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How to Make Exercising Outdoors More Enjoyable

How to Make Exercising Outdoors More Enjoyable

Exercising outdoors can be such a breath of fresh air (pun intended). Whether it’s a sunny summer run or a brisk winter walk, exercising outdoors adds a little adventure to your routine. And even better, it’s completely free to get out there and start. However, it’s not always the most appealing idea, especially when the winter months come around. So, we’re here to give you some tips that will help you keep the motivation to get outside year round, no matter what the weather is doing.

Get your wardrobe year-round ready

Let’s start with the basics: what you wear can make or break your workout. When it’s chilly, think layers: a moisture-wicking base, something warm on top, and a waterproof jacket if it’s wet. Gloves, hats, and thick socks will keep you nice and cosy on a long winter walk. On warmer days, stick to lightweight, breathable fabrics, and don’t forget your suncream and shades. Dress smart, and you’ll be ready for whatever the skies throw at you.

Pick the right time of day

When you’re planning on being outdoors, timing is everything. Early mornings or evenings are perfect in the summer to avoid the hottest time of the day, but in winter, aim for late morning or early afternoon for that extra bit of daylight and warmth. Heading out after dark? Reflective gear and a headlamp are your best friends, and scoping out the well lit streets around you will give you some reliable routes to head out on irrespective of time.

Get your go-to routes

Speaking of, the right route can turn a good workout into a great one. Love a challenge? Go for hills. Prefer a peaceful vibe? Stick to parks or riversides. Whether you’re revisiting an old favourite or exploring somewhere new, a good route keeps things interesting and keeps you motivated to move – and makes it easy to just get out there and move if you don’t have much brain-power to spend.

Warm up your body

Skipping your warm-up is the fastest way to an injury, putting you out of action and disturbing your well-oiled workout routine. Spend a few minutes doing dynamic stretches, arm swings, or a brisk walk to get your muscles ready for the outdoors, and if it’s cold, give yourself a bit more time to loosen up. You’ll find whatever exercise you’re doing much easier on your body, and your future self will thank you.

Make it social

Everything’s better with friends, right? Invite a pal, a family member, or even your dog to join you on whatever exercise you’re taking on. Not only will you have a laugh, but you’ll also keep each other accountable when you really don’t feel like getting outside. If you’re flying solo, look into local fitness groups or clubs – a bit of company can work wonders.

Keep it varied

Let’s face it: doing the same thing over and over gets boring. Fast. Switch things up with activities like cycling, hiking, or an outdoor HIIT circuit. Feeling adventurous? Try paddleboarding in the summer or ice skating in the winter. Keeping your workouts fresh makes them feel less like a chore, and a lot more like fun.

Give yourself a ‘well done’

A little reward can go a long way for your movement motivation. Whether it’s a warm bath, your favourite meal, or a glass of wine with dinner, celebrating every time you challenge yourself makes the effort feel even more worthwhile. Plus, it gives you something to look forward to while you’re out there braving the elements. So go on, treat yourself.

Embrace the Benefits

Exercising outdoors isn’t just good for your body – it’s great for your mind, too. Fresh air, daylight (especially first thing in the morning), and a change of scenery can boost your mood, help you sleep better, and make workouts feel so much more enjoyable. Focus on how good it feels to move your body and soak up the outdoors long after you’ve taken off your trainers, and outside exercise time will soon become your favourite part of the day.

Outdoor exercise can be whatever you make of it. Whether it’s an energising run, a peaceful walk, or a social team sport, with some forward planning and positive thinking, you can turn outdoor fitness into a habit you genuinely love. So lace up, head out, and enjoy everything the great outdoors has to offer – it’s there for you 365 days a year. 

Now we’ve convinced you to get outside for your exercise, it’s time to figure out if you should exercise in the morning or the evening