what's your favorite thing to do outside?

Lately I've been trying to avoid the gym. It's become a pretty negative environment for me to be in, let alone in which to enjoy a workout. I've been getting all my cardio in with outdoor walking/jogging, and just taking care of strength training at the gym. Lately, though, I've found that even just going to do weights is mentally exhausting. My remedy? Natural exercise! For as long as I can remember I've always been incredibly outdoorsy. I lovelovelove to go on incredibly long hikes. I don't just walk the trails; I run, jump, climb, crawl-under... Whatever I can to make it an intense and fulfilling experience!

Just thought I'd throw this out there so everyone could weigh in their thoughts, as well as experiences and share what their favorite out-of-the-gym work out is.

1 member likes this

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by DesertFox on April 18, 2012 at 3:22pm

I usually do a 15-20 mile hike alone every week just to clear the head.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by InTheRaw on April 18, 2012 at 3:35pm

Rollerblade

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Lovely Lauren on April 18, 2012 at 3:40pm

I could never join a proper gym, it would be boring for me, surrounded by walls and machines and vanity... I do go to a small kickboxing gym though, which is great fun. I like sports rather than machines. Maybe you could join a sports team or something?

I love the beach too, the sand dunes are a killer.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by AJ on April 20, 2012 at 4:07am

how long have you been kickboxing? i've always wanted to get started doing that but just never have. do you find it beneficial not only as a workout but as a method of training for self-defense, as well? i live in a rough area and have contemplated that idea many times, i'd love some feedback =]

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Gina Silvestri on April 18, 2012 at 3:54pm

climb trees : ~ )

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by AJ on April 20, 2012 at 4:13am

that was incredible!! pull-ups are such a weakness for me, i'm working to build my arm strength and my goal is to be able to do more than just jump up to the bar haha

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Francesca on April 18, 2012 at 4:49pm

Hell yeah. Just go out and run. Does that require a gym? Maybe you have to buy yourself some running shoes...maybe some headphones if you want them. But that's pretty much it. Run. Want to learn yoga on a low budget? Watch youtube videos. Check out a book about Yoga at your library. Calisthenics? Interval workouts? Sprinting?

Dude, I made my own sandbag for about $8. I got a cheap old kid's soccer bag at a thrift store, put a 20 pound bag of cat litter in it, zipped it up, duck-taped the handles. If I want more weight, I just put some barbell weights in there and zip it back up. Wah lah! And there you have some weight to do some training. Get creative. The more you exercise (haha, pun not intended) your creativity, the more you can exercise effectively at any time, anywhere. You'll never have that problem of, "Uh...there's no gym nearby...what do I do? I hate running. I guess I just won't tonight....I'll get myself a membership tomorrow." NO!

Parkour is an exhilarating way to get exercise outside.

I love your posts.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by AJ on April 20, 2012 at 4:16am

aw thanks, i always love your replies =] that sandbag idea is great! i have a couple 5lb kettle bell weights that i usually keep in my backpack for that extra OOMPH whenever i walk. i also love to just jump up on random things and yell PARKOUR!...... btw.