Embrace the Great British Outdoors: Fun Summer Workouts (No Gym Needed!)

After what felt like an age of grey skies, the recent stretch of glorious sunshine has truly transformed the British landscape. Our parks are vibrant, the lidos are sparkling and the coastlines are beckoning. With this wonderful weather comes the perfect opportunity to ditch the confines of the gym and embrace the ultimate summer workout space: the great British outdoors!

You don't need expensive memberships or fancy equipment to get fit and feel fantastic this summer. In fact, research consistently shows the myriad benefits of exercising outdoors, from boosting mood and reducing stress to increasing calorie burn due to varied terrain and environmental factors. A study published in Environmental Science & Technology highlighted that exercising in natural environments is associated with greater feelings of revitalisation and decreased tension, anger and depression.

So, let's unlock the potential of our surroundings and make fitness fun again.

Here are some brilliant ways to get active in the UK's natural playground:

1. Go for a 'Scenic Stroll' (or a Brisk Walk):

Forget the treadmill; the British countryside, urban parks and coastal paths offer endless walking opportunities.

• The Workout: Turn your leisurely walk into a proper workout by picking up the pace, incorporating hills or trying some interval walking (fast bursts followed by a steady pace).

• Idea: Explore a section of the South West Coast Path, ramble through the Peak District or simply power walk around your local park – Hyde Park in London, The Meadows in Edinburgh or Roundhay Park in Leeds offer fantastic open spaces.

• Benefits: Low impact, builds cardiovascular fitness and allows you to truly appreciate our beautiful landscape. It's accessible to almost everyone.

2. Unleash Your Inner Cyclist:

With cycle paths popping up everywhere and quieter roads in rural areas, summer is prime time for two-wheeled adventures.

• The Workout: Start with flat routes to build stamina, then gradually incorporate inclines. Even a gentle cycle commute can add up.

• Idea: Try a traffic-free route like the Tarka Trail in Devon, the Bristol & Bath Railway Path or simply explore your local area on two wheels. You can often hire bikes at popular tourist spots. Google Maps lists local cycle routes.

• Benefits: Excellent for cardiovascular health, strengthens leg muscles and offers a fantastic way to explore new places.

3. Dive into Wild (or Lido) Swimming:

When the sun is truly beating down, nothing beats the refreshing embrace of open water.

• The Workout: Swimming is a full-body workout, engaging multiple muscle groups without impact on your joints.

• Idea: Explore designated wild swimming spots (always check local safety guidelines and never swim alone) or visit one of the many fantastic outdoor lidos or open-air swimming pools dotted across the country – like Brockwell Lido in London, Pells Pool in Lewes or Hathersage Pool in Derbyshire.

• Benefits: Incredible for cooling down, boosts circulation, improves strength and endurance and the natural environment adds a sense of calm.

4. Embrace Park Play (and Park Calisthenics):

Those seemingly simple swings, benches and open spaces in your local park can be transformed into a versatile gym.

• The Workout: Use benches for incline push-ups or tricep dips. Find monkey bars for pull-ups (or simply hanging). Use open grass for sprints, lunges, squats or burpees. Bring a skipping rope for an intense cardio burst.

• Idea: Head to any local park; many now even have dedicated outdoor gym equipment or trim trails.

• Benefits: Offers a variety of exercises, can be as challenging as you make it and often free to use.

5. Get Your Hands Dirty with Active Gardening:

Who says workouts have to be formal? Spending time tending to your garden can be a surprisingly effective form of exercise.

• The Workout: Digging, weeding, raking, mowing the lawn and lifting bags of compost all contribute to physical activity.

• Benefits: Works various muscle groups, provides a sense of accomplishment and directly benefits your home environment. Plus, growing your own produce can encourage healthier eating!

The Outdoors Awaits You!

This wonderful weather is a gift and it's time to make the most of it. Ditching the gym doesn't mean ditching your fitness goals. In fact, embracing the great British outdoors can make your workouts more enjoyable, more varied, and incredibly refreshing. So, grab your trainers, step outside and let the summer sun power your next fitness adventure! Just remember to take water and stay hydrated.