Many individuals have the misconception that if they are not in a gym, they cannot engage in physical exercise. People are now so stuck to elliptical machines and treadmills, it is nearly impossible to convince them otherwise. Outdoors is nature’s gym; the way God intended for us to stay in shape and pursue the fitness lifestyle. Being in a box for work, school and to sleep is enough. Fitness should be an extension of who you are and you don’t need a fancy gym membership to prove it.
Why You Should Ditch your Gym Membership
According to research done by the IHRSA, approximately half (49%) of people who join a gym want to lose weight. On the contrary, most people looking to lose weight only use about 30% of the equipment there. This implies that majority of the weights and machines are completely useless for those looking to lose weight and people spend on average $500 a year on gym memberships alone to not attend on a regular basis. Considering that the gym is an overpopulated box of sweaty individuals, it is not always the most comfortable place to be. Hence, why are you still attending?
Working outdoors can free your mind
Have you ever walked at a local park that was simply beautiful and took a deep breath of appreciation for life? What if you can get that same feeling every time you engage in physical activity as oppose to inhaling the thick musky aroma of the gym? Alternating environments often have its psychological benefits. Working out at a beach, park or in a pool will trick your mind to thinking that you are not actually exercising but continuing your exclusive lifestyle of fitness. The sound of the ocean or the therapeutic effects of the pool can reduce stress and anxiety, increasing one’s ability to concentrate. This further enhances a feeling of well-being and confidence, and allow a person in pain to find their center of calm.
Different Environments = Different Challenges
If you think your gym workout is difficult, try running in the sand or running up a hill. The challenges that nature places before you are meant to make you better because the options are beyond dumbbells and treadmills.
Here are some benefits of differentiating your exercise routines
Sand training: Research shows a significantly higher heart rate and rating of perceived exertion in the sand training sessions without any effect to 24-hour post-exercise performance, no indications of muscle damage, and rates of inflammation.
Pool exercise:
Increases endurance by doing continuous cardiovascular exercise in the water
Builds strength due the constant resistance from the water
Is conducive to relaxation and promotes flexibility by using the buoyancy of the water that lessens the weight of gravity on the joints
improves circulation by using the water pressure to help the fluid in our arms & legs return easier to our heart
Improves balance
Improves chronic pain conditions, joint pain, and back pain