So the pandemic is putting a damper on your gym routine, eh? Remember, a gym isn’t the only place where you can work out. If you’re living in an area where gyms are closed and you don’t want to stay cooped up in your home, an alternative place that’s always available is the great outdoors! Plus, it’s free, so the only real cost to you is your time and your commitment to get fit.

So what are your options to getting fit in the great outdoors?

1. Beach Running

If you live close enough to a beach, try beach running. Running on the beach is an excellent way to mix up your workout routine. Plus, who doesn’t like soaking up the sun, getting some vitamin D and breathing in the fresh salty air?

Beach running is harder compared to running on solid ground as it challenges your body in a different way. Running on uneven sand adds resistance to the major muscles of the lower body and requires coordination and stabilizing your balance, which all demands more work and energy to move your body forward. Due to the increased demands on your muscles, your body tires more rapidly. So iff you're just starting out, make sure to ease your body with a short run as you can always increase it as you improve.

2. Hiking

Hiking not only gives you the opportunity to breathe in the fresh air while taking in a scenic view, it also allows you to train a significant number of muscles, including the hamstrings, quadriceps, glutes, calves, abdominal, and hip muscles. If you still need to improve your fitness level, avoid rushing into it and try a walk around the block instead of a 3-hour hike. You can always build it up from there.

If you feel like you need to level up your hiking experience, try hiking up a mountain and carrying a backpack to strengthen your legs, and your core. To avoid injury, always do a stretch prior to hiking and make sure to train your body well in advance of major hikes.

3. Visit A Park

Parks are a great place for you to do your workout routine, such as push-ups, sit-ups, planks and a whole host of other exercises that you can do without gym equipment. Lots of parks also have pull-up bars, benches and running paths that you can use to diversity your routine.

Working out in a park allows you to get creative with what’s available in your immediate environment. If you feel you need more resistance to work out your muscles, you can always bring some resistance bands or use steps, logs, hills or stones to spice up your routine.

As you can see, it’s easy to starting working out in the great outdoors. Just make sure to stretch, stay hydrated, protect your skin from the sun and take it slow if it’s all new to you.

By following these suggestions, you'll ensure that you receive a fantastic exercise while enjoying your time in the great outdoors.