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Originally Posted On: https://awatfit.com/rugged-strength-how-training-in-the-outdoors-helps-improve-motivation/

 

Have you heard of the gym Equinox + In the Wild in New York City? Well, if you haven’t it’s an outdoor gym with everything you need for a great workout. It has treadmills, rowing equipment, and weight machines…

What could be better, right? A gym with fresh air and wonderful views of the sunset…

In fact, it makes you wonder what are the other benefits of outdoor exercise? And, is it better than traditional indoor gyms? 

If you’re someone who values exercise but wants to experiment with a new gym routine, or you want to build strength in nature then switching from a sweaty gym for the beautiful outdoors might be the answer.

You’ll learn all about the benefits of fresh air and strength training in this article, so keep reading to find out more!

Why You Need to Workout Outside

Going to the gym can be fun, you get the buzz of people working out around you and feel more motivated to show up every day.

But, isn’t it frustrating when you have to line up to use a machine? The good news is, you might never need to wait for a spot in the gym again if you decide to change to outdoor exercise.

Natural Inspiration

Sometimes when you’re at the gym you are pressured to use certain equipment and follow a rigid program. Although this can be great for discipline, it can often lead to creative blocks which might prevent you from working out.

For example, if you are focused on strength training then the outdoors could provide you with some inspiration for new exercises. Why not experiment with picking up rocks? Or, do push-ups on the sand? 

There are so many ways you can use nature to your advantage and push yourself out of your comfort zone.

Work on Your Abs the Fun Way

Let’s be honest, most people detest abdominal workouts…

Right? 

What if someone told you that you can do abdominal exercises without repeating crunches? Wouldn’t that be amazing? 

Well, the outdoors makes it much easier to build a strong core! You can use a monkey bar in a playground to practice hanging exercises or L-sits with assistance.

Less Pressure

Gyms are wonderful places for getting an energy boost and keeping healthy, but they also create a lot of pressure to reach goals faster and attain the perfect body.

When you work out in nature with all the Vitamin D benefits, you soon realize that exercise should be enjoyable and not a source of stress. There are no mirrors, people taking photos, or peer pressure…

You can go at your own pace and connect with nature while you do it. This could leave a powerful lasting impression on your mental health and lead to a happier life in general.

Mental Health Benefits of Workouts in Nature

Being outside has magical healing effects. It can alleviate depression, improve your immune system, and help you cope with stress. Even though there are endless amounts of research on the benefits of exercise…

Working out in nature could be the norm for years to come. Especially as the world recovers from a global pandemic and people feel more anxious about being indoors.

So, what are the mental health benefits of this type of exercise? 

1) Challenges Your Body

Unlike working out inside, outdoors challenges your body in a different way. You have to adapt to changing terrain that isn’t always flat. This can add more intensity to your exercise program and stimulate your muscles.

By exercising in an environment that pushes every muscle in your body, you have a better chance of building strength all over the body. In gyms, it can be tempting to focus on one area, but you don’t have that choice inside.

2) Cost-effective

There’s no denying that gym memberships can be steep and not everyone can afford to keep up with the prices. That has become even harder since the pandemic started and people started to lose their jobs.

No matter the reason, this might mean that someone has to end a membership even if they want to continue working out. It just isn’t feasible anymore.

For those people, outdoor workouts are a lifesaver. The best part about this form of exercise is it’s completely free. All you need is a park, a well-lit area, and your body.

It’s as easy as that.

3) Mental Relief

After a long day of working and doing choose, being stuck inside at the gym can make you feel worse than you did before going in. Why? Because gyms can be crowded and dark.

Being outside allows you to get more sunlight, fresh air, and lovely views. Instead of staring at a blank wall, you can glance at trees, blue skies, or a field of flowers.

This can work wonders to relieve stress.

4) Better Chance of Commitment

After you begin the process of building strength, you might feel intimated when you walk into a gym of experienced weight lifters and regular gym members.

If you lower expectations, you might even surprise yourself with the results! As well as this, you might want to ask some friends to join you or attend an outdoor class.

By meeting more people who work out outside you can develop friendships and a support network that you can turn to when you are feeling demotivated.

After all, everyone needs a little help sometimes to keep you on track with your fitness journey.

Build Strength the Natural Way on Your Terms

Would you believe it if you could get an outdoor gym delivered right to your door? Luckily, you can!

AWAT (All Weather All Terrain) fitness service do exactly that. Its mission is to make gyms as accessible and easy as possible. And, what could be better than a mobile gym? 

Their trucks have 20 strength-building stations that work on core, flexibility, and agility…

What more do you need? Get in touch today to find out more about this revolutionary service! You won’t regret it.