Working out outdoors is great for your health and well-being. Not only can you take in the fresh air and all the beauty of nature surrounding you, but also you reap many other benefits. Exercise reduces stress and anxiety and boosts confidence, especially when outside. Additionally, sunshine is an excellent source of vitamin D, which helps to strengthen bones and boost immunity. Plus, with outdoor sports like running or biking, you get the extra challenge of hills or uneven terrain, which provides better exercise results than a treadmill or stationary bike in a gym setting.
Exercising outside is an excellent way to get in shape and stay healthy. But it’s important to be prepared and know the proper tips to make your outdoor workout successful. Read on to learn more about a few essential tips that you should consider while preparing for an outdoor workout routine:
Dress appropriately
It’s essential to dress in clothing that is both comfortable and appropriate for the weather. Choose workout clothes with insulation, such as fleece or wool-blend fabrics, if it’s cold outside. If it’s hot outside, opt for lightweight and breathable fabrics such as polyester or cotton blends that wick away moisture from the skin and keep you cool during exercise.
Hydrate beforehand
Hydration is critical when engaging in any type of physical activity, especially when working out outdoors. Make sure to drink plenty of water before going out, and bring some with you if you plan to be outside for more than 30 minutes. Staying hydrated will help keep your energy levels up and prevent fatigue during your workout session(s).
And if you don’t want plain, boring water to drink, you can opt for a sports drink or electrolyte-rich beverage. Both are great options to replenish and energize your body with the nutrients it needs during physical activity. Just read the labels and ingredient list to check for added sugar or other unhealthy additives.
Choose the right spot
Knowing where to go when working out outdoors is just as important as preparing yourself physically and mentally beforehand. Consider factors such as terrain (hilly or flat), foot traffic (are there lots of other walkers/runners in the area?), safety (are there any potential hazards like broken glass? Are there people around who could help if needed?), access (do you have easy access to restrooms nearby?), noise level (is it too noisy or too quiet?), etc., so that you can find the right spot that meets all of your requirements and allows you to have a safe and effective workout session(s).
Beware of too much exposure to the sun’s heat
When exercising outside, it’s essential to be aware of the sun’s intensity. Even if you’re wearing sunscreen and lightweight clothing, too much exposure can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, or even worse — heat stroke.
To prevent this from happening, take frequent breaks in a shaded area during your workout and drink plenty of fluids. You can also take a vitamin C serum to help protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. And if your skin is already damaged by the sun, this serum can help to repair it and restore your skin’s protective barrier.
Have a plan
Having a plan can make all the difference when it comes to ensuring that you are getting the most out of your outdoor workout sessions each time you go out. Whether it’s running a certain distance or doing a specific number of reps of exercises, having something set up ahead of time will help keep you motivated throughout your workouts and give you something tangible to track progress against each session(s).
Don’t forget to stretch
Stretching before and post-workout is just as important as staying hydrated throughout your outdoor workout routine(s). Spending at least ten minutes stretching before beginning any physical activity can help improve range of motion and flexibility, leading to better overall performance during exercise sessions outdoors. Additionally, taking five minutes after each session(s) for post-workout stretching can also help reduce soreness, making recovery easier over time!
With these tips in mind, starting an outdoor workout routine doesn’t have to be daunting! By taking into account things like what kind of clothing one should wear while exercising outdoors, how much water one should drink ahead of time, choosing an appropriate spot based on safety considerations, having a plan set up beforehand, as well as remembering not forgetting to stretch properly pre-and post-workout; anyone looking into trying their hand at exercising outdoors will be well equipped with all the information they need when getting started! So don’t wait – get outside today and start building towards creating an awesome outdoor workout routine!