As summer is here, do we really want to go to the gym? Of course not! We would all rather go and sit outside somewhere. The gym is the worst place to go in the summer because you might feel like you’re missing the sunshine, and while you couldn’t mix up your routine by doing a workout at home that is also equally unfulfilling. So what can you do to mix up your exercise routine as well as take advantage all the beautiful sunshine?
Get on your bike…
It is one of the pleasures of getting out in the summer, riding your bike also proves to be quite a mean feat physically. You can choose various types of bikes for various types of terrain, from road bikes to hybrid bikes and everything in between, and there is a road bikes buying guide for those that are unsure. The great thing about riding your bike outside, as well as the rocky terrain, is that it is working different muscles than you would normally work at the gym. It’s also a good excuse to get some nice views in.
Outdoor HIIT…
As killer exercises go you can’t get more killer than this! Apart from the intense nature of doing a Tabata sprint over a period of 20 minutes can leave you feeling fully exerted, working outside can give you a rejuvenating feeling. By being out in the open air for 20 minutes, it gives you the same energy boost as a cup of coffee. So for the health benefits of being out in the air combined with the workout, you can’t get much better than this.
Go Running…
The great thing about running outdoors in comparison to running on a treadmill is that outdoors is by no means boring! Running for 20 to 30 minutes on a treadmill is not one of the most interesting parts of going to the gym so why don’t you shake it up and go running in better surroundings? The other issue of running on a treadmill is that you can get mentally fatigued quite easily because of boredom setting in. So instead you are better off feeding your brain by going for a run in nice surroundings to keep your focus.
Use outdoor workout stations…
The model of the LA beach workout stations is something you can see in certain places across the world to try and get more people to exercise. And this is a good thing! Workouts shouldn’t be expensive, they should be available to all, but even if you cannot find a standard workout station you can improvise one yourself, or you could make one out of your own backyard by installing a pull-up bar or setting up a little circuit training station. You could have people come over and take part to make life a little more interesting. The point of a workout is to enjoy yourself (within reason), and there is no better way of enjoying yourself than by getting out in the open air and working out. So get off the couch even, if you are using it as a dipping station!
Oh, my – that last photo was scary for me! I wouldn’t say I’m adventurous and the photo definitely falls into that category! 😉