Summer is the perfect time to shift your workouts outside and take advantage of the longer days and warmer weather. Exercising outdoors provides a wide range of benefits, both mental and physical. Here are just a few reasons why you should bring your routine outside:
- It can boost mood and focus by stimulating serotonin and endorphin release.
- The outdoors provides you with fresh air and exposure to natural vitamin D.
- Being outside improves mental well-being and sleep, while also reducing stress.
- The uneven terrain engages different muscles and can improve balance.
- Workouts become more enjoyable by connecting with nature.
Simple Outdoor Workout
Looking for an easy way to get started? This simple-interval style workout can be adapted for all fitness levels and ages. An interval workout means switching between short bursts of exercise and rest. Move at your own pace and focus on safe and steady movements.
- Warm up with a light jog or walk. This should take about two to four minutes.
- Stop and perform 10-15 reps of each of the following movements:
- Bodyweight squats (use a bench or chair for support if needed)
- Mountain climbers (a gentler alternative is standing mountain climbers)
- Lunges
- Jumping Jacks
- Pushups (wall or knee pushups are great modifications)
- Repeat, or Cool Down Stretch: Doing these stretches at the end of your workout will relax your muscles and prevent soreness.
- Seated forward reach to stretch your hamstrings and lower back
- Standing side stretch to open up your torso
- Standing quad pulls to stretch your upper leg muscles
- Calf stretch to relieve tension in your lower legs
- Shoulder rolls and arm circles (both directions) to loosen up your upper body
No matter where you are, moving your body outside is a great way to enjoy the summer weather and stay healthy. Keep it simple, stay hydrated, and enjoy the fresh air!