Have you ever felt the need to break out of your typical gym routine and take your workout outside? If so, you’re not alone! Outdoor workouts offer a refreshing way to stay active, keep your mind engaged, and feel the benefits of fresh air. Plus, there’s something uniquely rewarding about sweating it out in nature—it brings a sense of freedom and adventure to your fitness journey.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best outdoor workouts for every fitness level. Whether you’re a beginner looking to get started or a seasoned athlete wanting to mix things up, we’ve got options for you. Plus, we’ll mention a few highly-rated, must-have products that will make your outdoor workout experience even better. Let’s get started!
1. Walking and Hiking: Building Endurance at Your Own Pace
If you’re new to exercising or just want a relaxed, low-impact workout, walking and hiking are fantastic options. Not only do they help improve cardiovascular health, but they also allow you to explore your local parks, trails, or even your neighborhood. It’s easy to adapt to your pace, and you can gradually increase your distance as your endurance grows.
Pro Tip: Make It Comfortable
Investing in the right pair of walking or hiking shoes can make a huge difference in your comfort level. Check out the Skechers Performance Women’s Go Walk 5 on Amazon. With thousands of positive reviews, they’re perfect for making those long walks even more enjoyable.
If you’re hiking on uneven terrain, a good set of Trekking Poles by TrailBuddy can help provide extra stability and take some pressure off your knees—perfect for hikers of any fitness level.
2. Jogging and Running: Boosting Cardio Fitness
Once you’re comfortable with walking, you may want to pick up the pace and start jogging or running. This outdoor workout is an amazing way to improve your heart health, build stamina, and even burn a significant number of calories. The beauty of running is that it’s entirely adaptable to your level—whether you’re jogging for a minute and walking for a minute, or taking on a full-on sprint session.
Gear Up for Success
If you’re running outdoors, having a supportive fitness tracker can help you keep an eye on your progress. The Fitbit Charge 5 is highly recommended for tracking your heart rate, distance, and calories burned. Its sleek, water-resistant design is perfect for both casual joggers and experienced runners.
3. Bodyweight Strength Training: Simple Moves for Everyone
Strength training doesn’t need to involve bulky weights or expensive gym memberships. Bodyweight exercises can be done anywhere outdoors—think local parks, your backyard, or even a quiet beach. Moves like push-ups, squats, lunges, and tricep dips are excellent ways to build muscle and strength, all while enjoying the fresh air.
Outdoor-Friendly Strength Accessories
If you’re looking to add an extra challenge to your bodyweight exercises, consider investing in a set of Resistance Bands by Fit Simplify. These bands are lightweight and easy to carry outdoors, allowing you to modify your workouts and make them more challenging. These bands have thousands of positive reviews on Amazon, which means you’re getting a tried-and-true product.
A Yoga Mat by Gaiam is another great addition to your outdoor workout arsenal. It’s perfect for cushioning your hands and knees while performing exercises like planks or sit-ups on rough surfaces.
4. HIIT Workouts: Short, Intense, and Effective
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) can take your fitness level up a notch. HIIT consists of short bursts of intense exercise followed by rest, which can be particularly effective for burning calories and boosting cardiovascular health. The best part is that HIIT exercises can be done outdoors with very little equipment—think jumping jacks, burpees, high knees, and sprints.
Tools to Help You Keep Track
To know your numbers and make HIIT training more efficient, consider using the Gymboss Interval Timer. It’s compact and can easily clip onto your waistband, making it convenient to keep track of work/rest intervals while you focus on pushing yourself during each round.
5. Biking: A Fun Way to Get Your Cardio On
Biking is an excellent outdoor workout for building cardiovascular fitness while giving your legs a good workout. It’s perfect for all fitness levels because you can control the intensity—whether you’re cruising around town at a leisurely pace or taking on some serious mountain biking trails. Cycling is also a low-impact activity, making it easy on the joints.
For a comfortable and versatile bike, check out the Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bike. It has great reviews for both beginners and experienced riders. Don’t forget a helmet! The Giro Register MIPS Helmet has fantastic safety ratings and plenty of positive reviews on Amazon.
Upgrade Your Ride
6. Outdoor Yoga: Mindful Movement for Strength and Flexibility
If you’re looking for something a bit more gentle and focused on flexibility, outdoor yoga is perfect for you. It combines strength, balance, and mindfulness, making it a well-rounded way to exercise. Practicing yoga outside allows you to connect with nature, hear the birds, feel the breeze, and ground yourself while working on strength and flexibility.
Bring Your Yoga Outdoors
You’ll need a reliable yoga mat that can handle outdoor surfaces. The Manduka PRO Yoga Mat is highly rated for its thickness and durability, making it perfect for outdoor use. Consider also getting a set of Gaiam Yoga Blocks to assist with your poses, especially if you’re still building up your strength and flexibility.
7. Swimming: Full-Body Conditioning in the Water
Swimming is an excellent full-body workout that’s easy on the joints. Whether you’re splashing around in a lake, taking on some laps in an outdoor pool, or swimming in the ocean, you’re engaging almost every muscle group in your body while also getting your heart rate up. Swimming can be a great option for individuals with joint pain or injuries, as the water provides a natural resistance without putting stress on your body.
Swim Smarter
If you’re heading out for a swim, having a quality set of goggles is key. The Speedo Unisex-Adult Swim Goggles are highly rated for their comfort and clear visibility—perfect for all types of swimmers. For open-water swims, a Swim Buoy by New Wave adds an extra layer of visibility and safety.
8. Kayaking: Strengthening Your Core and Upper Body
Kayaking is not only fun but also a great way to strengthen your upper body and core muscles. You can rent a kayak at many local lakes or rivers, or invest in your own if you’re near water frequently. Kayaking helps to improve endurance, tone muscles, and provide a great cardio workout without feeling like “work”—it’s just you enjoying the water.
Comfort and Safety Tips
To keep your essentials dry, invest in a Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag. It’s a bestseller on Amazon and will help ensure that your phone, snacks, and other valuables stay dry during your kayaking adventures.
9. Outdoor Circuit Training: Mixing It Up for Variety
If you like variety, outdoor circuit training might be your new favorite workout. You can easily set up different stations at a park—maybe squats at one spot, push-ups at another, and lunges in another area—and rotate through each for a full-body workout. The versatility makes it easy to modify the exercises according to your fitness level and the available space.
Circuit Training Essentials
For a versatile outdoor circuit, bring along a set of Adjustable Dumbbells by Bowflex SelectTech. You can easily carry a couple of weights to the park to amp up your circuit. Adding dumbbells to exercises like lunges, squats, or bent-over rows takes your workout up a notch and ensures you’re challenging your muscles effectively.
10. Rollerblading: Fun and Effective Cardio
Rollerblading is a playful way to get your cardio fix. It’s great for all fitness levels, as you can start with short, flat routes and work your way up to longer or hilly trails as your skills improve. Rollerblading helps tone the legs, glutes, and core while providing a low-impact cardio option.
Get Rolling Safely
If you’re ready to get started, consider the Rollerblade Zetrablade Men’s Inline Skates or the women’s version—Rollerblade Zetrablade Women’s Inline Skates. Both are popular options for beginners and seasoned skaters alike, offering comfort, support, and durability. And don’t forget protective gear! The Triple Eight Saver Series Pad Set (including wrist guards, knee pads, and elbow pads) is a must-have for safety.
11. Outdoor Bootcamp: Group Motivation
If you’re someone who thrives on group motivation, you may want to find an outdoor bootcamp class in your area. These classes typically combine bodyweight exercises, cardio drills, and strength training to provide a full-body workout that challenges all fitness levels. The camaraderie and group energy can help push you further than you might go on your own.
Outdoor Workout Mat
Bootcamp workouts often involve getting down on the ground, so bringing a durable mat like the BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Mat will help you stay comfortable throughout. It’s lightweight, easy to carry, and has thousands of five-star reviews on Amazon.
Conclusion: Embrace the Outdoors and Get Moving
Whether you’re just starting your fitness journey or are looking to spice up your routine, outdoor workouts are an amazing way to stay active while soaking in the benefits of being in nature. From walking and hiking to intense HIIT sessions, there’s an option for every fitness level and preference. Plus, with the right gear—many of which are easily available on Amazon—you can make your workouts both effective and enjoyable.
The world is your gym—so grab your gear, step outside, and start moving! Whether you’re tackling a trail, mastering your downward dog, or kayaking across the lake, there’s something magical about taking your fitness routine into the great outdoors. Enjoy your journey, stay safe, and have fun!