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How do I Choose the Best Outdoor Workout?

Felicia Dye
Felicia Dye

When people consider working out, they often wonder which type of exercises are the best. Despite the age of the person, health authorities commonly issue the same advice — choose activities you enjoy. You may know that you prefer exercising outdoors but you may still not know how to choose the best outdoor workout. It will help if you consider your goals, consider activities that will help you to meet those goals, and consider your environment.

Before you try to develop the best outdoor workout, you need to decide why you are working out. If you simply want to add some activity to your life and burn some calories, you may have a wide range of options and can engage in any of them. If you are targeting certain areas such as the arms or abdominals, you will have to narrow your choices of activities to those that can help you achieve your goals. For example, cycling is not likely to help you build strength in your arms, but rowing will.

Hiking is a popular type of outdoor workout.
Hiking is a popular type of outdoor workout.

Once you know what your goals are and you have identified activities that could possibly help, you should begin focusing on which of them you will enjoy. You are more likely to adhere to your outdoor workout if you enjoy what you are doing. Try to avoid activities that you find yourself dreading. Instead, choose activities that you look forward to and that you view as fun.

Hiking through a wilderness area can be a great way to get a workout and see beautiful scenery.
Hiking through a wilderness area can be a great way to get a workout and see beautiful scenery.

When developing an outdoor workout, you also need to consider your environment. You may like cycling, for example, but cycling in the city and in the countryside can be completely different. You are likely to find that where you are affects the type of outdoor activities you enjoy. When considering your environment, you must also consider the weather. You may decide to include rock climbing as part of your outdoor workout without considering that you live in a place that is extremely hot and you will only have access to the facility during the middle of the day.

Jogging provides an aerobic workout.
Jogging provides an aerobic workout.

You should remember that your outdoor workout does not have to be set in stone. You can vary your routine to meet your needs and to provide variety. You may want to go hiking three days per week and spend two days cycling. It may also be encouraging to mix activities within a session, such as jogging on the beach for a mile then surfing for 30 minutes.

Group activities are also an option if you are more likely to be motivated when you are part of a group. Many areas offer cycling and walking clubs. Your outdoor workout can also be varied by group classes such as yoga and tai chi.

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    • Hiking is a popular type of outdoor workout.
      Hiking is a popular type of outdoor workout.
    • Hiking through a wilderness area can be a great way to get a workout and see beautiful scenery.
      By: magann
      Hiking through a wilderness area can be a great way to get a workout and see beautiful scenery.
    • Jogging provides an aerobic workout.
      By: Martinan
      Jogging provides an aerobic workout.
    • Cycling is a good weekend workout activity.
      By: Stefan Schurr
      Cycling is a good weekend workout activity.
    • Yoga in outdoor spaces, like meditation gardens, can prove very relaxing.
      By: Deklofenak
      Yoga in outdoor spaces, like meditation gardens, can prove very relaxing.
    • Going for a jog on the beach and then swimming in the water is a good outdoor workout.
      By: Jacek Chabraszewski
      Going for a jog on the beach and then swimming in the water is a good outdoor workout.
    • Rock climbing can be a fantastic outdoor workout.
      By: Mike-Fotografie
      Rock climbing can be a fantastic outdoor workout.
    • Jogging outdoors is a great way to enjoy nature.
      By: Maridav
      Jogging outdoors is a great way to enjoy nature.
    • Some people prefer solitary outdoor exercise rather than group classes that can be crowded or loud.
      By: Maridav
      Some people prefer solitary outdoor exercise rather than group classes that can be crowded or loud.