When was the last time you had so much fun that you forgot you were actually working out? As adults, we often get serious about activities such as exercise, and we can forget that we can get a great workout by participating in outdoor activities that we used to enjoy when we were kids. If it’s been a while since you’ve felt that sense of abandon and carefree joy while getting your heart rate up, it might be time to add some outdoor fun to your exercise routine to get you feeling like a kid again.
You know best what activities you enjoyed in your childhood and if they will help you feel like a kid inside, but in case you are struggling to come up with ideas, here are 10 fun outdoor exercises to get you going:
1. Water sports
Getting some exercise in the water is a great way to have some fun. Swimming, waterskiing, wake surfing, or water polo are some great activities to give a full-body workout and get some sun and fresh air.
2. Fly a kite
This may not sound like an activity for getting a good workout; however, depending on the type of kite you fly, you can get a tremendous workout. Power kites, for example, are designed to create more force, which causes the user to activate more core, arm, and leg muscles for keeping balance and maintaining control of the kite.
3. Jump on a trampoline
You can get an excellent cardio workout by jumping on a trampoline and burning a lot of calories in a short amount of time. Jumping on a trampoline can also help to relieve stress, increase energy levels, and lift your mood.
4. Rollerblading/roller skating
Rollerblading or roller skating are activities that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are also excellent exercises for toning legs and glutes and building lower body strength.
5. Rock climbing
Rock climbing requires the use of both your upper and lower body muscles. It’s a full workout for your arms, legs, back, and abdominal muscles. If you’ve never been rock climbing before, you can start by taking an introductory class at your local climbing gym.
6. Cycling
Cycling is a great way to get some exercise while exploring the outdoors, and it’s a great quad and cardiovascular workout. You can cycle on your own or join a group ride. There are also organized bike rides—such as charity rides and Century rides—that you can participate in.
7. Playing tennis
Playing tennis will give you a full-body workout as you work your biceps, quads, and core while enjoying some friendly competition. It also strengthens your hand-eye coordination. If you don’t know how to play tennis, there are a variety of places (local tennis clubs, city parks and recreation, sports clubs, etc.) where you can take lessons.
8. Hiking
Hiking gives you some great cardiovascular exercise while you enjoy the beauty of nature. It’s also beneficial for getting some fresh air and vitamin D from the sun. If you live in an area with hills or mountains, hiking can be a great workout for your legs and glutes.
9. Frisbee
Playing Frisbee is a great way to get some exercise while spending time with friends or family. You can get a solid cardio workout by making it a group activity and playing Ultimate Frisbee together.
10. Jump rope
While long used by boxers as a way to improve their footwork, build conditioning, and improve coordination, jumping rope is also a good way to improve your cardio endurance. It can be done indoors as well as outdoors, and it provides a cost-effective way to exercise since a quality rope can be purchased for under twenty dollars.
While some of the exercises listed above, such as rock climbing and some water sports, may require some prior experience or training, most of the exercises can be enjoyed by anyone. These activities provide an opportunity to get outside and have fun in the sun while getting a good workout.