Can you hear your mom yelling this at you as a kid? I sure can. My siblings and I grew up playing in the yard, ball in the streets, hide & seek outside at night.
As we get older sometimes we forget how these simple times and fun with friends gave us so much happiness AND an amazing amount of exercise.
But, life changes and we do different things as adults.
So if you’re like me, then you like to hit the gym or nowadays a virtual training workout. There is something very rewarding about joining a class with like-minded people or hitting the weights and machines, feeling the workout energy of other people who are also getting their ‘fitness’ on.
But:
Given our current times, you are likely not making it to the gym or maybe just beginning to go back slowly. And this time of limited access and quarantine when you are out of your normal life routine makes it even more difficult to stay in a workout routing… Are you with me on that?
That’s why…
I want to give you some refreshing ways to workout outside, take it old school, and get fit without it feeling like exercise. These exercises and games may be fun and challenging…But can also be as rewarding as it is when you finish your gym workout.
So…here are some different workouts you can do in the great outdoors:
1. Hiking
There are many different hikes around our area. Some may be rugged hikes up steep mountains, while others may be less strenuous and a little more enjoyable by the coast where you can see and smell the ocean. Whatever type of hike you decide to do…just remember, it’s a form of exercise. Not only are you hitting your cardiovascular system and making it stronger, you’re also giving your legs and upper body a workout by climbing, reaching, or stepping up on rocks or ledges.
2. Stand-Up Paddle Boarding
This exercise is perfect for developing the muscles in your upper and lower body–and providing a great balance workout. Sure it may look like a tough activity…but the more you do it, the stronger your arms, legs, and your core are going to get. Once your body is strong enough, you can spend hours on a paddle board exploring beaches, the Back Bay, lakes, and ponds around the area—all while getting a killer workout.
3. Games
I like to think about the “old days” when we are deciding what to do. In the old days we made simple games with simple props and had fun being with our friends that we didn’t realize we were exercising. Right now, at my house, we bought 12 beach balls at Target ($1.00 ea.), and every day we play beach ball baseball or something else we think of.
Baseball is simple: 4 cones for bases, Whiffle bat, and a beach ball to pitch, hit, and catch. Throw the ball at the runner for outs, keep the bases close so there is a lot of short sprinting, and super fun.
Same beach balls; ball tag or open area dodge ball with All of the balls! Create your own games and just enjoy being out and having fun. This has become part of our daily fun family exercise.
4. Gardening
There is no better workout than getting down and dirty—in your garden. Pulling weeds or planting new plants can help tone your legs, arms, back, thighs, and your core with all up and down, and tugging old plants out. After a few hours of this, I can guarantee your legs may feel a little wobbly, and your arms might be a little sore.
These are just a few different activities that you can do outside that are also considered “exercise.” There are plenty of others, such as: volleyball, walks, ultimate Frisbee, and swimming. These activities could give you a full body workout, strengthen your cardiovascular system, and burn extra calories.
I encourage you to “think outside of the box,” when it comes to exercise and get creative as you get moving.
Reply back and let me know what you and your family do outside for fun exercise.Until next time…
– Be Healthy
– Be Strong
– Be IMpowered
Coach Greg
