Do you hate spending time in the gym, especially when the beautiful sunny days of summer are upon us? Me too! That’s why, if I’m not practicing yoga, I use the great outdoors as my gym. I’m grateful to live in Malibu, so my playground is Mother Nature’s artwork and my training season lasts, oh, approximately 365 days a year. You may not be as fortunate if you have those things called seasons. Don’t hate me though, I grew up in New York, so I know what they are and I know how they can absolutely alter your training, but it’s summer now and we can all get outdoors!
In the Santa Monica Mountain Range, we have about 570 miles of trails. In Malibu there are 21 miles of beaches and a vast ocean that beckons. That means, if you’re here, there is no excuse not to get outside and get in the best shape of your life. If you’re some place in the world where the weather is wreaking havoc on your outdoor training, then you’ll have to spend time in the gym. Hopefully not though, and you can actually get out to your nearest trails, lakes, rivers, and parks, to enjoy the natural beauty that Mother Earth has to offer.
Here are a few tips and 10 ways to stay in shape using Mother Nature’s great landscape.
Head Uphill
If there was one way I could choose to get fit above any other way, it would be going uphill. It doesn’t matter how you get there, but it does matter that you go. You can hike up, you can bike up, you can trail run up, but the more elevation you gain, the fitter you will be. Get one of those handy fitness trackers and start looking at how much elevation you’re getting or how many floors your climbing. I guarantee you’ll start seeing progress in your fitness.
Moving your body uphill will use your glutes, your calves, and your quads. If you move fast enough, you’ll get your cardiovascular system pumping, and yes, those beads of sweat will come dripping down your forehead. There is nothing like a strong fit person running uphill and your body and your mind will thank you. I say, out with the stair master and in with the hills!
Play in the Sand
I’m sure you’ve heard of the latest and greatest trend in fitness, it’s High Intensity Interval Training, or HIIT. It will get your heart racing and give you that feel good soreness you want. Do 20, 30, 100 reps of one exercise, then a short cool down. Think of it as interval training when you exert yourself at 80-95% of your effort for 30-60 seconds, then back to 60% effort for 30-60 seconds, and repeat. You can do a 20 minute workout, 10 minutes of intensity and 10 minutes of moderate intensity and you will feel amazing. Science shows the benefits far outweigh the long slow jog. If you try it on the beach or at a river bank, the soft sand raises the stakes and makes it harder. If HIIT is not your cup of tea, take off your shoes and go for that dreaded soft sand run. You will go slower, but it will be challenging and your feet will thank you. If the sun is out, your post workout dip in the ocean will be much more rewarding.
Get Wet
Summer is here and that means you and everyone else is heading to the beach. You can beat the crowds if you show up early, stay late, and find those private nooks on the sand. No matter how you get there, use the beautiful blue ocean, our amazing rivers and lakes, as your gym. Start with some water safety. Ask a lifeguard how to read the currents, identify swells, and understand the waves. Then get out there, jump in the waves, body surf, play around, get thrown around, swim out, you’ll be amazed at what a workout you’ll get just playing in the water.
If that’s not enough, grab a board. A boogie board, surf board, or stand up paddle board will all get your body moving. A word of caution, if you’re newer, make sure you give the right of way to those more experienced. I recommend starting with smaller waves before your head out for a big swell. Take your time to learn and even if the waves are small you can get a great workout just paddling around.
If you’re a little more comfortable in the water, grab your goggles, head out and start swimming. It’s one of the best workouts and to be out in the water is one of the most beautiful feelings of freedom. Depending on where you are, you might see sting rays, sea lions, dolphins, all colors of fish, and wildlife. If you’re not a swimmer, I highly recommend you become one because it can save your life and maybe someone else’s.
There you have it! Hit the water, play in the sand, and start climbing. You’ll never have a shortage of ways to get your body moving, spend some time in nature, and get in the greatest shape of your life all while enjoying the beauty that is Mother Nature.
Originally published on the author’s website.
