There is no debating on the many benefits that come with regular exercises. Did you know that outdoor exercises can assist in boosting your body, mind, and mood? According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the average adult should exercise for at least 150 minutes each week.
While this type of time commitment can seem like a tall order for a lot of people, the reality is that you don’t always need to book a session at your local gym for you to exercise. Instead, you can head outdoors when the weather is good and get some fresh air while you do a workout.
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Some of the best outdoor exercises to try out
When some people debate about whether to start exercising regularly they automatically think they need to head to the gym and get a membership. But that’s not always the case! There are many great activities to get involved in both at home or outside.
Going running or walking
Both walking and running are great outdoor activities to do solo or with a friend. People can go at their own pace and choose a route that they would enjoy. There does not need to be much equipment either, all you need is a good pair of trainers for running or hiking boots for walking and some suitable clothes and you are good to go. There are also mobile apps that can help you on your fitness journey and some of the best running apps to try out this year include Strava, Nike+ Run Club, and Runkeeper.
Taking the bike out for a spin
Although spin classes have become highly popular recently, they can’t always compete with the experience of riding a bike out in the open air. Cycling is a great workout that really targets your legs and also lets cyclists explore a lot of beautiful scenery. If the weather is really good, then cyclists can make a whole day out of it with a cycling day trip.
Playing for your team
Whether you’re interested in football, tennis, or hockey, playing sports outside is much more fun than being indoors. Teams sports give people the chance to exercise regularly, enjoy a sport that they love, and socialise with other people. While they’re best to take part in during warm weather, sometimes a bit of rain won’t even stop some of the most competitive teams.
Looking after your physical & mental health
An outdoor exercise can be anything from a brisk walk in the park or a structured program that enables you to take advantage of the natural terrain to get your body into shape. People of all ages are able to focus on their health and fitness and can improve both their physical and mental health with regular exercise.
Helps with insomnia & reduces stress levels
It might be tough to fit in some exercise during the day when you have a busy routine but exercising outdoors goes a long way towards eliminating stress and insomnia. Fresh air and regular exercise can help people fall asleep quickly at night and improve the overall quality of sleep they are having. Taking time outdoors and away from screens and the home can also help to reduce stress and lower the risk of depression.
Reducing health risks & helping you lose weight
By reducing stress levels and improving our sleep, exercise can also help to improve our physical health too. Sitting down all day, especially when working from home, can have a significant impact on our posture and back if we don’t move regularly. Exercise can help get people moving and also help people to lose weight if they need to. Exercising on a regular basis can also help to lower the risks of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and much more.
Staying safe while exercising outdoors
Outdoor exercises allow you to soak up many benefits while enjoying the beautiful weather. On the other hand, just like many sports, some outdoor activities can sometimes come with several safety challenges. People of all ages should make sure that they take precautions when exercising out in the open especially when they are alone.
Invest in protective gear
While many activities might just need a good pair of shoes, there are others that require more safety equipment and gear to be able to take part in. For example, mountain biking requires a helmet for rider protection. Rock climbing also requires one too and also ropes and harness equipment. Protective gear is especially important in adventure activities like airsoft and paintball where people can get hurt. Before heading out to an airsoft game with friends, this guide to airsoft protective gear highlights some of the gear you may need.
Mapping out your route in advance
If you’re heading out on one of your favourite routes, it’s important to let someone know where you are going. If you are going alone or in a small group, it’s useful to let someone know where you are going or when to expect you back. There are many things that can go wrong when hiking, so it’s useful to read up on some hiking safety tips before heading out.
Wearing reflective gear when its dark
If you prefer taking part in outdoor sports, like running, in the early morning or evening, make it a point to wear some form of reflective gear. While it’s possible to wear clothes with in-built reflective gear, you could also acquire reflective vests to wear over your workout clothes. Especially if you are out on the open road, reflective gear makes it easier for drivers to see you as they approach.
