If you follow the latest trends and exercise on a regular basis, you may have noticed the rising trend of training in the great outdoors. It comes as no surprise that everybody wants to try. Not everybody will be taking to the forests and hills per weekly basis, but going for the initial training is always a fun thing to try out.
Now, jogging outside requires more equipment than, say, running on a treadmill, and likewise, exercising in the great(er) outdoors demands some more prep than usual – if anything, then because getting there is a bit harder, longer. And if you are already working out directly under the sun, this article might help you improve your experience.
Why would you leave the comforts of a gym?
There are many advantages to training or exercising outdoors, though they may not be as obvious from the get go. For instance, sunlight does not only improve one’s mood, but it also boosts our bodies with Vitamin D, which is quite amazing if you are looking to increase your fitness level. Also, a healthy dose of fresh air is always welcome, as well as the natural environment we were meant to live, work, and develop our bodies in. This should be absolutely enough to convince you to start working out in an open-air environment, but know that there are many other reasons pro. I’ll end on the note that all benefits of exercising outdoors can be felt instantly, which is, after all, the world we aspire to be in, in the 21st century.
How do you make it an effective thing?
There are numerous ways of exercising outdoors. For example, you could join a small group of fitness enthusiasts and work under the supervision of a dedicated trainer, or if you prefer being alone, you could do many outdoorsy activities with fitness as a goal, such as cycling, doing body weight exercises or having an activity training (e.g. canoeing, kayaking, etc.), which would add a great variety to your ordinary lifestyle.
Should you bring any extra equipment?
Technology is constantly advancing and becoming more compact and mobile. It is almost impossible to imagine a gym that is not buzzing with apps, or a casual morning jogger without ear buds. You could consider something from the range of apps and devices that tracks your progress and counts your every step and calorie burned in order to help you achieve your fitness goal much more easily. Some of the most popular gadgets to carry with you while training are GPS watches, smart phones or bike computers.
Should you dress differently?
There is no dress code for breaking a sweat, but the outfits you have prepared for a gym will not do out in the wilderness. Adapting to the weather conditions is crucial, and the weather forecast is your best friend, as with all outings to nearby wilderness. Active wear comes in all shapes and sizes, and you ought to be prepared for everything, from parching heat to cold, damp days.
So what have you got to lose? You are probably an outdoors enthusiast already, but why not go as far as becoming an outdoors workout enthusiast? Perhaps it’s the desire to enjoy the summer days while they are sunny, but not too hot, or you just need a change of scenery. But one thing can be said for exercising outdoors, it is a real breath of fresh air.
