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10 Tips for Taking Your Workouts Outdoors

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The summer season beckons you to spend more time in the great outdoors immersed in Mother Nature. Backyard BBQs, cookouts, picnics in the park, road trips, summer travel – the season is all about being outside. That means taking your daily workouts outside too. If you are used to getting your sweat sessions on indoors, here are ten tips on how you can take your workouts outdoors during the summer season.

#1 Apply Sunscreen

Before heading outdoors for your daily workout, apply a safe sunscreen. Use 1-2 ounces of sunscreen to cover each part of your face and body and remember to reapply every 1-2 hours, but be sure to reapply more frequently if you are sweating or swimming.

#2 Check the Weather

The last thing you want to do is set your alarm early for a sunrise run to later find yourself running in the middle of a thunderstorm sprinting home for safety. The weather can change quickly during any time of the year, but especially during summer. Be sure to check the weather the night before and the morning of a scheduled outdoor workout.

sun shining through leaves outside vitamin D nature

#3 Greet the Morning Sun

Speaking of early mornings, if you are an early bird, take advantage of the early morning sunrises and greet the day with a sunrise run, sweat session, or yoga flow. Sun salutations are a great way to begin the day and can be done outside on your balcony, patio, or porch, depending on how much space you have. If your herb garden is taking over in planters, then head to your backyard or to the nearest park to get your flow on. Namaste.

#4 Head to the Beach or Park

An easy way to get in an outdoor workout is to gather your at-home gym equipment and head to the local beach or park. Grab items like ankle or wrist weights, resistance bands, and a yoga mat then head to the local community beach or park and get your sweat session on.

Working out in the sand is no joke and adds some serious resistance, so take advantage of Mother Nature’s elements and make them work to your advantage. You can even consider calling your local gym or yoga studio as many small businesses may have added outdoor workout classes and locations to their schedules for the summer months.

#5 Hit the Local Trails

If you enjoy jogging, running, or walking, take your traditional indoor treadmill workout outdoors and hit the local trails. Whether you like to hike, run, or walk, spending time outdoors with Mother Nature helps clear the mind and can reduce stress. Looking for something different? Sign up for a running race such as a fun run, a 5K, a 10K, a half marathon, or even a full marathon. Do your research and find the right running race for you. Nervous to embark on a race by yourself? Recruit family and friends and sign up together.

If you want to immerse yourself in a running community, check out local running groups in your area. A great place to start is at your local running shop. They may have a running group of their own or they may be able to offer some good group recommendations.

woman drinking water stay hydrated

#6 Hydrate

No matter what the season is, it is always important to stay hydrated, but it is especially crucial during the hot summer months when temperatures, heat indexes, and humidity levels begin to rise. Before heading outside for a summer workout, fill up a reusable water bottle, so you can stay hydrated before, during, and after your workout. Be sure to include an electrolyte packet if you plan on working out and sweating for more than one hour.

#7 Join a Summer Rec League

Another fun way to take your workouts outdoors during summer is to join a summer rec league. From beach volleyball to kickball, many local communities offer rec leagues. The best part is that many of these sports are so fun, you do not even feel like you are working out. Check out the park district website in your community or even inquire at your local gym.

#8 Plan Your Wardrobe

When working out outside in the summertime weather, plan your wardrobe accordingly. Consider wearing a thin layer of sweat-wicking fabric to keep sweat from accumulating on your clothing. If you plan on running or walking in the early morning or late evening hours, be visible and add a reflective layer. If you prefer midday workouts, wear a hat or sport some sunglasses to shield your eyes from the bright summertime sunshine.

#9 Take Advantage of Longer Days

The summer season welcomes longer days, so if you are not an early bird, take your afternoon lunch break outside or go for a leisurely walk after dinner around the neighborhood. Use the longer summer days to your advantage and get outside for your favorite form of movement. The point is to move your body in a way you enjoy. If you enjoy it then the odds of you doing it are higher.

grass cattle browse all natural pasture raised banner

#10 Refuel with Protein

Remember to refuel with a protein-rich meal after your daily sweat session. Check out some delicious post-workout breakfast recipes with these 7 healthy breakfast meats and these 12 quick and delicious Paleo breakfast ideas.

Mix up your at-home indoor workouts and head outside into the great outdoors this summer to enjoy the warmer weather with these 10 summer workout tips.

Check out our Discover Blog today for an array of fantastic lifestyle tips from reliable sources!


 

ashley martens

Meet The Author

Ashley Martens is a Health and Wellness Writer based in Chicago, IL. With a background in digital marketing coupled with her knowledge of general nutrition and a lifelong passion for all things health, wellness, fitness and nutrition, Ashley offers a healthy alternative to traditional writing. You can learn more about Ashley and her writing on her portfolio.