Outdoor Exercise Ideas: My Top 5

When the sun is shining and the birds are chirping, there is no reason to be stuck in a gym- enter my top 5 outdoor exercise ideas!

As you know by now, I consider exercise a Vital Food source that your body needs to run efficiently and maintain balance between your physical and mental health. While gyms offer a lot of amenities, those cramped quarters can’t compete with the fresh air and plenty of space to avoid elbows that the great outdoors provides. Sometimes, we need some fresh outdoor exercise ideas!

Now that you know how to soak up some Vitamin D without scorching your noggin, let’s get you out there enjoying the beautiful weather, my friends!

There are plenty of alternative activities that you can participate in during the summer months – and you can try a few this holiday weekend! Now you don’t have to stay exclusively at the beach; you can explore parks, forests, mountains and even your own local town.

So no matter what type of badass babe you are, here are 5 fantastic fun alternative exercises to help keep your bootie in shape this summer.

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Bodacious Boarder

Stand up paddle boarding is hands down my favorite alternative exercise for summertime! An offshoot of classic surfing, paddle boarding (or SUPing as it’s also called) is great for strengthening your back and abs, even if you’re just starting out. Plus, the twisting movement of paddling strengthens your side muscles, important for maintaining good posture.

You can even add in different extensions like pilates and yoga. This exercise gives new meaning to the term balancing act!

Wave Rider

If you live by the water, this is great time to learn to surf. It’s an exercise that is both aerobic and anaerobic at the same time, so you get a well-rounded workout. They even call it “ocean therapy” because “you develop your body through the constantly changing movement and height of the waves,” not to mention the positive mood boost.

A 2010 study by the California State University found that people had significant improvements in their stress levels after only a few weeks of surf lessons. You are experiencing what dolphins do – slicing through waves – and they are the happiest animals on the planet. 😉

Hang ten, babes!

Natural Adventurer

If you prefer more of a rustic adventure, this is a great time of year to explore the hiking trails in your area. Before you head off to the mountains with only a compass and canteen though, check out AllTrails for maps, reviews and tips from fellow travelers who’ve already been there, hiked that.

In addition to hiking reviews, you can also find tried-and-tested trips at Backpacker Magazine. If you’re like me, and you love to be on the water, you don’t need a beach. Grab a group and find a local canoe trip. For example, if you’re in SoCal, there are tons of options to paddle down the L.A. River while learning about the city and the environment.

Outdoor Yogi

I love a good yoga sesh! It opens up your muscles and your mind, so why not take those good vibes outside to a park for a more transformative experience. Yoga on the beach is tons of fun too, even if you do get a little sand on your mat.

There are lots of options in L.A. and NYC, but even if you don’t live in a big city, just search for “outdoor yoga” on Meetup for an event near you or ask your local studio. If you’re into combining sports, check out Wanderlust, a nationwide event that combines running, meditation and outdoor yoga.

Urban Explorer

 If you’re landlocked in a concrete jungle, never fear!  Walking tours and bike events are a great way to explore your cities architecture and history while working up a sweat.

 Los Angeles hosts CicLAvia each year, which combines public spaces, artistic expression and good health on car-free streets across the urban sprawl.  For events in your area, check out your town’s Visitor Center or TripAdvisor.

Which of these outdoor exercise ideas did you like the best? Let me know which activity you’re going to try out first this summer by tagging me in a photo on Instagram at @moniquaplantewellness.

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LOVE + summer fun!