Despite the changes caused by the pandemic, the need to exercise regularly has not changed for anyone. In reality, intention regarding daily workouts has become all the more important today as mobility has been limited. We must then find effective ways to stay motivated and disciplined despite the times.
One simple, effective way to make exercising a more enjoyable activity for you is to accomplish it in a more pleasant setting. How does one accomplish this in the middle of various restrictions and lockdowns? Easy: work out in the safety and beauty of your garden!
Preparing for Outdoor Workouts
Exercising outdoors requires a few simple preparations to make sure you get the most out of it. Follow these steps to exercise safely in your lawn or backyard.
1. Have a clean, orderly area
One great advantage to working out outdoors instead of inside your home is the view it offers. There is nothing quite like the warmth of the sun and the vibrant colors of your plants and greenery to give you the boost you need for your routines. Before heading out, see to it that you maintain and keep the yard clean. Hire a lawn care service once in a while.
Having a well-kept lawn or yard area is not only a more pleasing sight. It also makes for a safer space that lets you avoid injuries in the middle of your workouts.
2. Protect yourself from the sun, bugs, and insects
Whether you go out to exercise in the early morning or the afternoon, you need adequate protection from the sun. Put on sunscreen that has at least 30 SPF. Make sure that the label says it is broad-spectrum to block out UVA and UVB rays from the sun.
Since you will be doing a lot of sweating, choose a non-sticky formula that is also water-resistant. Don’t forget to reapply every hour or as needed, as you will be wiping your sweat often during your workout.
One thing to note is that working outdoors makes you exhale carbon dioxide at a higher rate than usual, making you a more attractive target for mosquitoes and other insects. Apply some insect repellent before going out to exercise, too, to ensure protection from pesky insect bites.
3. Have and wear the right workout gear
Working out outdoors usually entails a warmer environment for exercising. Wear light, loose clothing to make sure that you won’t be uncomfortable in the heat. Put on outdoor running shoes, too, to keep a good balance as you do your dynamic exercises.
Outdoor fitness activities can also involve stationary exercises. When doing stretches, yoga, or other tasks that require you to sit down or stay in one place, you may feel the need to pull out a yoga mat. However, if your lawn already has a flat, grassy area, opt to forego the yoga mat instead, as it could get in the way of your balance and cause an injury.
Why You Should Keep Exercising Outdoors
You may think that outdoor fitness is a good idea now and then, but it really makes for a good regular practice.
1. It offers a challenge
Exercising outdoors adds a layer of challenge to your workouts because it requires you to do various exercise sets on uneven terrain. This makes your arms and legs work harder to keep your body balanced. Simply, it can make your workouts even more effective by making you stronger!
2. It is much more enjoyable
The wealth of sunlight you receive while outdoors can provide a serotonin boost that improves your mood and makes you feel calmer and more prepared for the day’s demands. A healthy amount of sun exposure can even help ward off seasonal affective disorder and depression.
Additionally, outdoor exercises give you plenty of fresh air and access to greenery, which reduces stress. In a welcoming setting, you will be able to exercise without it feeling like an obligation, which can make you more inclined to keep at it!
3. It is better for your health
Exercise, regardless of where you do it, provides numerous health benefits that prevent obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and other illnesses. But when you work out outdoors, you allow your body to gain more than these!
Since you get a lot of sunlight outdoors, you also get a good dose of vitamin D, which is important to keep your immune system strong. It also improves your quality of sleep by guiding your circadian rhythms in getting more sunlight, especially in the early mornings.
An active lifestyle is great, but one that also involves ample time outdoors is even better. Try it out today and enjoy its many benefits.
