Train Outdoors to Make the Most of Spring
The sun has finally made an appearance, and the temperature's gradually sneaking up, so it's time to make the most of spring and get outside! The weather at this time of year can be frustrating, especially if you work during the day. Maximise your time in the sunshine by substituting your time in the gym for an outdoor training session. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Run
When it comes to training outdoors, a run is the obvious choice. It requires very little planning - just grab your running shoes and go. If you want to mix things up a bit, throw in some hill sprints. They've been found to accelerate fat loss, maximise leg power, and improve cardiovascular fitness.
Rowing
The Concept 2 is a great piece of equipment, but rowing outdoors is an entirely different experience. Rowing on water requires a number of additional skills, such as balance and coordination. You need to think about where the boat's going, and work hard to stay upright. When you start, it's a good idea to join a rowing club so you can learn the correct technique, and reduce the amount of time you spend upside down in the water.
Yoga
If you lift regularly, yoga is the perfect exercise to aid your recovery and improve mobility. You can do it anywhere, so find a secluded spot in the park, or look out for an outdoor yoga class near you. This article contains a list of the best outdoor yoga classes London has to offer.
Swim
Outdoor swimming in the UK is more popular than most people realise, with hundreds of rivers, lakes and beaches for you to choose from. If you decide to add some wild swimming into your training routine, make sure your chosen location is legal and safe. The Wild Swimming website has lots of information for wild swimming beginners - it might be a good idea to read that first.
Park WOD
If you can't survive without your daily WOD, why not head to your local park instead of the box? You can take basic equipment with you, like your skipping rope or a kettlebell, or simply use the environment to come up with a challenging workout. Use the park's features to your advantage: pull ups in the children's playground, dips on the benches and log carries, get creative and use your imagination!
Whatever you decide to do, training outdoors has been associated with a number of health benefits, such as:
- Increased vitamin D intake,
- Reduced stress and anxiety,
- Improved immune system function.
