As temperatures reach the high teens, trees begin to blossom and the lawn mowers can be heard in the distance, we don’t need a calendar to tell us that spring has arrived. As the weather becomes more pleasant, we are more likely to go outdoors to get some exercise. The cold, damp winter is behind us, and the hot summer is in the distant future, making spring the perfect time to take your workout outside.
There are many advantages of getting fit outdoors. For instance, it’s convenient. Many live a short drive from a park, or are able to go for a walk or run right from their doorstep. The outdoors is also economical as you don’t need to pay a gym membership to go outside. When you exercise outdoors, you also get to enjoy the fresh air, and hopefully the sunshine too.
Perhaps the best part about getting fit outdoors is that the activity options are nearly endless. It’s easy to stay interested in exercise when you can change up your activity on a regular basis. Walking, running, and cycling are wonderful cardiovascular exercises that can be done almost anywhere. You can choose to go out alone, or enjoy the company and motivation of a workout buddy. To challenge the leg muscles, find a few hills to tackle.
Speaking of hills, hiking is another fun, economical way to get into great shape. Hiking will build your cardiovascular fitness and leg strength. To learn about some great local hikes go to www.chilliwacklife.com and click on ‘Chilliwack sports’. You can also go to www.hikechilliwack.com.
If you enjoy sports, the springtime is a prime time to tune up your tennis skills. Tennis is a great way to improve overall muscle strength and strengthen your heart and lungs. There are many tennis courts available for use in Chilliwack. If tennis is not your forte, you can organize a game of soccer or ultimate Frisbee with a group of friends. Joining a softball league is also a good way to get some exercise. Dragon boating is another great option.
The benefits of outdoor fitness have also prompted many outdoor ‘bootcamps’ to open in Chilliwack. While bootcamps cost more than it does to lace up a pair of running shoes and head out the door, they are a great way to get a full body workout. Also, they offer the support and motivation of a group, and the guidance of a knowledgeable fitness trainer.
Whether you run on your own, catch up with a friend over a game of tennis, or join a group outdoor fitness class, exercising outdoors is a great way to enjoy the fresh air and do your body some good.