A handful of ways you can get a good workout in the great outdoors.
As the sun breaks over the horizon, and a gentle light falls over the landscape, you're faced with another beautiful day. Suddenly, you're hit with the same urge you had as a college student. You want to skip your workout and play all day. Why not skip your way to an energizing workout outside, along the very hills and valleys you're admiring?
Read on to find out a few things to consider in order to get a great exercise using the terrain surrounding you.
Alternate Terrain
One of the biggest perks of working out outside is that doing so forces you to move on a lot of different types of terrain. This benefit is particularly strong if you're going to go walking or running. During an outdoor run, you'll be going from a sidewalk to grass to the street and then up and down staircases. This varied terrain mimics what you'll experience during real life, making it easier to navigate your way from point A to point B with minimal difficulty.
If you happen to be near a beach, working out in the sand not only puts you on an alternate terrain, but offers a fabulous workout that cannot be replicated on any other surface. Of course, while on the sand and other outdoor terrain, exercising caution and proper technique will ensure you don't wind up suffering injury.
Air Out There
In addition to a change in terrain, exercising outside allows you to breathe air that will bring different threats your way than may be found inside. As a result, you should be particularly attentive to any health issues that may indicate an allergy. In the event you begin sneezing or suffering headaches, a runny nose, itchy eyes, or allergic swelling, you may need a little help.
With a quick trip to an allergist, you can learn what you're allergic to in your outdoor exercise environment and you can receive appropriate medication to help you battle against the allergies. However, if you feel your allergies are too strong to deal with or would prefer to not depend on a physician for your ability to work out outside, you may have to stick to your indoor routine.
Drink in the Sun (and Water)
One of the benefits of working out beyond the confines of a gymnasium is the ability to get some vitamin D and a great tan in the process. Unfortunately, the sun is also one of the dangers of taking your workout into the outdoors. The most obvious sun-related danger is the threat of sunburns. By wearing sunscreen and sunglasses and reapplying if you're outside for longer than an hour or so,
Also, since you'll be sweating more when you're outside, keeping hydrated is more difficult and important. Before beginning your outdoor workout, be sure to drink plenty of water. You should also keep a bottle of water on hand to drink from on a regular basis. With proper hydration and a good outdoor workout, you can have the skin color and muscle definition you want, all while breathing that fresh outdoor air.
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