The warm weather is upon us and it sure feels good to get outside.
Make sure to dress appropriately, stay hydrated, and protect yourself from the sun. Outdoor workouts can be a great way to enjoy the fresh air as well as save money. Some great places that I recommend to do your workouts in are backyards (depending on space), parks (use all the equipment, local track, and forest. If you prefer cardio over body weight exercises you can find many local trails or tracks to do walks and or runs at. To challenge yourself you can do intervals where once your warm-up is complete you can do three minutes at a moderate pace and one minute at a fast pace.
Body weight exercises that you can easily do without any equipment needed are: squats, walk squats, jump squats, walking lunges or stationary lunges, pushups on a park bench or off a wall, pullups on the monkey bars, step-ups work off park benches.
These are some great exercises that you can get started with. I recommend creating a little circuit, do about 15 reps (level dependent) and doing it two to three times through. Always make sure to stretch afterwards.
Also, don’t forget to check out your local community centre as many offer free outdoor classes and yoga in the park. If there is a fee it is usually minimal or by donation.
Don’t forget to always check with your doctor before taking on any exercise you haven’t tried before.
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MaryAnna Robbins CSEP-CPT, OFC RHEP – Group Exercise, Resistance Trainer, Yoga Fitness, Pilates Mat Fitness
