Stuck in a Rut? Workout Outdoors!
It’s easy to get stuck in a fitness rut and start to get bored with your gym workouts or classes. Luckily, Austin is an amazing city for taking your fitness outdoors to shake it up and re-energize your daily routine — even though it does tend to get a little hot in the summer months.
The beauty of outdoor fitness is the complete lack of barriers. You don’t need equipment, a gym membership or access to technology. There are different types of beautiful, public green spaces throughout the city to take advantage of depending on what you’re looking for. Small neighborhood parks offer benches, grass, tennis courts and even playground equipment to utilize for a full-body workout. Larger parks offer stairs, hills and more open space. There’s an abundance of trails for hiking, biking and walking. Unlike traditional fitness routines, all you need is your body, breathable clothing, sunscreen and water to move your body and work up a sweat safely outside.
If you’re an avid weightlifter or group fitness enthusiast, adding in some outdoor activities can spice up your traditional routine. You can work out solo or with friends and use the great outdoors for your conditioning workouts. You’ll find that you have a higher energy level and often better quality workouts without the distractions of indoor spaces, enjoying the abundance of sunshine and fresh air. For most, it’s easier to become present and fully engaged in what you’re doing when exercising outdoors.
But like anything, the hardest part is getting started. If you’re not sure where to start with an outdoor workout that complements your current fitness plan, start with the basics. Lace up those sneakers and head to the park. Warm up with some bodyweight squats and walking lunges. Increase the difficulty of bodyweight movements by using a park bench, a curb or stairs. Work on those pullups or hanging ab movements on the monkey bars. Fitness doesn’t have to be complicated, and taking your workout outdoors allows you to wake up your inner child and see the world as your playground.
If you need a little direction but still want to soak up that vitamin D as you sweat, there is an abundance of quality outdoor fitness classes in Austin, ranging from outdoor strength and conditioning classes at fitness studios to yoga in the park. This diverse city offers so many opportunities to get your sweat on with talented trainers, experiencing the camaraderie of group fitness classes in an outdoor environment.
Outdoor fitness can also impact your mood in more ways than when getting in a traditional workout at a gym. Because of the opportunities Austin has to offer, you can even supplement your gym weight training regimen with fun outdoor activities that are engaging but still challenging. Kayaking, trail biking and hiking are just a few of the great ways to get outside with your friends and family.
So this year, let’s step outside our fitness comfort box and take it outside. You’ll increase your stamina, get a little mood boost and complement your work inside the gym with a little fun (and sweat!) in the sun.
About the Author
Leahy is a Minneapolis transplant in East Austin, and is a certified personal trainer, award-winning interior designer, and former gym owner. She offers in-person and online training with an emphasis on strength training and building confidence in and out of the gym. Leahy’s passion for strength extends to your business, with a full offering of gym design and business consulting services.
