Dumbbells or weights? Don’t need them! Cross-trainer or high-end treadmill? Unnecessary! To the gym for body-styling? Let’s go outside instead! Outdoor exercise is the trend!
People meet wherever there is space. Public gardens, playgrounds, fields, free areas in the middle of the city. Getting in shape in a real park is preferred over expensive exercise machines under artificial light. One’s own body and natural surroundings are used as sports equipment. Every park bench, every tree, every rail, every climbing pole can become a fitness device. Pull-ups on the high bar, stretches at the wall, triceps training at mossy tree trunks – there are no limits to the creativity of the growing outdoor trend.
Why is outdoor exercise growing in popularity
o It is uncomplicated; anyone can just start without paying money first. Alone or in a group. You do not need any special equipment; normal sneakers and workout clothes are ordinary. There is no need to join a fitness studio with the often long contract terms, which are a determent, and high monthly fees.
o In addition to enjoying exercise in the fresh air, many outdoor fans appreciate the group experience. Training with others is motivating and helps you to stay disciplined – when the group is waiting then you have to follow through with training, even in rain or a storm, at the time agreed and at the usual meeting place. And, as a group, it is easier to ignore people watching or commenting in public parks while you are doing your sit-ups or squats. Often, true friendships form that extend beyond the training sessions.
o Enjoying time with others and exercising in a fun way is more important than the often monotonous and lonely battle with fitness machines. Rather than on the bench press, I can strengthen my arm muscles with push-ups or pull-ups. And in the most beautiful fitness studio in the world – in nature.
Fresh air, training in a group – that’s motivating!
Training with experts
Aside from those who go alone or groups that have formed e.g. via the Internet (see below), there are also outdoor fitness clubs with professional coaches. As there are no costs for rooms and equipment, the monthly fees are far lower than those of fitness studios. Guided by an instructor, the group trains endurance, strength and coordination. As with indoor courses, there are various focal areas and levels of difficulty.
Boot camps for the group dynamics
Those who would like more of a challenge can get in shape at fitness boot camps. The typical scene: The instructor shouts commands, the participants lie in the grass, struggle in the same rhythm through the final seconds of push-ups. Then it is right on to the next part – jogging, and naturally the smiling coach will demand a little intermediate sprint, using his whistle for encouragement. These types of workouts are primarily geared toward exercise fans who need the momentum of group dynamics. Such military-style training programs are inspired by the famous boot camps where U.S. marines train to get fit. For those who would like to be yelled at on-screen: With “Billy’s Bootcamp,” the former karate world champion Billy Blanks has created a workout program that has been a worldwide success (on YouTube, DVDs available at Amazon) and promises fitness like a marine (more info at taebo.com). In England, the former soldier Robin Cop drills participants with his program “British Military Fitness,” and sometimes dons his combat uniform. The London company is a success, and the former major has expanded it all over the island into a fitness empire.
Outdoor training in scientific studies
In 2011, the English “Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry” conducted the first wide-scale study of the positive effects of outdoor exercise. The unanimous result: Training outdoors has a positive effect on the psyche. The survey group reported a higher level of vitality after training outdoors, less stress, less aggravation in everyday life, more self-confidence and a greater mental feeling of freedom.
For whom is open-air exercise suitable?
Basically, for everyone: for beginners and those who are more advanced; for anyone who would like to get some exercise outdoors. It does not have to be the boot camp right away. It is better to test your own goals and limits, without stress or pressure. Pull-ups on a rail, squats, push-ups – then decide what is best for you: a casual, free group, or joining a club?
How do I find my fitness community?
Those looking for an outdoor fitness group will easily find one on the Internet. On platforms like “Meetup” or “Groops,” you can meet people with similar interests and join a group. Contact via Facebook is another uncomplicated option. Simply enter your city plus the tag. Groups and activities appear for 2019’s fitness trend – exercise in the great outdoors.
Pull-ups
They are effective and you can do them nearly everywhere! Pull-ups strengthen the entire upper body and simultaneously train the back, shoulders, chest and arm muscles.
Squats
Squats work over half of the body’s muscle mass. Upper leg muscles are especially trained.
Push-ups
One of the most effective full-body exercises. The chest, shoulders, back, torso – push-ups strengthen nearly every muscle in the body.
