This year, it seems everyone’s ditching their gym membership – it’s overpriced, and even worse, joyless, airless and boring. Instead, more and more of us are getting into outdoor exercise. And with the glorious weather this summer, there’s never been a better time to experience the benefits of getting your heart pumping under the big blue sky.
What’s so great about the great outdoors?
There are so many pluses compared to going to the gym – for a start, you’re not crammed into some sweaty airless room, but have all the space, visual variety and refreshing breeze you need.
Have an adventure
The range of possibilities is vast, so get out there and try something different: the key to sticking to exercise is to find something you actually love. Have you thought about canoeing, surfing, horse-riding, climbing, mountain-biking or beach volleyball?
For some, only a boot-camp will do. If you’re ready for a week at a fit farm, head to Devon or Wales for the New You Boot Camp (http://newyoubootcamp.com), for a week’s military-style boot camp or luxury versions. The same company also runs one-day boot-camps at local parks across the UK.
Stay safe
Make sure you wear sunscreen and, if you like, also a sports-hat and sunglasses.
Nature has no lockers. Leave your valuables at home and take as little as possible to carry so you can move freely – if possible, arrange for someone else to let you in so you don’t have to carry your house keys.
Be safety-conscious – don’t go to green spaces after dusk, and be careful even jogging on the road in the dark as it’s easy to trip. Wear brightly coloured clothing if you’re on the road after dark.
