6 Outdoor, No Equipment Exercises to Help You Stay Strong for the Summer
by Cascade Ice on July 15, 2021
Now more than ever, people are headed outside to get fresh air and a healthy dose of exercise. With gyms across the country experiencing record low membership levels, what better reason to adopt some fun workouts that you can do outside?
Outdoor workouts challenge your muscles using a science called “muscle confusion.” With all the natural inclines, declines and various obstacles found in nature, your body must work harder to burn calories. But the great thing about it? You’re usually having so much fun and distracted by all the sights and sounds of the outdoors that you don’t realize how hard your body is working!
But where to start? Check out these 6 solid exercises you can do anywhere, using just your bodyweight:
Side Broad Jump
Target your leg muscles by standing on a flat surface starting with your feet together. Bend your knees and leap as far as possible to one side, landing on the foot of that same side. Leap back the other direction, landing on the opposite foot. Start with 15 hops on each side and use your arms as momentum.
Bench pushups
Build your chest, arms, and abs by finding a nearby bench or set of stairs. Place your hands on the top of the bench (or a few stairs up) and put yourself in a “plank” position with arms outstretched. Lower your arms and chest and then push up. Try to complete 20 repetitions.
Step-ups
Target your leg muscles using any type of object that you can safely step up on, like a stair, bench, or flat rock. Step up on each side, a total of 20 times. To switch things up, try lifting your leg up behind you when you step up, which will tone your glutes.
Sumo Squats
Set your inner thighs on fire with sumo squats! Stand with your feet farther than your hip width, with toes pointed slightly outward. Slowly lower your lower half down as far as you can go and repeat 20 times. To add a challenge, add a small hop at the top of the movement, or raise up on your tippy toes!
Bicycle Crunches
Lie flat on your back with both legs stretched out straight, with your arms bent behind your head. Take turns bending your left and right legs up to your chest, while pulling your core muscles tight and toward the ground below. As you alternate your legs bending, pull the opposite elbow from each leg to the opposite knee. Try to complete 20 crunches total and your abs will be on fire.
Mountain Climbers
Don’t be intimidated by the name – these are one of the most fun outdoor exercises there are! Begin in a plank position on the ground (or, if you need assistance, use an elevated surface instead) and alternate pulling your knees up to your chest in a rapid motion, getting your heart rate pumping. Make sure to keep your hips level and parallel to the ground. Try for 50 total mountain climbers.
With any outdoor exercise, remember two very important things – sun protection of at least SPF 30, as well as staying hydrated! Keep things refreshing and exciting by grabbing one of our USDA organic sparkling waters with a crisp dash of flavor.
Do you like to work out outdoors? Tell us in the comments below or share a photo! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
