8 Fun Outdoor Workouts ...

Jenni

8 Fun Outdoor Workouts ...
8 Fun Outdoor Workouts ...

For most areas, spring and summer is the time of year when the weather is perfect and outdoor workouts are a great change to the norm. Working out outdoors can increase the number of calories burned and be a great way to switch up a bland workout schedule. Try some of these outdoor workouts with a group of friends, or solo for some relaxation. Some of these are so fun, you may even forget it's a workout!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

Please subscribe for your personalized newsletter:

1. Your Usual

One of the easiest outdoor workouts is to simply do your usual workout, but outside. Depending on the weather in your area, this could be a major difference in temperature and in workout results. The mix of vitamin D and increased heat resistance will take your usual workout to the extreme. It may even feel like a different workout altogether!

2. Paddle Boarding

Paddle boarding is a great way to burn calories and work our core and upper thighs. I was able to do this for the first time on a vacation and was quite surprised to have sore thighs the next day. The best part of this unexpected workout was that I did not even stand up. Yep, you can get a great workout, even if you stay on your knees the entire time.

Frequently asked questions

3. Cross-Fit outside

If the She-Hulk inside you is aching for a challenge, try completing an outdoor edition of cross-fit. This form of strength training has been gaining in popularity. Cross-fit uses extreme weight lifting, gymnastics, and aerobic exercises for a fitness-changing workout experience. Completing a cross-fit workout outdoors will definitely kick-up your usual fitness routine.

4. Outdoor Basketball

Basketball burns tons of calories, and basketball outdoors can burn even more. You can expect to burn upwards of 350 calories in thirty minutes of outdoor basketball! This type of calorie burn and strength conditioning is great for everyone, even those who do not quite get the game. If this type of workout sounds great but basketball is not your game, try some shooting drills instead. Shooting drills will still get you a major calorie burn, but will not leave you memorizing a rule book.

5. Rowing

Outdoor rowing is a fantastic group activity that can give a major boost to your upper body workout plan and burn some serious calories along the way. Thirty minutes of rowing can burn 250 calories or more. Do not fret if you have no idea how to row, there are some great teen and adult rowing groups out there that also offer classes. Try your hand at a rowing class, and if that works, you can join a team! After a few weeks of this, your arms could have their own booth at a gun show.

6. Jogging

Jogging outside is very different from jogging on a treadmill. If you really want to increase your workout, try off-road jogging. This form of jogging keeps you on smaller jogging trails, mainly through wooded areas. If off-road jogging is new to you, start out slow on a flat trail with intervals of fast-paced walking and slow-paced jogging. More experienced outdoor joggers can opt for more challenging, hilly trails instead.

7. Sailing

There are few things more fun to me than going on a sail boat. Sure, speedboats are great and all, but there is a certain type of serenity you can get while sailing over the water. The best part about this form of exercise is that you can burn upwards of 250 calories per hour without really feeling like you are working out. Check out a sailing class next time you are in an area where sailing is prevalent, you may be surprised at how much fun you have.

8. Water Skiing

I will admit, the first time I tried my hand at this, it ended with me being dragged behind a boat for the longest thirty seconds of my life. But, once you get a few lessons and the hang of it, water skiing can be a super fun workout! Water-skiing is a great core, thigh, and arm workout that you will be feeling a week later. An extra perk will be the nice, even tan you get after all that time on the water... Just be sure to wear plenty of sunscreen!

There are so many fun things to do outside at this time of year. Outdoor workouts can be a great way to burn some serious calories while having fun. What are some of your favorite things to do outdoors?

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

I love paddle boarding. Such a great workout and I definitely feel it in my legs and arms!

Rowing, actually, is 80% legs. Your arms do get toned eventually but your legs and back start looking fantastic sooner!

I'm a RYA level 2 dinghy sailor and it really works your body. Your abs, your arms, your shoulders have a great workout while you are controlling the boat through the elements and it is so exhilarating!