Hello Everyone. Today’s article is a guest post from Joel Phillips
—–
Today it seems that there is a gym or fitness center on every street corner around the globe. People cram themselves in side, wait in line to use machines, and share a sweaty bench with a guy trying to bench press what seems like a subcompact vehicle. Without question, it is better to be hitting the gym for exercise than doing nothing at all, but you don’t necessarily have to hit the gym.
It wasn’t that long ago, in the grand scheme of human history, that mankind didn’t have gyms to go to in order to maintain a healthy physique. Mankind used to build their muscles and maintain cardio fitness working in the great outdoors, and so can you!
The Internet is full of suggestions for outdoor activities that will boost cardio and improve muscle strength. You can visit SportPursuit at any time for a comprehensive list of outdoor exercises, but for the time being consider the following outdoor exercises to improve your health.
Weight Routines Transformed
There are a number of exercises that translate easily from the gym to the great outdoors. You don’t need any of the fancy equipment or weights to get the same results though if you do these activities as suggested by Fitness Magazine:
- Explosive Pull-Up: Locate a sturdy tree branch that is just out of reach from your hands while standing. Perform the exercise by jumping to grab the branch and pull your head above the branch. Slowly lower your body back down to the ground. That is one rep. Do as many as you can in 60 seconds.
- Bench Hops: Sitting on the edge of a bench, throw your arms up and jump in the air as high as you can from that seated position. Lower yourself back to the bench in a controlled fashion. That is one rep. Do as many as you can in 60 seconds.
- Leapfrog Burpee: Using a wide open field, set a destination point in the distance. With a partner or without, crouch down and spring with your legs over your partner (real or imagined). Once you land, put your hands on the ground and kick your legs back to the plank position. Return to the “frog” position, and start again. Do as many as you can in 60 seconds.
Cardio Burnoff
Of course, the great outdoors offers the perfect track for running until you can’t run anymore. Is there anything better than running a trail that offers variation and change, along with real scenery? Shape Magazine offers a number of cardio routines for the outdoors, including the following routine:
- 10 Long Jumps
- 10 Pushups
- 15 Sumo Squats
- 15 Burpees
- 20 Bicycle Crunches
- 20 Mountain Climbers
The key to this cardio workout is to move from one exercise directly into the next without rest. Do one full circuit and your heart will be pumping and your body burning off fat. Time yourself if you want a real challenge, and work to beat that time in the future.
About The Author:
Joel Phillips is crazy about creative fitness. After years as a personal trainer, he enjoys finding ways to keep exercise fun and motivating.