More runners on the sidewalks, more cyclists on the streets, more pick-up games on the outdoor courts – the sure signs of spring are here, even as the COVID-19 crisis puts us six feet apart. ‘other. And what do all these asphalt athletes have in common? They all know one thing: nothing beats a workout in the hot sun, and for good reason.
The benefits of outdoor training are certainly not limited to cardio workouts. All you need is a park bench. Push-ups (wide and narrow grips) and bench dips work your entire upper body. Bench jumps and split squats (place your back foot on top of the bench) provide a killer workout for quads, hammies, glutes, and core. Tap into your inner kid by jumping into a jungle kids gym to protect yourself from punches, or grab a set of monkey bars for a superset of pull-ups and leg raises.
There are also more resources than ever to find a park that suits your workout style. Calisthenics parks are emerging; find one near you. May is Bike to Work Month—and biking to work is probably more doable than you think. Road races abound for people of all abilities and experiences, so check out the national directory of 5k-10k-half-marathon races. And for those who want more of a challenge, try an obstacle course this year.
For many of us, the summer season is far too short. There is plenty of time to train indoors the rest of the year. So make the most of the season, get out there and get moving. It’s fun… and it’s free! Here are five more reasons why working out outdoors is a boost for body, mind and soul.
