Let’s just face it. Most of us hate hitting the gym. The pressure of being there at a fixed time, lifting those heavyweights, and the particular gym stench are all so annoying. But we want to stay fit too. And in these times of stress and never-ending chores, we crave for a breath of fresh air.
We cannot ignore the fact that Americans are topping the lists of obese and overweight people. But going to the gym sounds tiring – it is for me since I have to move frequently for work. After moving to New York, finding a nearby gym and choosing the perfect internet package through Spectrum internet coverage map was equally frustrating! But guess what! There is always a way.
You can stay fit while enjoying outdoor activities. So no more boring gym! As compared to the gym, outdoor activities help in improving mood, beat stress, and boost the body vitality.
Swimming
What’s better than swimming! It involves the whole body and all the muscles. It is a perfect workout and it refreshes thoroughly. Swimming is a low impact exercise but it is great for cardiovascular fitness. Also, the best part about this amazing workout is that even people who have physical limitations can do it.
Water has its own soothing effects. And it is effective in curing stiff joints, and for people who have arthritis and musculoskeletal problems. It reduces pain in joints and bones along with strengthening them. Even mere immersing in water can help in reducing stress and anxiety. It can lighten up your mood and makes you feel relaxed and rejuvenated.
People who swim frequently are less likely to develop diabetes, heart diseases, blood pressure fluctuations, and so on.
Cycling
Another low-impact yet effective exercise is cycling. It is great for the joints and muscles. Also, you have the freedom to do it anywhere outdoors. You can ride along with your best friend or a family member and breath in some fresh air whilst exploring a nice track. You should actually consider cycling as a mode of commute. Not only it is great for health, but it is also eco-friendly.
Since it is an aerobic activity, it involves your blood vessels, lungs, and heart. Try going out in the morning to enjoy cleaner air.
Yoga
We love how people are practicing yoga in every nook and corner of the world. It has been followed as a mental, spiritual, and physical exercise for centuries. People nowadays are even paying to go on yoga retreats abroad. But you can easily do it in your own lawn. It has great benefits for relieving stress, energizing, improving flexibility, muscle strength, breathing, and so on. It also enhances stamina and keeps you active throughout the day.
Running
It has to be the oldest sport. It is also the most widely performed form of cardio. Among all other outdoor fitness activities, running and jogging are practiced by so many people on a daily basis. However, for starters, you will have to work on building your stamina. Pick up pace slowly and increase time slowly. Running burns calories, get your heart and blood pumping, and is a great cardiovascular exercise. All you need is a perfect pair of trainers and your favorite outdoor track.
Hiking
Some of the most favorite American past times have to be baseball and hiking. Also, it is a great way to stay fit and fab. You get to enjoy the scenes on the hills, the greenery, and fresh air. It is a great exercise to beat stress and stay fit.
You can do it alone or with a group of friends. It is one of the most affordable and fun activities to stay on top of your fitness game. Explore your favorite trails and enjoy the most refreshing exercise!
Mountain Climbing
Are you an adrenaline junkie? If yes, mountain climbing is for you. This great outdoor sport gets your blood pumping. If you are newbie, take advantage of so many clubs out there, which assist you with the basics.
Not only mountain climbing has some immense health benefits, but it also helps in boosting the body’s immunity. One of the lesser-known benefits of mountain climbing is increased intelligence. It also improves muscle strength and overall endurance of the body. It involves several muscle groups during the action.
Other great options in outdoor sports and activities are kayaking, volleyball, tennis, walking, jump rope, and so on. With these fun and highly-effective substitutes, you can ditch the gym and still stay in great shape.
So, venture out and try these effective and fun activities today to achieve an active and healthy lifestyle.
Golf
If you are into sports, golf can be a great outdoor activity. You can make it a substitute for the gym if you skip your golf cart. You will do your waistline a favor by doing so. Walk around carrying your clubs and guess what! You can burn up to 330 calories every hour of playing golf. It may look like a relaxed sport, but it actually helps to shed off unnecessary pounds while letting you inhale fresh air.
Gardening and Yard Work
Love spending time with plants in your garden? Great! Because gardening and small chores such as pushing a lawnmower can burn as many as 330 calories every hour you spend doing so. Water your plants, plant new flowers, cut the grass, and trim the shrubs. And by the end of it, you may have burned a good number of calories. Not just that, you can pump clean and fresh air in your lungs while doing something that you love and staying in shape. What more you can ask!
Tennis
Tennis is a great workout! And it is immensely satisfying too. Once you start playing it, you will begin to love whacking the ball across the net. You can burn around 549 calories an hour playing singles tennis. It helps in strengthening your muscles. Jumping and running whilst playing tennis keep the legs toned. And moving the racket around helps in toning and strengthening your arms. You can play it even in your backyard.
Other great options in outdoor sports and activities are kayaking, volleyball, tennis, walking, jump rope, and so on. With these fun and highly-effective substitutes, you can ditch the gym and still stay in great shape. So, venture out and try these effective and fun activities today to achieve an active and healthy lifestyle.