burn some calories, but you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that your home is looking better than ever.
6. Kayaking
Have you ever tried kayaking? If you live near the water, why not get out in a kayak?
Either a single or tandem kayak provides a serious workout, and you also get to enjoy the peace and serenity of being on the water.
Spend an afternoon paddling while you watch birds, enjoy nature, and maybe look down and see some fish.
It’s a top workout for your whole body. Use your shoulders, arms, and torso to paddle, and use your legs to drive power through your stroke.
If you’ve never kayaked before, it’s easy to learn. Look for calm, flat waters with easy access, as you’ll need to carry your kayak down to the water entry point.
7. Running
Did you enjoy track and field at school? If so, why not take up running again?
Running is a fantastic exercise, and time outdoors on a long run helps to clear your mind and blow off steam.
Many runners like to train for a certain event, like a 5K, which can be great motivation to lace up your shoes and hit the road each day.
The pride and feeling of accomplishment after finishing a race is unlike anything else! It’s not about the speed, so go at our own pace—rather, it’s about reaching your goals and improving your fitness.
8. Paddle Boarding
Although it may take a few tries to figure it out, paddleboarding is a unique outdoor activity that you may not have tried yet.
Balancing on a paddleboard, which looks a little like a surfboard, you stand up or kneel and use a paddle to propel yourself through the water.
As you can imagine, it requires a lot of balance and core strength to keep yourself in position. However, once you’ve gotten the hang of it, you can paddle through the water, relax and enjoy the water, and get some sun.
If you do lose your balance and fall in, no problem! It can be refreshing on a hot July day.
You can often rent paddleboards near lakes or at the beach, if you want to try it before committing to buying the equipment.
Which Outdoor Exercise Is Best for You?
Ready to try something new? If so, get started and try out one of the above. They are some of the best outdoor activities for all fitness levels.
Exercising outside can help not only your physical health but also your mental health. Plus, you’ll get a daily dose of Vitamin D, something many of us lack because we spent so much time indoors and at our desks.
Find your new outdoor hobby today and start enjoying the benefits it can bring!
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