Exercise Outdoors This Summer

We may be a little starved of sunshine in this country, but that’s all the more reason to enjoy it when it does appear! It’s not just an opportunity to get a little Vitamin D from that elusive sun, but exercising outdoors also has a myriad of health benefits.

Not convinced? First up, you’ll burn more calories by exercising outdoors. Wind resistance, handling uneven ground and changing gradients make your body work harder to combat the extra challenges.

You’ll also be happier. Not usually one to have a big smile on your face while going through the motions at the gym? Outdoor exercise increases oxygen to the brain, which helps release the “feel‐good” chemical serotonin. The chances of you getting bored are also drastically reduced, with constantly changing scenery meaning you’re more likely to exercise for longer without even noticing it. You’ll also get to soak up a little bit of nature – bonus!

There’s also one pretty big benefit – outdoor exercise is totally free! Don’t worry about the lack of variety – yes the gym has all the equipment, but you can find everything you need in your local park: inclines for hill climbs or park benches for tricep dips, for example.

So now we’ve officially entered summer, it’s time to make the most of the great outdoors. How about some of these suggestions for starters?

Baseball or rounders are great outdoor sports that kids of all ages can get involved in. You don’t need a lot of equipment to play (you can even get creative with, for example, jumpers for posts) and it’s not only great for physical fitness, but also for things like hand‐eye coordination and teamwork. Football is also a clear favourite, but even more timely with the Euros currently gripping the nation’s attention. Again, you need next to no equipment to play – jumpers or trees for goal posts – and a football and that’s it! It’s great for flexibility and balance as well as the obvious cardio benefits.

If you’re after something a little more unusual, how about giving ultimate Frisbee a go? It’s limited‐contact but also a great team sport and not only teaches great hand‐eye coordination but will get you out of breath from running around in no time!

Want more of a challenge? Free­running or parkour is only growing in popularity and teaches speed, strength and flexibility as well as decision‐making! Or if that’s a bit too extreme for you, go for something that’s still relatively new but a little more tame. For keen skiers, don’t let the very obvious issue of a lack of snow hold you back. Roller skiing is essentially skis with wheels – give it a quick Google to find your local school!

Have any other suggestions for interesting or unusual outdoor activities? We’d love to hear them!