There’s something about a morning summer run or an evening bicycle ride on your favorite trail that makes exercising outdoors unlike anything else. The air is fresher, motivation is higher and fitness goals seem more attainable. With winter months melting away, and summer BBQ’s, baseball games and lake days on the horizon, summer is also the perfect time to get your workouts back in gear. Spending months crammed in the same gym with the same people is not only monotonous, but also unmotivating. After so long, gym time becomes shorter and workouts are less exciting. Not to mention, bikini season is no time for a flabby stomach.
Despite how horrible allergies have been, outdoor workouts provide new running routes, fresh faces, and more satisfying workouts. Bite Size Wellness gives you a few tips to get you back in gear for summer workouts.
1. Take up a new exercise routine.
So, you love the elliptical? Try taking up an outdoor exercise that you can’t do in a gym, such as bicycling or running on a local trail. If you have a hard time figuring out where to search, look for running groups or bicycling groups in your area. The outdoor heat may frighten some, but the more you sweat, the better!
2. Upgrade your wardrobe.
This doesn’t necessarily mean to go purchase the latest exercise clothes on the market. This means you may benefit from swapping your shoes out for a fresh pair, grab a weatherproof armband to hold your smart phone, and put on that pair of running shorts you haven’t worn in months. Upgrading your wardrobe to season appropriate digs will help motivate you to get outside and transition out of the gym.
3. Go on an adventure.
Every exercise fiend knows that working out in a stale gym year-round cannot be too healthy. Part of outdoor workouts that are so beneficial are the relaxing effects it has on your mind. Not only would going on a new adventure help take your mind off the summer heat, but when else are you going to get outside and explore the world around you? Bike to a local park and run a 2-mile loop. Drive to a hiking destination with a friend or loved one and catch up while exploring a new place, while also getting in a killer outdoor workout. Even finding a kayaking or canoeing destination to make a day trip out of would be worthwhile, and something that you can’t do year round.
4. Create a workout schedule.
Whether you work in an office from 9-6 or have the entire day to spend as you please, making a workout schedule is ideal to help accomplish workouts, especially in the summer. For example, try a different running route everyday, or plan your summer workouts as the sun is setting. The best part about working out outdoors is that you are your only competition. Making a goal plan for outdoor workouts will help you get to know your body’s strengths better and get you fit quicker. Summer is the perfect season to take advantage of what being fit has to offer.
5. Download MapMyFitness to better track workouts.
Tracking exercise is one of the reasons people love working out on machines, but with apps like MapMyRun, MapMyRide or MapMyFitness (all free!), the app tracks all the information you need for you through a GPS. If you’re out on a run, the MapMyRun app will track your speed per mile, calories burned, splits and also map the workout in case you wanted to run the same route again. These apps are lifesavers for both endurance runners and those that are new to exercising outside.
How do you transition into summer? Share your favorite outdoor fitness ideas!
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