When the sun is shining, you don’t want to be working out indoors. If anything, it makes hitting the gym harder than ever because you want to lounge in the sun. The trick is to sync the two so that you’re still exercising as hard as ever, but you’re doing it in an outdoor environment.
However, it’s not as simple as taking your current routine and doing it in your local park. An outdoor workout takes planning, or else you run the risk of wasting your time and energy.
Here are things to keep in mind if you want to exercise in the sun this summer.
Be Adaptable
The odds are your current program won’t translate. Why? There are many reasons, but the main one is the lack of equipment. If you spend time lifting weights and cycling on stationary bikes, you shouldn’t be surprised to find that they are gym-specific. Even if you could get a hold of them, it’s a lot of hassle and an outdoor workout should be fun and breezy. With that in mind, tailor your program to your new environment by picking a routine you can do anywhere in the world. Self contributor Amy Marturana has been kind enough to detail a fantastic 12-minute, outdoor HIIT plan.
Research The Facilities
Exercising outdoors is getting more prevalent, and more local governments are investing in equipment as a result. Venice Beach, the home of bodybuilders around the globe, and the starting point of Schwarzenegger is a prime example. But, you don’t have to live in the greater Los Angeles area to benefit from quality facilities. There might be some a short drive away that is worth exploiting, which is why you need to do your research. Ask around at the gym for more info.
Protect Yourself
It’s hot during the summer. Does this sound like an obvious thing to say? It is, yet people still underestimate the power of the sun which is why you need to bring plenty of water. Also, use sun lotion before your workout and reapply it throughout your program to avoid a sunburn. Preferably, it should be water-resistant. An allergy is another consideration to keep in mind because an asthma or a sneeze attack will ruin the experience. Nutritionist Ron Ledoux develops products for seasonal allergy relief, so choose the one that best suits you. To do that, you should be sure that you understand the triggers.
Go Early Or Late
Gyms are great because you can go at any time and pump out your routine. An outdoor workout is different because the heat will affect your performance. During the middle of the day, the temperature is too high to exercise effectively, which is why you should plan to workout in the morning or afternoon. They are the two coolest parts of the day and, therefore, the comfiest. Usually, the morning is the best option as it’s hard to find the motivation to workout in the evening.
Make Sure To Feed Yourself Right
Your fancy sportscar needs 95 octane and so does your body if you want the right performance. That includes limiting alcohol intake, avoiding drugs, and reducing the consumption of foods with artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and other junk. Diets like Keto and Paleo can be tough if you aren't already a good cook. However, there are gluten free meal delivery services as well as other options such as purchasing home chef kits in your grocery store that can help reduce that obstacle.
