Take it outside!
There's a quiet but growing trend in fitness circles toward outdoor exercise.
No wonder it's popular. If you work inside all day, doing an outdoor workout
instead of heading to a stuffy gym is a great way to get fresh air while you
get fit. An outdoor setting offers more challenging terrain and more interesting
scenery than a gym, without lineups for the equipment. And, if you exercise
in the daytime, you'll also get some vitamin D (just be sure to wear sunscreen).
Here are five ways to take your workout outside:
- Find an outdoor gym. A craze in the U.K., U.S. and Israel,
free outdoor gyms are now popping up in locations across Canada — including
Dartmouth, N.S., Granby, Que., Oakville, Ont., Fort McMurray, Alta., (which
boasts Canada's largest outdoor exercise equipment circuit) and Whistler,
B.C. Similar in appearance to a playground, an outdoor fitness gym features
sturdy,
weather-durable versions of indoor equipment and often relies on the
trainee's own body weight for resistance.
- Enrol in a running/walking clinic. If it's spring, it must
be time for marathons, short runs and walkathons. If you've never entered
an event, there's no reason to be intimidated. Look for a running or walking
clinic near you. You'll train (outdoors, of course) with a like-minded group
at a similar fitness level. Even if you're an old pro on the running series
circuit, a clinic will help you work out the winter creaks, polish your technique
and socialize at the same time.
- Sign up for an outdoor class. Many types of fitness classes,
such as Tai Chi, gravitate toward outdoor locations. Outdoor boot camp programs
often take place in neighbourhood parks during the warmer months. Or check
out tennis or lawn bowling lessons at your nearest club.
- Join an out-of-doors club. If you love being surrounded
by nature, a more adventurous workout may be in order. A hiking, climbing,
orienteering, kayaking or canoeing club could be just the ticket for fun fitness
in a natural setting. Or how about rock climbing or mountain biking? If you
have trouble locating a club, inquire at a sporting goods outfitter. Many
universities also offer out-of-doors clubs.
- Grab a buddy and head outside. Of course, getting an outdoor
workout can be as simple as booking a regular date with a friend to strap
on the roller blades, pump up the bike tires, or lace up the running/walking
shoes. If you and your friend have small children, get out the strollers and
bring them along for the ride — and a more challenging workout.