How to Take Your Workout on an Adventure PART 2: Trails or Park

Hey Total Gym fanatics!

I know we all love our Total Gym, but since the summer weather is still going strong, it’s a perfect reason to get outdoors for a fitness adventure. If you’re looking to switch-up your indoor routine, let’s take it outside!

Changing up your workout will help challenge your muscles in ways that can actually help produce better results when you go to perform your typical routine again. Your muscles need variety and different challenges. Ultimately, the result will stimulate your body and improve your fitness level.

Regardless of where you live, we can all use some fresh air, a little summer heat, perhaps a crisp breeze, different scenery, and a little nature to energize your spirit.

BLOG SERIES RECAP

• This is Part 2 of the blog series and it’s all about “Hitting the Trails and Playing in the Park”.

• In Part 1’s blog, “Poolside or Beach Vibes”, I share my favorite exercises that you can do in water or on dry-land to stay active anywhere you are. Check out Part 1 here.

TRAILS & PARKS

Oh the places you can go…it all depends on what type of activity you feel like adventuring! The goal is to change up your fitness routine and take it outside. No matter if you live in a city, in the countryside, near a beach, or in the middle of nowhere – I’m sure you can find a cool adventure close to your backyard.

Here’s a few ideas that may inspire you to hit the trails or to play in the park!

• Power walk/ jog

• Hike the hills

• Explore a nature trail

• Roller skating or blading

• Biking

• Kayak or canoeing (throwing this out out there for you water lovers!)

If you’re not feeling the adventurous vibes listed above, no problem! The point is to just get outside, soak up nature, and challenge your body differently than your norm. How about attempting a few exercises and drills to strengthen and condition your muscles?!

Listed below are some of my favorite bodyweight exercises that you can do on a trail or at a park to either kick up your cardio or challenge your strength!

PARK EXERCISES || Strength Focused

Natural Equipment Options: bench / picnic table / ledge / sturdy log

1. High Knee Taps

2. Step-up Twist

3. Spider Push-ups

4. V Crunch

5. V Twist

6. Dips & Toe Touch

TRAIL STYLE EXERCISES || Cardio / Agility Focused

Perform on paved paths, dirt, or grass

1. Walking kicks

2. Walking toe touches

3. Walking lunge & twist

4. Walking reverse lunges

5. Dynamic squats

6. Shuffles

7. Forward-Backward Skips

8. Karaoke

9. Forward hops

10. Backpedal

HOW TO PERFORM THE EXERCISES:

• Pick and choose the exercises to perform from the Park &/or Trail List (depending on your workout goal)

• Perform exercises in circuit format, one after the other with little rest

• Performance Options:

A. Do 20 reps/ exercise & repeat as many rounds as you desire

B. Time each exercise for 45 seconds / exercise & repeat 2-3 rounds

Check out the videos to see a demo of how you can stay active in the great outdoors.

Maria