If you’ve been indulging in cozy sofa sessions all winter long (which is totally acceptable during those chilly, dark days), why not inject some energy into your stride and venture outdoors? We’ve previously discussed the multitude of health and wellness benefits that come with outdoor workouts in our recent newsletter, so we’re delighted to share our top picks for outdoor activities when the sunshine beckons.
Five exceptional ways to exercise outdoors:
• Parks are your playground. Engage in a brisk walk, participate in a parkrun, or invite a friend for a friendly ball toss. Even better, explore a fitness park or trail. A host of parks now feature specially designated outdoor exercise zones with an array of strength and stretching bars, ski walkers, and so much more. The best part is, they’re open for use at no cost!
• Open-air yoga. Find harmony within yourself and with nature. Take your yoga mat to a serene spot and start your routine. While it may not be intense enough to contribute to the suggested 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week, it’s an unbelievably soothing way to fill a sunny afternoon.
• Ride your bike. Cycling is an incredibly beneficial low-impact outdoor activity. Start pedaling and savor the fresh, invigorating summer air. Even better, use your cycling adventures as a chance to discover new locales. And don’t worry, there’s no obligation to wear lycra!
• Swimming escapades. Your options are plenty – from outdoor lidos, indoor pools, to the daring activity of wild swimming (where permitted). Swimming is excellent for your cardiovascular health, muscle fortification, and joint flexibility enhancement.
• Explore paddle sports. Embarking on a river, canal, or lake journey is fantastic for both body and mind. Canoeing and kayaking not only offer a potent upper body workout but also bring you nearer to nature than many other sports. The bonus is, you get to experience all this while comfortably seated!