Rowan Rey Sutherland 
In the modern era, more and more people tend to associate fitness with the enclosed environment of the gym. That’s all well and good – and the gym is very well equipped with all of the machines and weights that you might need to get in shape. But millions of exercise junkies also love the great outdoors – exploring nature, or simply being around trees and rivers. This article is aimed at those people – offering tips on which forms of exercise may suit you the best.
Cycling
One of the fastest ways to travel through natural environments is by bicycle. You can use a road bike on the asphalt, mountain bike on rugged terrain, or BMX bike through urban environments if the form of great outdoors that you’re fond of is more city-based. Cycling is a brilliant way to develop leg muscles and cardiovascular health – and once you’ve bought a bike, you’ll be able to do it for free forever. Pick up better-quality items, like advanced chainsets and clip-in pedals, so that you’re able to go even faster as you tear through the great outdoors on your bicycle.
Running
Even cheaper than cycling as you’ll just have to buy some decent running shoes, this is an option for those who want to feel a little closer to nature. And this is a brilliant way to get fit, too – exercising your legs, your core, and your arms, as well as giving your cardiovascular system a brilliant workout. But perhaps the best thing about jogging or running in nature, rather than in the city or the gym, is that grass and dirt tracks offer natural cushioning for your knees and ankles, helping you avoid injury as you head out on your long natural runs.
Yoga
As you’ll know, yoga is much more about wellbeing, flexibility, and suppleness than it is about cardiovascular performance. But that’s fine: getting fit and keeping healthy takes more than working out your lungs. And there’s no better place to enjoy yoga than in the midst of a wooded area, the edge of the seashore, or the top of a mountain. These options can help you relax more, feel closer to nature, and be happier with your progress in yoga. Find a class that operates in the wild or learn enough yoga skills to go it alone when you’re next away from the city.
Swimming
Swimming is a fantastic form of exercise. It’s non-impact, which means you’re unlikely to injure yourself when you’re out for a swim. It’s dynamic, which means that it activates diverse muscle groups that you might leave untouched in your normal exercise regime. And swimming has significant mental health benefits, which means that you’ll be leaving the pool, lake, or sea feeling fresher and more active than when you entered. Whatever your local safe body of water, getting out for a nature swim is one of the finest ways to keep fit while also revealing the majesty of the natural world.
Make use of these four tips to get out there and exercise in the midst of nature.
