Top 12 Outdoor Exercises to Replace The Gym

Let’s face it ... working out in the gym can be boring. Repeating the same old exercises in the same old environment can have you experiencing cabin fever. Frankly, gymnasiums are not always the cleanest environment. You are sharing fitness equipment, dead skin and sweat with total strangers.

If that is not a good enough reason to head outdoors for some gym replacement exercises, think about this. Research the last few decades has revealed that muscle confusion is a great way to maximize overall health. Performing the same strength or aerobics exercises at the same time for the same duration can quickly have you peaking. When you are constantly “confusing” your muscles with varied routines, you continually grow stronger and healthier without reaching a peak or plateau.

Besides, there are plenty of benefits that the green outdoors offers which you simply cannot receive indoors. The fresh air you breathe may actually allow your respiratory system to benefit more efficiently from your exercise efforts. Sunshine feels good on your skin, and causes your body to manufacture healthy levels of vitamin D.

Working out at a gym or health club can also be intimidating. This may cause you to skip planned exercise sessions. And who likes the monotonous experience of walking or jogging on a treadmill while you stare at the same inspirational poster over, and over, and over? There are lots of great reasons for taking your workout outside. The following 14 outdoor exercise ideas effectively replace the often boring and possibly unhealthy gym experience.

In the 1950s calisthenics were very popular. If you are not sure what that word means, it is nothing more than using your own body weight for resistance to strength strain. These days that practice is called body weight training.

It removes two major excuses that keep people from exercising: • I can’t make it to the gym • I don’t own any fitness equipment

Take a look at the fit, ripped, shredded, fat-free models on the covers of your favorite fitness magazines. A trade secret is that most of them got that way predominately by practicing body weight exercises. They can be performed anywhere, at any time, whether you have 5 or 55 minutes to work out.

2 - Hiking

Hiking is another alternative exercise to a smelly gym. It gets you out in the great outdoors and seriously works your legs, respiratory and circulatory systems. That is pretty common knowledge in the fitness community. But what amateur or beginner hikers might not understand is that you can also receive an awesome upper body work out when you are hiking challenging trails.

To properly work out your upper body, purchase a pair of hiking or trekking poles. There are adjustable poles, with different materials and designs to choose from. They all provide 2 excellent benefits to hikers. First off, they automatically make for a safer experience. When you can balance and support yourself properly, there is less chance of an injury.

Secondly, they allow you to involve your wrists, upper arms, shoulders and back in your hiking workout. In a pinch a rigid hiking pole can even fend off wild animals or help you fashion a splint if your hiking trip goes awry. Some trekking poles are made with outdoor-friendly accessories like compasses and flashlights.

3 - Standup Paddle Boarding (SUP)

If you have never seen a Standup Paddle Board, the experience is just what the name implies. Imagine a surfboard, but much longer and wider in most cases.

While standing on your board, you propel yourself through the water with a long-handled oar.

The workout you give your core is extensive. If you are looking for a way to shred those love handles and get outdoors, you need to get out on an SUP.

4 - Tennis

Have you ever played tennis? If not, don’t underestimate the stamina and total body strength needed for this sport. Many outdoor fitness facilities have a handball/tennis wall where you can enjoy a round of challenging tennis by yourself.

You can also get a friend involved or challenge a stranger to see just how good you are. Many outdoor exercise activities are singular in nature.

Tennis is a great competitive work out that keeps your mind as active as your body. Tennis leagues are available for all age groups, and allow you to enjoy the social part of exercising outdoors as well as the physical benefits.

5 - Jump Rope If you have an old piece of rope laying around the house, you can enjoy this tried-and-true form of simple exercise.

Your upper body, lower body, heart and respiratory systems all get an effective workout.

If you really want to step up your game, speed ropes can be purchased online and at most major sporting goods stores.

6 - Canoeing/Kayaking

Kayaking and canoeing let you enjoy your love of water while you are getting an upper body workout. Be sure to inform someone when you are leaving and returning before you schedule any waterway adventure.

7 - CrossFit Training

Muscle confusion was mentioned in the introduction. That is precisely the idea behind CrossFit training. CrossFit gymnasiums and groups have exploded in popularity around the world. What is really neat is the fact that people of all fitness levels can benefit from CrossFit training. A combination fitness competition and exercise program, CrossFit training is usually based on a WOD (Workout of the Day). When you attend your CrossFit class, a new exercise is revealed each day. This keeps your mind and muscles involved and confused, constantly pushing your body to a new level and type of achievement.

This usually takes place in a group atmosphere. Camaraderie and competition are encouraged. Working out with others or by yourself, you can take your CrossFit mentality outdoors. Calisthenics, weightlifting, gymnastics, plyometrics, high intensity interval training (HIIT) and other activities make up the CrossFit training regimen.

8 - Swimming

Swimming is often referred to as the perfect exercise. It is an outstanding therapeutic tool, and works for all ages. The water keeps you buoyant and drastically reduces stress on your joints and ligaments. You can swim in any large body of water, enjoying a day at the beach or pool while your body benefits from a workout. Don’t just splash around in the water and kid yourself that you are getting exercise. Purchase an online swimming exercise course or DVD program. Get suggestions from your local lifeguard or water safety instructor for a swimming workout.

When you exert yourself, you will find swimming delivers the same wonderful benefits of body weight training. The difference is your legs and joints are not negatively impacted like they are with so many landbased workouts.

9 - Trail/Beach Running

Running is a form of exercise that has been around as long as mankind has existed. Running in loose sand at the beach means no 2 steps are ever the same. You work out so many muscle types because your feet, legs and balance have to adjust to an ever-changing terrain. The same is true for running a mountain or woodland trail. This is a great workout for your entire body, inside and out.

10 - Rock Climbing

This outdoor gym alternative is definitely not

for the faint of heart. There is no doubt that you should receive extensive training before tackling your first rock climbing excursion.

The great thing about this physically demanding pastime is that Big Box sports retailers have gotten involved. In most major cities around the world, you can track down a sporting goods store that has a rock wall you can train on.

These are sometimes contained inside the store. You can sign up for classes and train there, benefiting from safety straps and tethers while you are learning your craft. Rock declining demands physical strength in literally every part of your body. One minute you may be gripping a minuscule toehold, and the next you are precariously hanging by your fingertips.

If you want to enjoy the great outdoors while working out every muscle in your body, rock climbing can’t be beat. Make sure that your instruction includes advice on shoes, gripping chalk, safety gear and the other accessories required to safely and successfully survive your rock climbing experience. 11 - Roller Skating/In-Line Skating/Roller Blading

Roller skates were all the rage several decades ago. You may have a pair, and you can still find roller skates online. In-line skates and roller blades are modern-day versions of roller skates, and they really give your lower body a workout.

Your flexibility, mobility and agility are all improved when you enjoy any of these vigorous, fast-paced activities. Bring your MP3 player or smartphone along with a set of ear buds, and you can enjoy your favorite tunes while you escape the claustrophobic gym and receive a rolling workout.

12 - Snow Skiing/ Snowboarding

If you live in a cold weather climate, why not take up snow skiing or snowboarding? Both of these sports/pastimes require excellent balance.

They also promote flexibility and mobility. As opposed to some of the other outdoor exercises on this list, an investment into snow skiing and snowboarding can set you back a few dollars.

Practicing Pilates, performing yoga, lifting weights, using fitness equipment and playing basketball in your favorite gymnasium are all great ways to stay in shape.

But sometimes you just have to get out in nature, because you feel like the 4 walls of your standard exercise experience are closing in on you.

Just remember, you don’t have to limit yourself to the activities and sports listed above.

Any strenuous activity you enjoy outdoors can be mentally and physically beneficial and fun. For even more enjoyment, get a friend involved. Join a rock climbing club or plan a snow skiing vacation. There are all kinds of smart ways to break the boring gymnasium exercise routine that boost your mental and physical health without having you cooped up in a stuffy, sweaty gym or health club.