Wellness

The Great Outdoors

Not everyone loves to workout at the gym. Whether your reason is to save money, to get into nature, or to keep your workouts fresh, there are so many fun fitness alternatives to the same old routines.

Head for the Hills Getting above ground level where most of us spend most of our time offers a different perspective for both mind and body.

Even if you don’t have true mountains in your area, you can make your own terrain diversity by hiking the sides of a local hill or doing a few rounds up and down a flight of stairs.

Cycle Through Town Cycling is a great way to get some fresh air and exercise even when summer heats up. Choose a tree-lined park path for some exposure to nature or bike through a new neighborhood to take in the sights.

Cycling is also a great option for doing local errands; you can get your workout in while checking items off your to-do list.

Hoop It Up Do you look back fondly to your younger days when you whirled around in a hula hoop? Hooping isn’t just for kids anymore!

With an adult or weighted hula hoop, you can put in serious core work right in your own home. Or, take a look online to see if there’s a nearby hula class to try out.

Jump Around Trampoline work is an awesome way to get your jogging fix without putting extra pressure on your knee joints. If you’re pressed for time, all you have to do is head out to the back yard with your trampoline for a quick outdoorsy workout.

Today’s trampolines are petite powerhouses and many have built-in stability and safety bars so you can bounce, jump and run while letting your mind wander.

Join a Sports Team From a quick game of pick-up basketball to a rousing Frisbee session in the local park, there is a lot of fitness benefit to be found in group sports.

By bending, twisting, turning, running, jumping and squatting, you can get many of the same moves you would use in the gym and enjoy time with friends while you do it.

Yoga in the Park Yoga is a great way to stretch sore muscles. But skip the indoor session and head to your local park where yoga has become a staple in many larger cities. If you have some teacher training under your belt or know a local teacher who is trying to build up their clientele, suggest some outdoor classes and see what comes of it.

If your city doesn’t offer yoga in the park, you can still get all the benefits by simply taking your yoga mat to a local green spot for either some relaxing stretches or more intense exercise.

With these fun fitness alternatives to the gym, you can look forward to regular doses of the great outdoors while getting trim and toned your way.