Get The Workout Of Your Life By Taking It Outside

Fitness routine dragging you down? If standing in the gym lifting heavy things and putting them down again has you so bored you’re ready to give up your fitness goals, then it might be time for a change. Go outside and look to the world of extreme sports for a workout that will keep your adrenaline pumping, challenge you mentally, and help you develop functional, active strength. These sports tend to focus on natural movements which will build total body strength and can prevent repetitive motion injuries.

Adventure running - This is to your jog on the treadmill as mountain biking is to pedaling down your street. Faster, more rugged and a lot more fun. Just take your run outside and find some interesting terrain. Forest, mountains, coastline, or preferably a combination of several terrains to give you the best run. Jumping logs, scrambling up rocks, and sprinting up hills, this sport is all about making nature your obstacle course. If you want to make it competitive, races can be found across North America in some of the most beautiful places you’ll ever see.

Snow-shoeing - You have an image in your head right now of some bent wood and twine strapped to your feet, but you need to shake it out of there. Today’s snow-shoeing gear is high tech and easy to use. When all your other outdoor activities are cancelled due to blizzard, snow-shoeing is going to be there for you. Nothing helps to make winter bearable like finding a winter sport that you enjoy. Snow-shoeing is relatively inexpensive to gear up for, easy to get started, and an excellent cardiovascular workout. You may don’t know that there is winter sports travel insurance available. 

Parkour - Parkour is a discipline developed from military obstacle course training and practiced in an urban environment. The goal is to get from point A to point B in the most efficient way possible, using only the human body and the surroundings for propulsion. This can include running, leaping, vaulting, rolling, swinging, and more, depending on what is appropriate for the situation.

Stand-up Paddleboard - You’ve probably seen people using the paddle-boards, which have been gaining hugely in popularity. They look very similar to a surfboard, but wider. You kneel or stand on top of the board and use a long paddle to propel yourself along. Standing on the wobbly board is great for balance, and paddling is an amazing shoulder and back workout. Add to that the fact that you’ll be out on the water exploring the coastline, and you have a can’t-miss adventure.

The health benefits of spending more time outdoors are limitless. Fresh air and sunlight do wonders for your mental health, which in turns improves every aspect of your life. This list is barely scratching the surface of the world of extreme sports, so if nothing here inspires you to get out and visit Mother Nature, don’t give up. There are literally dozens of other activities you can try. A little research to find your perfect match will reward you endlessly with renewed energy and increased fitness.