Get back outside: Tips on returning to outdoor workouts

Spring is around the corner and it’s time to get back outside for some energizing exercise. Sunlight and fresh air help you produce more endorphins which alleviate pain, reduce stress, and generally make you feel good. If your indoor workout has become tiresome or you’ve hit a plateau, getting outside can help you get back to exceeding your limits. 

Start out slow with a walk, jog, or bike ride. Just being outdoors will expose you to the sunshine, where your body can absorb beneficial vitamin D. Vitamin D improves your mental health, protects against diseases, and optimizes your physical performance. Remember to always apply sunscreen; your body will still absorb the sun’s vitamins, without the risk of skin cancer.

Outdoor terrain offers unexpected resistance for all workouts giving you the chance to burn more calories. Your body will have to exert more energy to keep you going along nature’s hills, valleys, and rough terrain. The weather also provides resistance for exercise; wind and rain will make you push harder to move forward giving you a chance to burn more calories per workout. 

If you’re not sure about getting outdoor exercise, disguise your workout with sport. Outdoor sports like basketball, tennis, baseball, and volleyball are excellent physical activities that’ll keep you moving and having fun. The fun of the sport will distract you from the workout helping you stick with it longer. 

It can be hard to make the transition from indoor workouts to outdoor exercise. While sports are a fun way to distract from a workout, cycling can help too. Instead of driving everywhere you need to go, try riding a bike to work or just going for a ride around the neighbourhood. You’ll use more muscles and burn more calories outdoors than you would on a stationary bike. 

The city of Edmonton has several Fitness Parks, which are perfect for easing back into an outdoor workout routine. These parks have cardio stations, strength and stretching equipment, along with balancing apparatuses that can aid in your workout. You’ll find many fitness parks near our Edmonton rentals.