If you’re a fan of the great outdoors, make nature and your surroundings your gym.

Working out in the gym can sometimes feel incredibly intimidating, what with all the machines and hard bodies surrounding you. So, when the weather is calling you to the outdoors, why not take your workout with you?

Here are just a few suggested exercises to get you started — after you consult your doctor to make sure you’re physically capable of activity, of course:


SwimmingSwimming has the reputation of being a near perfect exercise. Not only is it a full-body, cardio workout, it strengthens your muscles as well. And, it’s easy on the joints, expands lung capacity and causes fewer injuries.

You can even bring your kids and make a race out of it. Who says working out has to be boring?

Interval RunningIntervals are another incredible workout to take outside because of the awesome fat burning benefits. The fluctuations in heart rate are good for cardiovascular fitness, and the intense activity burns more calories. Search around online for HIIT (high-intensity-interval-training) and you can see why it works. Make absolutely sure you’re cleared for strenuous activity by a doctor before embarking on an HIIT program.

Additionally, it increases your speed and stamina in your running workouts. Strap on your running shoes, walk outside your house with a watch and try this easy interval workout: Power walk for five minutes, run at a fast pace for three, go back to your power walk for five, and run for three. Try doing this pattern two to three times for an amazing workout that will burn fat and give you a vigorous workout with no special equipment.

BicyclingSpinning classes are all the rage, but with those classes you can easily miss out on the beauty of the outdoors. Why not grab your family, all your bikes and make it a fun family outing? Not only are you taking your workout outside, but you get to experience fun family bonding time as well. Kids are more likely to be on board with this idea if there’s a treat at the end, like a picnic at the park.

StairsThe beauty of stairs or bleachers is that they are good for so many things other than sitting on! Run up and down the stairs for the length of a song (music player needed), stop for some tricep dips using a stair, add some incline push-ups and then run stairs again for another song. Try repeating this for a few reps to really feel the burn.

For additional ideas we went to trainer and owner of Suzanne Bowen Fitness, Suzanne Bowen, whose whole approach is that you don’t need a gym membership to be fit. In fact, you can do these moves in your driveway, on a sidewalk or in the park.
For cardio, Bowen suggests

• Walking
• Jogging
• Karaoke (also known as the grapevine)
• Knee ups
• Speed skaters

For a combination of cardio and strength training, she suggests

• Walking lunges
• Side-stepping sumo squats
• Mountain climbers

For straight strength, she suggests

• Bench or stair pushups
• Planks
• Static lunges while holding a rail or fence

Just remember — anything you do and everywhere you go, there is always an opportunity to get a workout. Get outside, be creative and get moving!