Warmer weather brings more opportunity for finding creative ways to enjoy the outdoors. Parks and trails are highly utilized this time of the year.<\/p>\n
Apart from trail running and bike riding, there are simple ways to incorporate nature in your active lifestyle.<\/p>\n
1. Bodyweight training<\/p>\n
Take your workout outside and reap the benefits of sunshine while building strength, no-equipment needed.<\/p>\n
Make sure you find a space outside that is comfortable, depending on the exercises you will be doing you may opt for soft grass or pavement.<\/p>\n
Performing push-ups, sit-ups, and squats on grass is a simple way to get in a workout while absorbing some Vitamin D.<\/p>\n
These exercises can be performed barefoot which can not only help to enhance foot mechanics but can also provide a sense of relaxation as you connect with nature.<\/p>\n
For more involved exercises that require stabilization, use a flat surface such as a deck, patio, or pavement.<\/p>\n
2. Turn your yard work into a workout<\/p>\n
Consider getting your steps in by moving firewood and adjusting landscaping.<\/p>\n
Using logs or rocks as weight for farmers carries, lunges, or other strength-building exercises is an effective way to get your heart rate up while tidying your lawn in preparation for summer.<\/p>\n
Gardening is a great way to build upper-body strength. Shoulder and back muscles are required for weeding, tilling, and planting.<\/p>\n
Planting fruits and vegetables in your garden is a convenient way to cultivate a nutrient-rich diet.<\/p>\n
3. Try Pilates<\/p>\n
Pilates consists of low-impact exercises which help to develop postural alignment and flexibility.<\/p>\n
Foundational Pilates movements include shoulder circles, pelvic curls, and single leg stretches.<\/p>\n
Practicing Pilates outdoors is simple, as many exercise sequences do not require complex movements and can be conducted from an upright standing position.<\/p>\n
Pilates is widely recognized for its core-building capacities.<\/p>\n
4. Utilize your outdoor space<\/p>\n
You can actualize your dreams of obstacle racing by making a miniature course with your family.<\/p>\n
You can arrange twigs to mirror an agility ladder or assemble a relay using vegetation as landmarks.<\/p>\n
An example of this would be to do high knees until you reach a tree that borders your yard, inchworm from this area to your garden where you pick up a log and then carry the log overhead to your woodpile setting it down and ending with 25 jumping jacks.<\/p>\n
This is an excellent opportunity to immerse young children in physical activity and nature.<\/p>\n
5. Interval train to ramp up intensity<\/p>\n
Intervals of intensity bring the heart rate up to peak capacity.<\/p>\n
These intervals can be as short as 30 seconds and as long as a few minutes. Start off slowly and then work your way up to a more challenging pace.<\/p>\n
This may look like 30 seconds of sprinting or fast-paced walking followed by 2 minutes at a moderate pace.<\/p>\n
Adding intervals of high intensity to your jogs or walks is an excellent way to keep things interesting while burning fat.<\/p>\n
Whichever outdoor activity you chose, consider all the resources at your disposal that will enable you to construct a customized training center in your own backyard.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
We need your help to sustain local journalism during this crisis.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Read more: Warmer weather brings more opportunity for finding creative ways to enjoy the outdoors. Parks and trails are highly utilized this time of the year. Continue reading
\nHEALTHY LIVING: 5 ways to stay active outdoors - Meriden Record-Journal<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"