Gyms and fitness studios across the country are closing, and it’s a good time for training outside.
Even if your gyms not closed, you should probably be avoiding big groups to practice social distancing during the coronavirus outbreak. In addition, there are big benefits to exercising outside!
No Gym, No Problem
No, you don’t have the machines, or the group energy, or the coach encouraging you.
So is that going to be your excuse? It might be harder in some ways and different now that you aren’t going to the gym.
This doesn’t mean you can’t keep exercising. Use this as a chance to explore the fitness and strength you’ve been building in the gym in new ways. You’ve already been training in the gym, so now it’s time to get outside and play.
During the coronavirus outbreak, you can combine the benefits of the outdoors with exercise while keeping a responsible distance from people and improving your mindset.
Boost Your Mood
People are experiencing new stresses daily with Covid-19. Stress and isolation like that aren’t great for the psyche.
One solution, training outside, has been proven to boost your mood.
A 2015 study from Stanford University found students just walked through a campus park for an hour were less stressed than those who didn’t. There is a lot of compelling evidence that getting outside makes us happier.
Get outside around some green, and you’re likely to feel better.
Build Your Immune System By Training Outside
Reducing stress and anxiety helps boost your immune system. Plus, sunlight can help kill viruses! However, it’s even more beneficial when you are training outside.
While the exact mechanics remain a mystery, research has shown a wide range of health benefits to being outdoors. From the Vitamin D boost of the sun to additional ions and phytochemicals from plants, they add up to a stronger immune system.
How To Workout Outside
When it comes to outdoor exercise, the first thing that pops into most people’s heads is usually running.
And if you love running, that’s great—but if you don’t, there’s a whole lot more for you to discover.
Whether it’s your own yard, a park, or larger greenspaces and nature, everyone can find something fun and challenge outdoors.
The key to finding the right outdoor workout for you is to engage.
Listen to your body and how you’re feeling. Find what enjoyable for you to do. Look for ways to and play to your workout. Try new things, vary it through the week, involve your kids as well.
Tips For Training Outside
- Ease into It. Outdoor exercise is adaptable to everyone’s level of fitness, but it might be different than what you’re used to in the gym.
- Exercise early. It’s easier to find excuses to avoid exercising outdoors at the end of the day. In the morning you have more energy, the air is generally cleaner, the temperature tends to be lower. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy the post-workout benefits of less stress and a better mood throughout the day.
- Avoid temperature extremes. Your body adapts to colder or warmer weather, but you should still avoid exercising outside in extreme heat or cold if not acclimated to it. In warmer temperatures, watch for signs of overheating.
- Don’t get burned. The sun is good for you, but too much sun is not. Protect yourself with a good sunscreen. You can also wear sunglasses and a maybe a hat.
- Drink enough water. “Drink 8 to 10 ounces of water in the 30 minutes before exercising outdoors. Then steady hydration through the workout should suffice. Remember that you can lose water through sweating even in cooler weather.
Workout Ideas
Better yet, lose some of the structure and just play around with this stuff outside!
Make outdoor exercises part of your lifestyle
Many of us are conditioned to think of exercise as something we do in a gym. With the gym closed and a need to stay away from groups, it’s a good time for training outside.
Get back to nature and start adding some outdoor variety to your training routine even when the gym opens back up.