With New Years Resolutions still high on our agenda many of us are still highly motivated to get out more and get some much-needed exercise after the excesses of Christmas and New Year. Exercise of any kind will have a positive effect on both our physical and mental well being.
There are so many options available to us when it comes to activities outside in the fresh air, and, as an added bonus we get to top up our vitamin D too!
Outdoor Exercise Options
There are a number of options that you can consider when choosing to exercise outdoors. It’s not always easy to exercise, especially for those that have limited mobility but getting out and doing something is a start and can make you feel so much better.
Cycling/Tricycling
I love to cycle. I don’t get to do this often though. My cycling days are restricted to whilst on visits to Centre Parcs which don’t seem to come often enough. Many parks will allow cycling although it’s best to check first. I think for me cycling is a concern even though there seem to be cycle lanes just about everywhere. The biggest problem I face is the hills around my local area. They may not all be particularly steep but I am hopeless with them physically and mentally. The good thing is that there are alternative options. Places like Jorvik Tricycles have electric tricycles. They are a great option as you get all the health benefits of cycling but with a little helping hand. You can work up to cycling only and it’s reassuring you won’t get stuck at the bottom of a hill and have to push the tricycle up. They also have a basket to help when you go shopping for 1 thing and end up purchasing 10. We’ve all done that!
Walking
I love walking. It’s my top activity for staying active. Armed with my trusty Fitbit I’m out and about most days getting the step count and floor count as high as I can. This is the perfect activity for many and the intensity depends on your abilities. I often power walk and my favourite places to walk are the local parks. Taking in the gorgeous views is wonderful for relaxing the mind. The increased pace stimulates endorphin release (happy hormones) helping you to feel great at the same time.
Running
Many enjoy stepping it up a bit and running instead of walking. Personally, I’ve not managed to get to grips with running myself, but it’s a great way to burn a high number of calories far faster than if you were walking or power walking. A great pair of running shoes is essential like those you’d find in places like Sports Direct. You need to make sure that you choose trainers that offer you the right support and good shock absorption for the surface you are running on. Also, consider socks with arch supports for better impact protection.
Tennis
Outdoor tennis is a popular sport, especially in the summer seasons. Some parks have tennis courts that you can use for free. All you need is a racket, balls and partner to play against. It’s a fun and fast pace game once you get the hang of it and a sport that can be enjoyed by both adults and children. You’ll also find clubs locally where you can book courses to help teach you how to play properly should you need assistance.
Football & Basketball
Football and basketball are popular among men and women. As they are group activities, people tend to play these by joining clubs or arranging with a group of friends to use local facilities or parks. They can both be pretty high impact and it is important to make sure you wear suitable padding to avoid injury.
Outdoor Gym Equipment in Parks
Found in many parks, this equipment is available for all to use. In the summer you’ll see a range of ages making use of the equipment to help them tone up, build up and burn calories. It’s a good way to exercise outdoors and even to make new friends or meet up with old ones. You’ll be amazed how much easier it is to exercise when you have a friend to do it with.
Golf
I had to include this on the list with it being such a popular sport. My father constantly reminds me of how much exercise he does when he plays golf. He likes to tell me how many miles he’s walked on days he has played. A sport that is popular with both men and women seeing the number of each at my dad’s local golf course this is also a great way to socialise, exercise and enjoy the wide-open spaces and surrounding nature.
What sort of outdoor sports do you most enjoy?
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great ideas, i have multiple sclerosis and want to exercise as much as possible
Thanks for your comment Gemma. I’m sure you will find that some of these options will really help.
I absolutely love outdoor exercise. Walking and cycling are my top two favs right now. But I’d love to start playing tennis somewhere in the new year.
Same here both are really good fun and great ways to exercise.
Great ideas. Another great activity to get you out and about is Geocaching. I can walk for miles doing that without realising it!
Oh wow, that sounds like fun. It’s a great way to get those extra steps in.
These are some great ideas. I love going for a walk to get fit but I’ve also participated in the odd round of golf with family and friends which I enjoyed.
I don’t want to jinx myself but I have been walking more this year so far….and that is about the extent of my outdoor sports – would love to swim outdoors but cold water…I just can’t see how I would enjoy that … yet! 🙂
I love outdoor gym equipment, especially as they are usually in play areas so the kids are occupied while you exercise.
I’m not a runner but I love to walk. I’ve just started a walk at home workout as I can’t always get outdoors in the evenings x
It’s hard in the evenings especially when it gets light early. It can b far easier to exercise in the summer.
I love walking and getting out and about outdoors, totally clears away the cobwebs! We love geocaching too, such a fun family outdoor activity! Sim x
I’ve been wanting to get a Fitbit for so long! Do you know if it only tracks steps or is there one that tracks different types of activities? I’m fairly active but I think it would be a great motivation for me to do even more outside!
They can track different activities. It depends which one you get.
I want to get back into running the gosh, I am not the runner type and often struggle to get going with it and last 5 minutes before I call it quits.
I’m not great at running either. Maybe try working up to it by doing power walks and then power walks with a little sprinting thrown in.
Great post I do enjoy a walk especially when the weather is dry and sunny but cold, there are some great ideas here x
Thanks Samantha. It’s good to have options.
I enjoy walking and just getting out in the fresh air outdoors, but when the weather gets nicer i really want to do coach to 10k as I think it will be great to start running x
Oh wow, that sounds good. Good luck!
I love going cycling. Before I got my license I used to cycle to work and back every day, and I could definitely see a difference in my fitness level.
It really does make a big difference. I hope you still get to cycle.
I love to get outdoors and go walking, admittedly I don’t do it as often as I should but it’s a great way to clear your head and get some exercise in too.
It can be amazing for clearing your head. Try that with a friend it helps to have someone to talk to.
I love long walking it is must for our family every weekend. Great post. Thanks for sharing.
That’s good to hear, keep it up!
We love the outdoors and try to get out as much as we can . We’ve just got the little one a scooter so we can all go out on them 🙂
That’s good as it helps increase their enjoyment of getting outside.
It’s great that you are inspiring people to get fit and be the best versions of themselves as possible. We do love to get outside. It’s very important to do.
It’s important to stay active as it has numerous benefits including psychological.
We took a dog in 5 years ago, and it certainly adds to my daily steps!
I can imagine. They do love walks.
I enjoy long walks outdoors and outdoor swimming in lakes and lido pools
Good ideas for everyone. I like walking myself, anywhere, town, countryside or beach.
I love walking along a beach especially somewhere warm.
We love walking through the woods, there is a woodland at the end of our road
This is great, I think everyone could do with more fresh air and exercise
These are some great ideas and so I’ve shown it to my daughter for ideas for her to do with my grandson, as I’m disabled and in constant pain. I love watching them both have fun outdoors, although she also has to be careful, as she has ME/CFS and hypermobility syndrome, but there are still a few things she could do.
Even doing something helps. Of course, it is important to only do what you can.
My favourite for sure is walking! Especially with the kids and the puppy – great for family one on one time too!
I totally agree – having a puppy with you must encourage the kids to walk more which is great!
I love walking the dog or rather he walks me.
Ha, I see that a lot!!
Some great ideas here thank you. I love walking and get out regularly but would love to have a dog.
I need to increase my exercise, thanks for the ideas!
No problem Lynn.
Some great ideas there. My son is only 18 months but is such a strong walker. We make sure to take him out for a walk for at least 20/30 minutes each day as really can not beat the fresh air!
I think this is great, free exercise with the bonus fresh air to give you a boost
It really does make you feel better.
I gave up my bicycle as I couldn’t get up hills, either. Electric cycles are certainly worth thinking about. It is a shame that councils do not have the funding to provide more outdoor gyms and more and safer cycle routes. I would try again if they did.
A walk to the park and throwing a frisbee or kicking a ball is a fun way to get some exercise as a family.
I hate attempting hills on a bike. Electric bikes can make it easier and more enjoyable in hilly areas.
Being outdoors is the best no matter the weather! I walked to get my son from pre school last week and as it turned bitterly cold i decided to run and chase him to keep him occupied aswell as warm him up….well by the end I felt like i had been in the gym. Free, fun and bonding perfect!
lots of great idea not really one for exercise but going to walk more nd try to increase my pace
lots of great ideas not very keen on exercise but going to walk more and gradually increase my pace
I walk the dog everyday, whatever the weather! I love spending time outdoors, I think it’s good for the soul.
It really does help mental and physical health.
I can’t really do a lot with a bad back I like.to walk
This is some really good advice
We are so bored and stressed with everything going on at the moment. These ideas will come in handy to keep us occupied in the coming months so thank you xxx
I’m glad you found the post useful Natalie
A great reminder of all the outdoor activities we can encourage!
Thanks Lynn. Have fun outdoors!
We love going for walks though the woods, there is nothing better than getting out and seeing what nature offers us
i do enjoy walking especially along the beach or in our local woods
Beach walks are lovely in warm weather.