As the end of June approaches there’s a noticeable decrease in the gym population from 4-7pm.  It’s obvious that many of these people prefer to take their workout outdoors, but have become so dependent on gym equipment that their outdoor workouts have been relegated to running.

I’m not saying running is bad, because at least you’re staying active, but running or any other type of outdoor cardio is just half the equation to maintaining the fitness results you worked so hard for during the winter and spring months.

The simplest way to maintain strength levels outdoors is to stick with bodyweight exercises in the playgrounds and parks.  Bodyweight exercises give you the best bang for buck.  Be creative and use the monkey bar sets and park benches.

Photo credit: Ratterell

Try this circuit out for size:

1. Jump Squats – 5 Reps
2. Body Rows or Pullups – As many reps as possible
3. Pushups with feet elevated on a swing set – As many reps as possible
4. Reverse Pike Crunch with feet elevated on swing set – 15 reps
5. Jog a 1/2 mile around the park
6. Repeat circuit two more times

Outdoor workouts can be simple, quick, and effective if you have a good database of bodyweight exercises.  I’ll have more to come in upcoming posts so stay tuned.

Now go outdoors, enjoy the fresh air and sun, and crank out the above circuit.  Make sure to drink a lot of water.

- Rommel