Take Your Workouts Back to Nature

Sunny spring weather is a great reason to spend more time outdoors — and there are as many ways to take your exercise routine outdoors as you can imagine. Whether you run, hike or kayak, taking your fitness regiment back to nature will demand different things of your body. Make sure you’re prepared for it.

Cross train

Outdoor activity will affect your body differently than your gym’s treadmill. For starters, nature doesn’t create that perfectly level running surface. Strengthen your ankles, calves and the rest of your body by adding some diversity to your workouts before making the switch to the park’s hilly hiking paths. Stair steppers and elliptical machines are great for this.

Even if you train diligently, don’t be surprised if your body won’t perform the same outside as it did at your gym at first. Listen to your body and ease into your outdoor exercise activities to reduce your risk of injury.

Get the proper equipment

Because of the increased demand on your feet, ankles and legs, it is very important that your shoes have the proper support and fit correctly. A shoe store that specializes in athletics can help you if you aren’t sure if your shoes are appropriate. Harder outdoor surfaces, such as pavement, can lead to long-term bone damage if your shoes don’t offer you the cushion for your current running surface.

Other gear you should consider are deflectors or other bright clothing if you are running on or near streets, as well as clothing that will wick sweat away from your body and keep you cool. Sunscreen is critical for outdoor exercise, even on cloudy days.

Get hydrated

Remember that, as the weather gets hotter, you will sweat more as you run. That means you need to drink more water both before and after exercising. Drinking eight to 10 ounces of water 30 minutes before your workout should keep you sufficiently hydrated while you’re out.

Be creative

Exercising outdoors offers many fun workout activities that aren’t available at the gym. Variety in your workout is key for maximizing your fitness, so challenging yourself to find new ways to use your surroundings in your workout will help you get the most from it. Use a bench to do step-ups, perform tricep lifts on a picnic table or even create your own circuit with these and other creative exercises to keep your workouts interesting.