Get in shape with these outdoor exercises

With the summer season upon us, it is time to get back in shape. This is the part of the year when we realize that we got a little slack looking after our body during winter and it’s time to start exercising again. There’s a few of us here in the Outdoor Revival office that are jumping on the good weather to get out there and get fit again. We are coming into the season of beautiful weather and it is a perfect motivation to start doing some exercises.

Why should we pay a membership fee to an often overpriced gym, when we have the great outdoors nearby? Not having a gym close by, is often our excuse not to exercise. Before somebody invented gym equipment, people used to exercise outside, using only what was provided by nature, often they stayed fit just living their everyday lives.

Before realizing it was unnecessary, I used to go to a gym and paid a lot of cash for it. After few months of going there, I realized that I could do the same, even better, exercises outdoors, in nature. I canceled my membership at the gym and started going to the local park to exercise. It was a revelation, at the same time I was getting in shape, I was breathing fresh air, and I wasn’t spending any money for the privilege.

The outdoors is full of tools that you can use for exercising. You just need to know how to use them. Here are few ways you can exercise using natural resources in the outdoors.

Pull-ups

Ues a thicker tree brach to do a pull-ups

For doing pull-ups in the outdoors, all you need is a tree that has a horizontal branch. Just grab on tightly to it, and pull your body up with your arms. It may be harder for you to hold on to the branch if it’s thicker. But if you can take a grip on it and do the pull-ups, you will be able to work out on your forearm stabilizers and finger muscles which are great for climbing.

If the branch is thinner but can take your body weight, there is another way to do the pull-ups. Grab it with both hands facing the tree. When you do the pull-ups, raise your head on the sides of the branch. Make sure that you take breaks, and repeat the exercise few times.

Squats

For more effective squats, hold a rock in your hands

Go around and find a perfect, round rock that you can easily lift approximately 10-25 pound. Grip the rock with both of your hands, and hold it in front of your chest. Start doing the squats by going down and taking deep breaths. While going upwards, thrust the rock above your head and breath out. Do this move for a couple of times.

Rock throws

After you finish with the squats, use the same rock to throw

For this exercise, you’ll need a larger clear space, because you will do some running. Find the perfect spot, and grab the same rock you used for the squats. Place the rock above your head, and throw it as far as you can. When it hits the ground, run fast to it, and pick it up while doing a squat. Place it above your head, and continue to do the same exercise. Make sure you do the exercise for 30 throws, without taking any breaks.

Hops

For this exercise, all you need is a tree log

Very easy, but very useful exercise. All you need is a fallen branch or log that’s 6 to 10 inches high. Place your feet together and hop sideways over the log. Make sure that you land softly on your feet. Continue doing that for 30 hops.

Step up

Use the same log to do step ups

Use the same log that you found for the hops, or find another that is slightly bigger. With your left leg step on it, and raise your right knee to hip level. After that, step back down with the right foot, and follow it with your left one. Repeat the action few more times, and make sure you alternate the legs.

Dips

All you need for this exercise is your strength

For this exercise, you won’t need any props from nature. Just sit down and slide your legs straight out in front of you. Place your hands behind you and raise your body in a flat position. Your arms will be supporting your body weight. After that, bend your elbows and lower your body. Then, repeat the same by pushing your body up again. Make sure that you do the exercise few times.

There are many ways to exercise using what’s provided by nature. Having the right approach is the important thing, you can get in shape all by yourself. The best part is that you’ll get physical and mental exercise at the same time as enjoying the beautiful world around you.

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We live in a beautiful world, get out there and enjoy it. Outdoor Revival – Reconnecting us all with the Outdoor