Now that the weather is warmer, you can move your workout outside.

During this time when gyms are either closed or are operating at limited capacity, it can be difficult to get your workout in.  In the colder weather months, many people turned toward home online workouts, treadmills, ellipticals and stationary bikes.  But now that the weather is warmer, you can move your workout outside.  In fact, some every day activities can become a workout without you even being aware!  Here are five fun outdoor workouts:

  1. Walking – it goes without saying, walking is the easiest form of outdoor exercise there is. It’s also great for your health. Walking at a brisk pace raises your heart rate to a moderate intensity level which is beneficial to your cardiovascular health. One of the benefits of routine walking is that it can help you control your weight or even shed a few pounds.
  2. Hiking – Once you’ve been walking regularly, you can upgrade that workout to hiking. Hitting the trails this summer helps to build muscle, clear your head and enjoy nature. What better way to challenge your body than with a moderate-intensity hike at your favorite park, mountain or nearby trail. A one-hour hike can burn over 350 calories and will challenge and tone your muscles when you’re trekking on an incline.
  3. Biking – Hopping on your bike is an excellent way to keep distance between you and others and also provides a great workout! If you are biking to lose weight, duration (the time you spend biking) matters more than the actual distance you travel. The course you choose may have the biggest impact on the number of calories you burn because it will affect both duration and intensity. For best results, you want to choose a course that allows you to pedal consistently without taking too many breaks at stoplights or intersections. These short breaks cause your heart rate to drop, take up too much workout time, and decrease the calorie-burning potential of your ride.
  4. Swimming – This summer favorite tones the body, boosts metabolism and burns massive calories. Swimming is one of the best forms of cardiovascular exercise available. There is no denying the fact that it is one of the only exercises that utilizes all muscle groups while constantly stimulating the heart rate.Swimming is also the least likely sport to result in injury due to its low-impact nature. Like any cardiovascular exercise, it is necessary to swim consistently for maximum results. Aim for at least 20 minutes of swimming 3-5 times per week.
  5. Yoga – This relaxing form of exercise doesn’t have to be limited to indoors with a video. Taking your yoga routine outside can feel like a whole new workout.  When you’re encouraged to “reach up to the sky,” you can actually do so with meaning.  Yoga helps improve flexibility, strength, balance, and endurance. Exercise boosts energy and mood, and yoga is no exception. Many who practice it do so for its benefits in terms of relaxation and stress management.