Nothing beats getting outside for your workout when it is nice outside. Exercising outdoors not only helps you change up your environment but also offers additional benefits. The first benefit is the additional space you have to move around, meaning there are more workouts you can do. Secondly, research shows that outdoor workouts are more enjoyable and improve your mental health. Ready to get started? Below are 5 bodyweight exercises for an outdoor workout.
Having a vast outdoor space makes it easy to add walking lunges to your workout. Walking lunges can help you to build strength in your calves, glutes, quads, and hip flexors. They also help to improve overall balance and mobility. Throughout this exercise, aim to keep your feet shoulder-width apart for balance.
Try to do 20 walking lunges, 10 on each side per set.
This exercise is deceptively difficult and will help to build your shoulder muscles. For extra difficulty elevate your feet on a platform.
Aim to do 10 – 15 repetitions per set.
One of the best things about exercises during an outdoor workout, is using benches or other structures to help you. For this exercise, start by finding a bench, or elevated platform. Tricep dips help to work your triceps and shoulders, through a dip motion. For extra difficulty, extend one or both legs.
Aim for 10 – 15 repetitions per set.
This is a great strength and cardio exercise to build muscle in your legs, glutes, hip flexors, and core. You can easily tailor this to your fitness level, and change them up to make it more interesting. For an easier exercise, step up onto the bench instead of jumping, or take a break between each repetition. For a harder workout, take no breaks in each set.
Aim for 10 jumps per set.
This exercise combines jumping jacks with a plank. This adds a cardio element to the traditional core building exercise. To make this exercise easier, extend one leg instead of both, and alternate.
Aim for 12 – 15 repetitions per set.
Ensure you always bring plenty of water with you when exercising outdoors. The sunshine and humidity can increase your sweat production, so also consider bringing a towel and mat. Utilize the outdoor space you have available, whether it’s a public park, or simply your backyard. Incorporate the above bodyweight exercises for an outdoor workout to build a custom workout plan that works for you.