Outdoor fitness activities offer alternative ways in which you can get fit, and we explore how certain exercises and pursuits can enhance your overall fitness.
Outdoor fitness activities provide a refreshing alternative to sweating in the gym, offering far more enjoyable ways to stay fit that can be experienced in the great outdoors. In this exploration, we will delve into some perhaps less conventional methods, going beyond the “normal” fitness routines typically associated with outdoor exercise.
Outdoor Fitness Activities That You Can Try
Parkour
Free running, otherwise known as parkour, is an activity founded by David Belle in Paris and involves running, jumping, and swinging from fences, walls, buildings, and any other obstacles that you will find in every city. Since its discovery, it has appeared in many films, including James Bond and Rush Hour. This will just about work every muscle in your body, but it is something that needs to be practiced and not something you can just start doing without any thought. It wouldn’t be wise to start jumping off buildings right away!
Kite Flying
There are several ways in which you can fly a kite, and the days in which you were taught to fly a kite at home on the local playing field appear to be over. The new revolution can involve kite flying from buggies, skateboards, and surfboards. However, you will need to be in the area where you have some wind, as, obviously, you will not be able to fly anything without it! Also, you would need to be wary of pedestrians and the public, as these kites are big and can be dangerous when they are moving at lightning speed.
Inline Skating
The popularity of outdoor rollerblading has surged in recent years as people seek fitness opportunities in the open air. Many enthusiasts can be seen gracefully gliding through parks, reaping benefits beyond mere enjoyment. Rollerblading enhances balance, refines posture, and fortifies core muscles concurrently. However, caution is advised, as some parks have restricted the activity due to accidents involving pedestrians. To delve deeper into this invigorating pursuit, ensure you research permissible locations to rollerblade. Embrace the thrill of outdoor fitness responsibly, respecting regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for both participants and passersby.
Gardening
Outdoor fitness activities extend beyond traditional workouts; gardening, for instance, has surprising health benefits. Studies reveal that gardening, akin to yoga, releases body tension, potentially burning up to 400 calories per hour. This seemingly serene activity contributes to improved cardiovascular fitness and increased muscular strength. It’s a revelation that tending to your garden—clearing weeds and pruning—can be both a therapeutic pastime and an effective means of enhancing your overall fitness. Embrace the outdoors not just for leisure but as a holistic approach to well-being, where every dig and plant contributes to a healthier, fitter you.
Tai Chi
If you prefer a gentler way to exercise and improve your balance and coordination, then Tai Chi is a wonderful way to exercise without causing too much strain or exertion. It was traditionally used as a form of combat many centuries ago; however, the moves involved tend to be more defensive than offensive. Although the movements appear slow, you can still burn around 200 calories per hour. It is also beneficial for those who suffer from stress, as it is widely used to combat tension and depression-related illnesses.
Engaging in outdoor fitness activities doesn’t have to be tedious; it can be incredibly enjoyable and cost-effective. Many of these activities require little to no money, providing a great alternative to expensive gym memberships. Stay fit while having fun with these affordable and accessible outdoor exercise options.
