Are you looking to get outdoors more and ditch the gym? Is your gym too crowded or are you just looking to switch up your routine? Outdoor workouts offer plenty of benefits that go beyond just physical conditioning.

Outdoor exercise can not only provide a full-body workout, but it can also improve cardiovascular health. Sunlight exposure has shown to promote vitamin D synthesis, something that everyone needs for bone health and immune function.

“Without sufficient vitamin D, bones can become thin, brittle, or misshapen. Vitamin D sufficiency prevents rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Together with calcium, vitamin D also helps protect older adults from osteoporosis.” - National Institutes of Health

Have you ever noticed that when you are outside, it’s almost like you can breathe better? The EPA has done numerous studies on indoor air pollutants vs outdoor and indoor can potentially have 2-5x pollutants than outdoor levels. This may be why we feel like we need to go out and get that “breath of fresh air.”

There are trails all over the world for you to explore. Get a good pair of running shoes, start slow and hit those trails! If you are brand new to fitness, start with brisk walks and slowly increase your distance.

You can do this with running as well. Start with a distance you are comfortable running and slowly increase the distance. Soon you’ll be burning calories and improving your fitness levels.

You don’t need anything fancy to get started in fitness in the park. Here are all types of exercises you can do:

1. squats
2. push ups
3. planks
4. lunges
5. dips
6. burpees
7. mountain climbers
8. glute bridges

choose 2 or 3 exercises and do 10-15 reps for each. Do all exercises for 3-4 sets.

Swimming is a perfect low impact exercise that will workout every part of your body. You can find a community pool or you can experience the beauty of mother nature and swim in open water. Always take safety precautions when swimming in open water. Make sure you are aware of water currents and the current weather.

1. Can I start outdoor fitness if I’m a beginner?

Yes! Outdoor activities are for everyone. There are plenty of beginner trails and bodyweight exercises can be performed anywhere

2. What if there are no parks or gyms near me?

You can still exercise! You can jog on the sidewalks, do bodyweight exercises in your backyard.

3. What should I wear for my workouts outside?

Make sure to dress comfortably. Keep track of the weather so you aren’t wearing too much when its warm. If you are going out at night, make sure to wear something reflective so others can see you.

4. What should I bring with me on an outdoor workout?

Water bottle with water, workout clothes, and shoes should be the bare minimum. Sunscreen and insect repellent might be needed in your area. For longer workouts or adventures, it might be a good idea to bring a backpack with extra water, snack, first-aid kit, and even a GPS device.



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