Paddle boarding is a way to be active without actually working out.

Discover the Joy of Outdoor Workouts: 7 Fun and Challenging Activities

Whether you live in a warm environment (like us in South Florida) or you're heading somewhere sunny, getting outside to enjoy the fresh air is always a treat! Outdoor workouts are a fantastic way to shake up your fitness routine, get inspired, and challenge your body in new ways. They engage different muscles and burn calories just as effectively as any indoor workout.

At our fitness boot camps, we love using the beach and local parks as our "gym." It's so refreshing to exercise in the fresh air and natural elements. If you're not into traditional workouts or just want to be active, here are a few ideas to help you stay in shape while enjoying the outdoors!

7 Fun Yet Challenging Outdoor Activities

1. Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP)

Stand Up Paddle Boarding can be done on oceans, lakes, and rivers. This combo activity blends surfing and kayaking, challenging your balance, strengthening your core, and engaging muscles you might not even know you had!

2. Beach Volleyball

Volleyball is a great workout on its own, but playing on the sand takes it to another level. The uneven surface of the sand challenges your foot and ankle strength, improves your balance, and provides a full-body workout as you jump for the ball. Many cities have added sand courts to local parks, so check your area for available courts.

3. Kayaking

Kayaking offers both a physical workout and a chance to learn about the ecosystem around you. Suitable for lakes, rivers, and even the ocean, kayaking engages your upper body and core. For a double dose of fitness fun, combine kayaking with a hike!

4. Surfing

Surfing is a fantastic way to enjoy the water and get a great workout. Paddling out to catch a wave is a workout in itself, and standing up to ride the wave challenges your core and upper body strength. Incorporate pop-ups into your weekly fitness routine to build strength for surfing.

5. Hiking

Hiking is a wonderful way to explore new areas and spend time with friends or family. With trails ranging from beginner to advanced levels, there's something for everyone. Guided hikes can be found worldwide, making hiking an excellent option for an active vacation. You'll encounter different terrains, elevations, and durations, all of which provide a unique fitness challenge.

6. Swimming

Whether in a pool, lake, or the ocean, swimming is a full-body workout that uses multiple muscles simultaneously. Pool HIIT Workouts are also great for outdoor, in the water, activity. It's a low-impact activity that offers total body resistance, making it ideal for cross-training. From swimming laps to playing water volleyball, this activity keeps your heart pumping and helps you stay cool in the heat.

7. Skiing

Skiing, whether cross-country or downhill, is a major calorie burner and a full-body workout. It challenges your balance and coordination, enhancing your mind-body connection. Hit the slopes or go for a long trek to get your skiing workout in.

Bonus: Snowshoeing

For some winter fun, try snowshoeing. This activity combines hiking with the challenge of walking on snow, increasing your heart rate and allowing you to enjoy beautiful winter scenery.

Get Out and Get Moving!

Break free from the gym and embrace the outdoors! We hope these ideas inspire you to get active, whether at home or on vacation. If you have any questions or comments about this blog post, please leave them in the comment section below. Happy adventuring!

MEET YOUR NEW OUTDOOR ACTIVITY: POOL HIIT WORKOUTS

Ready for a fun, creative way to get in a great workout? Up-level your swim sessions with our Pool HIIT Workout Series, specifically designed for the pool.

What's Inside:

30 Done For You Workouts: Created by a certified personal trainer.
Variety of Workouts: A diverse mix of exercises targeting different muscle groups, including legs, core, arms, and full-body routines.
Adaptable Intensity: Workouts are meant to challenge you. That being said, making modifications for your level allow you to scale based on your fitness level and goals.
Time-Efficient: Each session is designed to be completed in approximately 30 minutes or less, making it easy to fit into your busy schedule.
Modification Ideas: Find ways to mix up the workouts, modify for various fitness levels and get creative with your workouts.
Exercise List + How To Guide: A full list of exercises + instructions and tips for each exercise/movement. This also serves as a list of exercises to create your own workouts.
Seven Fillable PDF Workout Builder Forms: Create your own Pool HIIT workouts with the workout builder form. Choose from the list of exercises provided.
Three Fillable PDF Monthly Workout Planners: Plan which workouts you’d like to do ahead of time or track the workouts you’ve already done.