Detours from Boredom: Exploring Outdoor Workouts

by Kevin
(Terrace, BC, Canada)

Enjoying fresh air and doing outdoor workouts is a sure fire way to overcome the boredom and doldrums of the gym and get away from doing the same sets of exercises every day. If you just need a change of scenery, a little outdoor exercise is the remedy to renew your fitness program.

Try Something New and Get in on the Fun

You are already familiar with walking and running as exercises, but there are dozens of other physical things to do, especially if you can get away from
the city or burbs to spend a day at the beach or get off to the high country.




Winter exercises such as cross-country skiing, ice skating, and snowshoeing are especially good for those who are feeling housebound and need a depression
buster. Summer workouts offer even more activities beyond golf, tennis, and taking the baby in the stroller for a walk. You can grab a pair of inline
skates, go swimming, ride a touring bike, or even take your yoga mat outdoors for Sun Salutations at sunrise.



Hiking in every region and ecosystem is also one of the all-time great outdoor workouts. From non-technical mountains to treks through moss-covered forests, high deserts, and low grasslands, hiking for an afternoon or for a 2 or 3-day
excursion will invigorate the spirit and give your body a physical challenge.



Adventures in the Fast Lane

Do you want to learn a new skill? Think about joining an adult outdoor education school where you can learn rock climbing or orienteering, or sign up for surf
lessons. Mahalo nui loa! Or head out to hit the single tracks on a fat tire mountain bike to race down narrow paths and switchbacks, exploring desert rock formations, meadows, and open fields. Do some research and you’ll find there are camps and outdoor adventure excursions for all skill levels that are within a
day’s drive no matter where you live.



For some fat-blasting cardio workouts that will get your heart pumping and tax the legs and gluts, do some hill climbing. It doesn’t matter if you are running,
walking, or peddling, an uphill trek is one of the most invigorating and challenging outdoor workouts you can do. The body benefits from any kind of cardio exercise since it exercises the heart and lungs, lowers blood pressure, and increases levels of good HDL (high density lipoprotein) cholesterol.



A beach resort vacation or a cruise is a perfect opportunity for thrill-seekers who want to try kayaking, jet skiing, windsurfing, snorkeling, and many other water sports. These are fun and safe adventures and are taught by professionals who will see to it you get the most out of your excursion.



If a tough economy has put a bite in your vacation budget, there are a number of activities to do in your local community. For example, then there’s always
teamwork. If you like softball, soccer, Ultimate Frisbee, or beach volleyball, consider joining an adult recreational league. For those who like competition,
try a new challenge with a 5K or 10K charity race, or gear up to participate in a mini ironman triathlon.



Natural Strength Training

If you have a home gym in the basement or garage, consider moving your heavy bag stand or barbell rack outside to workout in the evenings during the summer.
Bodyweight training exercises are also a great excuse to get out of the gym and go outside. If there’s a playground with equipment close to your home, hit the
monkey bars for chin-ups, pulls-ups, reverse rows, dips and more. These are ideal resistance training exercises using only your body as the weight. This form of natural strength training has proven time and again to be more effective at building muscle than free weights or expensive resistance machines.



Outdoor workouts are also stress busters. It feels liberating to get out in the fresh air and into a new environment. If you like to play games or sports, or just want to hike a new trail, spending time away from the computer, the TV, and ringing phones will allow you to put aside the day’s stresses. Whatever activity you choose, try something new or get back to doing something you truly love.



About the Author:

Kevin Urban is the editor at
http://www.HomeGymAdviser.com - Our
home gym reviews are geared to helping you make the right choice according to your needs and budget.