Working out outdoors - yes, even in fall and winter!
I've always been the gym kind of girl - in other words; I really, really didn't want to go outside. Especially not when it was cold, or even worse; when it was raining. My hair gets super frizzy and my mascara... well, let's just say that those are not my prettiest moments. But hey, working out is not about looking pretty, right? In the past few weeks I fell in love with working out outdoors, and I want you to give it a try as well!
WHY?
- Freedom and opportunities everywhere! You're no longer limited by time or four walls; the world is your playground!
- There's nothing like the smell of fresh air. Or working out in the rain. Try it, it's the most liberating feeling, nothing beats it.
- Nature increases brain function and can increase concentration skills and creativity.
- Being outside can enhance mental well-being, is great for stress-reduction, can even improve self-esteem and help with depression (hello vitamin D intake!).
HOW?
- Lace up your running shoes and go. Simple as that!
- Get good gear. It can be pretty chilly in winter, getting the right clothes to keep you comfortable is essential. Nike's new winter collection does not only look pretty; the lightweight tights, jackets and hoodies keep you warm and dry thanks to the use of innovative technology.
- Try to find nice places in your neighborhood where you have enough space and perhaps even equipment; and by equipment I mean like a bench, because you can do a crazy amount of exercises with it! Parks and playgrounds are awesome, but not essential. Finding these places are also nice opportunities to workout outdoors btw ;) check out a great playground workout here!
- Make small circuits. Think of exercises like squat jumps, squats, burpees, lunges, walking lunges, tricep dips, push ups, tricep push ups, planks, sit ups, mountain climbers, jumping jacks, 'kangaroo' hops and sprints; easy, raw bodyweight exercises. For example, make a HIIT workout by doing 20 squat jumps, 20 mountain climbers, 10 burpees and 20 walking lunges. After 1 or 2 rounds, go for a small run (or just walk it off), and repeat.
