4 Outdoor Fitness Tips

With so many health clubs and other indoor facilities dedicated to fitness, it’s no surprise a majority of people associate working out with indoor lighting, dumbbells and treadmills. Fortunately, that’s far from the case.

While, weight training and floor mats certainly have their place in your fitness development, consider the vast number of yoga classes and strength training programs that utilize the outdoors as an enhancement.

Dozens of yoga retreats use the beach and other natural settings to augment their effect. Cross training programs and “boot camps” thrive in the outdoors, where activities such as the 50- and 100-yard dash, big tire flipping and weighted sleds are common training equipment.

So, as you learn to view the great outdoors as Mother Nature’s all inclusive gym, free of charge, here are a few things to keep in mind as you head out for your first workout.

Stretch Before You Go

Just as you would for any type of exercise, remember to properly warm up, including a proper stretch. One way to do this is via a progressive warm-up, in other words, don’t jump right into the main sets of your workout. Gradually build your intensity and include some basic stretching.

Take your time to warm up will not only spare you an unfortunate injury. It can prevent you from getting stuck further from home than you’d like. If trail running, use the first few minutes of your warm-up to also familiarize yourself with the terrain. Watch for protruding rocks or tree roots.

Wear Comfortable Clothes

Make sure your clothing is up to the task. If it’s summer, wear breathable and light materials, preferably of the sweat-wicking variety. Sun protection such as sweat-proof sunscreen, hat and sunglasses are also key.

During colder weather, breathable and sweat-wicking materials are also a good idea and should be used in layers. Depending on the conditions, i.e. wind, rain, you may need a wind or rain proof shell. Finally, as you would in the gym, be sure your clothes are nonconstricting and offer enough room for you to maneuver.

Use the Right Gear

As with your selection in clothing, your gear selection should follow along similar lines: light, versatile and easy on your body.  For example, if trekking, pick the pack that’s right for you. There are now packs made specifically for women.

Other gear options that have made longer, more strenuous trekking accessible to a larger group of people include hydration bladders, aluminum trekking poles and rugged, lightweight shoes.

Know Your Limits

Finally, remember to stay within your limits, regardless of your outdoor activity. Though this may seem obvious with activities like rock climbing or white water rafting, the same applies to all the rest.

If hiking or trail running, give yourself enough time to hike out and back before dark. Also, stick to trails within your level by being aware of any steep uphill or downhill routes you may encounter along the way.

For additional tips on performing on the trails and up-to-date information for the active outdoors enthusiast, register for our monthly newsletter.

Comments

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[Hunting Camping Gear]

Remember to never go hiking or trail running alone, if at all possible.

[Walter Tully]

This is actually a very accurate guideline on how to deal with Mother Nature when training outdoors! Glendale has a lot of potential hike-able hills for you to work out but I always prefer working out on parks and recreation areas since it's much nearer. Not to mention I can't go hiking during my work-out time since I only get my free time when it's already dark outside.

[Adjustable Dumbbells]

No kidding...NEVER go hiking alone!

[Mudrunning]

Thank you for this 4 golden tips! I will surely consider this every time I go outdoors.

[hanamint]

These are good tips! I will keep these things in mind.

[Shure SRH840]

Good tips. Very informative info. Just want to stress that always warm-up before the exercise or you may get injury.

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This is one of the funniest things I have ever read. I would be honored if you consider linking your blog to mine Keep up the good work - and complaints against, you really need to work a little more reading comprehension.

[David Deland]

Before going on an outdoor adventure, you must be particular when it comes to your fitness. You must really hit the gym to exercise. Just jog everyday to keep your body conditioned for an outdoor activity. We once went water rafting. But before that, we worked out our muscles. =]

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Excellent tips you've shared here. Thank you.

With reference to "knowing your limits" it is crucial that when you decide to go a certain distance on a walk or run or whatever, plan to have enough energy for the return trip also.

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Thank you for this 4 golden tips! I will surely consider this every time I go outdoors.

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