Spring Outdoor Activities To Stay Active With Nature

If you’re ready to take advantage of some gorgeous spring weather, there are several outdoor activities for spring you can try. Exercising outside allows you to get in tune with nature and burn a few calories at the same time.

At the first signs of spring, you might be ready to spend time in your garden, or play some outdoor games with the family. And, if you’re looking for some additional ways to stay active and boost your health, you might want to consider other spring outdoor activities as well.

Potential Health Benefits Of Exercising Outside

You might be surprised at some of the potential benefits you could enjoy by getting outside and working out. Here are a few to keep in mind.

• If you exercise outdoors, there’s a good chance that you’ll have so much fun you’ll spend more time getting in a workout.
• Exercising outside can brighten your mood by increasing your body’s production of stress-busting endorphins.
• Outdoor workouts might also support cardiovascular health. Just doing something as simple as spending a half an hour walking in a local park or around the neighborhood could really be beneficial.
• Need a stress buster? Exercise outside. When you’re looking at nature, it may help take your mind off of the things that might be worrying you.¹

Try Outdoor Yoga

Spring could be the perfect time to try something new – and yoga might be it. Yoga is a fantastic way to support your balance and flexibility, while also reducing stress. Don’t worry if you lack yoga skills. It’s easy to learn, and you’ll very likely find it will be one of the best decisions you’ve ever made.²

Another great thing about yoga is that you don’t need a lot of money to get started, and you can do it by yourself, or with friends or family members. Practicing yoga outside with a late spring breeze blowing can be incredibly relaxing. If it starts to rain, you can just take your workout inside.

Yoga is also gentle enough for beginners to ease into comfortably. If you want a low-impact workout, yoga could be the perfect choice. You can either sign up for an outdoor yoga class at your local community center or you can learn the basics online and then take your routine outdoors.³

Take A Hike

If you really want to get back to nature, hiking should be at the top of your list of outdoor activities for spring. Walking on the grass, breathing in that incredible, fresh spring air and enjoying the warmth of the sun are all invigorating. You’ll also get a great workout from head to toe. These are just some of the potential benefits that hiking can provide.

• Exercise – Hiking can help make your bones and muscles stronger. It also helps support balance and cardiovascular health.
• Mental health – Getting out in nature can really give you a peaceful, serene feeling that can put you in a fantastic mood.
• Relationships – If you take someone you love on a hiking trip, you’ll find that it can make that relationship even better. Whether you’re on a casual hike, or you’re taking on a challenging trail, you’ll form an even stronger bond.⁴

Ride A Bicycle

Once the mild spring weather arrives, you’re no doubt ready to finally get out and do something. Why not ride a bike? Bicycling is a great spring outdoor activity that’s lots of fun and also healthy. All you really need is a bike, a helmet, and some protective clothing. You can do it by yourself, or with a group.

Bicycling is a lot easier on the joints than other forms of exercise, such as running or playing tennis or basketball. Since the seat supports the vast majority of your weight, your body won’t take a pounding. Cycling can also strengthen muscles around your knees, providing added support to that part of your body. Regular cycling can also help build muscles in your lower body and your core.^5,6

Camp Out

Camping is an excellent way to get back to nature and benefit your overall health. Not only will you learn new skills, you’ll also engage in a lot of physical activity — from setting up your tent and camp to hiking through a forest, you’ll definitely burn some calories. After your walk or hike, you can rest up under a beautiful tree and read a book or even take a rejuvenating nap.⁷

What To Remember When Taking Your Exercise Routine Outside

If you haven’t worked out in a while, it’s going to take some time to adjust to being active once again. Before you start any sort of exercise regimen, always talk to your doctor first. Once you get the okay, keep the following in mind:

• If you plan on bicycling, running, walking, or taking part in any other type of physical activity that takes you near or on a road, always wear reflective gear. That way, you can be sure motorists will be able to see you. Make sure there’s a light on your bike just in case you’re going to be out when the sun starts to go down. Also, wear a helmet at all times.
• If you run or walk, make sure you wear shoes that offer the right amount of support. You might have been running or walking on a treadmill during the winter months, but running on asphalt is entirely different. Having the right footwear for the right surface can help you avoid foot or leg problems. Also, make sure you stretch out before you run to keep your hamstrings from tightening up.
• Regardless of what your spring outdoor activities may be, you’ll want to keep yourself protected from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Apply sunscreen, and wear a hat. Also, stay hydrated. Even if you’re planning a small, brief workout, always have some water handy.⁸

So, get outside and have a great time. Outdoor activities for spring not only benefit the body, but the mind as well.

Learn More:
Indoor Winter Activities To Stay Active During The Cold
Which Fruits Give You Energy The Most?
Beginners Fitness: How Many Days A Week Should You Workout?

Sources

1. https://time.com/4718318/spring-exercise-workout-outside/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5864160/
3. https://www.upyourlook.com/2022/03/top-5-springtime-activities-to-keep-you-active/
4. https://www.nps.gov/subjects/trails/benefits-of-hiking.htm
5. https://www.mdanderson.org/publications/focused-on-health/health-benefits-cycling.h26Z1590624.html
6. https://www.mdanderson.org/publications/focused-on-health/health-benefits-cycling.h26Z1590624.html
7. https://extension.usu.edu/healthwellness/physical/the-physical-benefits-of-camping
8. https://www.abbott.com/corpnewsroom/nutrition-health-and-wellness/take-your-daily-exercise-outside.html