7 Outdoor Workout Ideas For Every Season

Love spending time outside or simply looking for an easy and affordable way to mix up your routine? Whether it’s hot, cold or just right where you are, there’s a way to take your fitness to the great outdoors and reap some great rewards in the process.

First things first, let’s discuss the perks. We know that exercising has a number of benefits for our physical and mental health, but is exercising outdoors an easy way to get even more out of moving our bodies?

In short, yes! Training outdoors can give you a much-needed mood boost, increase your vitamin D hit if the sun is shining, and is a great way to explore a new location and spend more time in your local green spaces.

A 2013 study published in Extreme Physiology & Medicine also found outdoor natural environments can provide a range of mental health benefits including stress reduction, restoring mental fatigue and improving our mood and self-esteem.

Easy ways to move outdoors

Whether you’re looking to stay active on vacation or simply level up your lunch-time routine, there are so many great ways to take your fitness journey outside.

Take your at-home workout to the backyard

If you already exercise at home and have outside space you can take advantage of, why not take your fitness mat and any home gym equipment you need outside for your next Sweat session? This is a great way to mix up your routine that won’t add too much extra time to your schedule.

Following a gym-based program? You can still get an outdoor workout in! Simply try a no-equipment workout (or one that uses minimal equipment) from the On Demand section of the Sweat app, or you could go for a walk or jog outside as your warm-up before your gym session.

Take advantage of your local park

No backyard or balcony to speak of? No worries! Choose an appropriate workout from the On Demand section of the Sweat app (ideally, one that uses your body weight or minimal equipment that you can easily transport) and head on down to your local park or green space. You’ll be able to try a new workout or training style while soaking up the sunshine and fresh air.

Hit the water

Sure, you might enjoy having a splash in the pool or at the beach, but have you ever thought about swimming for fitness? Grab your swimsuit, towel and goggles and get ready for a low-impact workout that will give your cardiovascular system a boost.

Love spending time by the water? In the warmer months, you could also give other fun watersports, such as stand-up paddleboarding, a go. Who knows, you might even find a new hobby you love!

Go for a spin

Pop your helmet on and dust off your bike, because this outdoor-friendly exercise packs a punch when it comes to the benefits. If you’re a commuter, it’s also a great environmentally-friendly way to get yourself to and from the office. Dress for the weather, stick to cycle lanes and paths where you can, and enjoy the benefits of cycling year-round!

Plan an active holiday

Whether you’re a fan of snow sports like skiing and snowboarding or love to spend the summer kayaking on the lake, find ways to include movement in your next holiday adventure. Perhaps you’ll try an active adventure at a ski resort, or maybe exploring a new city on foot is more your thing? There are SO many fun ways to keep moving when you’re on your next holiday! But remember - there’s no right or wrong way to spend your vacation. Prefer to spend your time off with a great book on a pool lounger? Sometimes rest is exactly what you need - you do you!

Join a friend for some sport

If you’re a fan of team or individual sports they’re a great way to keep active while finding the fun in fitness. Grab your racket for a match of squash or tennis nearby, join a social team to play your favourite sport, or take a ball to your local court to shoot some hoops!

Clock up some steps

It’s free, easy and you only need 30 minutes a day to start reaping the rewards. Whether it’s a Hot Girl Walk, an outdoor stroll during your lunch break, an after-work jog or a lengthier hike over the weekend, walking, running and hiking are all great ways to get outdoors while hitting your daily step count. If you’re struggling to find time for a longer outdoor walk, try adding in a few extra steps when you can by getting off the bus or train a stop earlier, or taking phone calls or meetings while walking outside!

Have you found the fun in outdoor fitness? Share your tips and tricks with the Sweat Community on our forum.