10 Free Ways to Get Fit for Summer: Embrace the Outdoors and Get Active
Summer is just around the corner, and if you’re looking to get fit without breaking the bank, there’s no better place to start than right outside your front door. Whether you’re aiming for a beach body or simply want to enjoy the sun while getting active, there are plenty of ways to boost your fitness for free – and many of them involve the great outdoors!
Here are 10 fantastic (and free) ways to get fit for summer, with a special focus on outdoor gyms, calisthenics exercises, and outdoor fitness.
Head to an Outdoor Gym
One of the easiest and most accessible ways to get fit for summer is to use an outdoor gym. These free public facilities are in parks and open spaces across the country. They’re equipped with a variety of machines designed for strength training, cardio, and flexibility. Whether you’re doing squats, push-ups, or using resistance machines, outdoor gyms are perfect for getting in shape without the cost of a gym membership. You can easily find a local outdoor gym in a nearby park and begin your fitness journey with no sign-up fees.
Try Calisthenics in the Park
Calisthenics exercises are a great way to build strength using just your body weight. Push-ups, pull-ups, dips, and planks are all excellent options that don’t require any equipment. Outdoor gyms often have bars and stations perfect for these exercises, so you can easily incorporate them into your routine. If there’s no outdoor gym near you, look for benches, rails, or open spaces in your local park to practice these exercises. The best part? You can do these exercises anywhere!
Go for a Run or Jog
Running is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve your fitness. You don’t need fancy equipment, just a good pair of running shoes. You can either run along a scenic path, through a park, or on your local streets. To increase the intensity, try interval running by alternating between sprinting and walking. With so many outdoor spaces available, running is a great way to get fit and enjoy the sunshine.
Join a Local Parkour Park
Parkour is all about using your environment to move in creative ways, and what better place to practice than an outdoor parkour park? Many communities now have parkour facilities in local parks, offering a free space to practice jumps, vaults, and other skills. Parkour is excellent for building agility, strength, and coordination. Plus, it’s a fun way to challenge yourself and take your fitness to the next level.
Get a Full-Body Workout with Burpees
Burpees are a high-intensity exercise that works your entire body. They combine a squat, a push-up, and a jump, providing a full-body workout that will help you build strength and endurance. The best part is you don’t need any equipment, and you can do them anywhere – at the beach, in the park, or even in your backyard. Incorporate burpees into your routine to kickstart your fitness journey and get ready for summer.
Practice Yoga in the Park
Yoga is a fantastic way to build flexibility, strength, and mental clarity. Best of all, you don’t need a studio membership to practice! Find a quiet corner of your local park, roll out a mat (or use the grass), and follow an online class or your favourite poses. Whether you’re working on sun salutations, downward dog, or seated stretches, yoga is an excellent full-body workout that’s perfect for summer.
Take Advantage of Your Local Hiking Trails
If you love the outdoors, hiking is one of the best ways to get fit and explore nature. Many cities and towns have free or low-cost hiking trails that offer a great cardiovascular workout and can help tone your muscles. Whether you’re hiking in the hills, along a coastline, or through a forest, hiking can be a fun and challenging way to get fit while soaking up the natural beauty around you.
Incorporate Bodyweight Circuit Training
Bodyweight circuit training involves performing a series of exercises back-to-back with minimal rest. This type of training can include squats, push-ups, lunges, and crunches, and it can be done at your local park or even in your backyard. For an added challenge, try doing the circuit in an outdoor gym. This form of training is great for building strength, endurance, and burning fat. Plus, it’s free and can be done almost anywhere.
Join a Local Sports Group or Pick-up Game
Many communities have free or low-cost sports leagues, pick-up games, or fitness groups that meet regularly. Whether it’s soccer, basketball, volleyball, or frisbee, joining a local sports group is a fun way to stay active and socialise while getting fit. If you’re looking to challenge yourself further, try incorporating sports-based drills or exercises into your workout routine.
Go Cycling Around Your Local Area
Cycling is another excellent form of cardiovascular exercise that’s gentle on your joints. Grab your bike and go for a ride around your local area, through a park, or along a trail. Whether you’re cycling on your own or joining a local group ride, cycling helps build endurance, improve leg strength, and is a fun way to get fit outdoors.
Getting fit for summer doesn’t have to cost a thing! By embracing the outdoors and using free resources like outdoor gyms, calisthenics exercises, and local parks, you can get in shape while enjoying the fresh air. Whether you’re running, cycling, practicing yoga, or lifting weights, there’s no shortage of free ways to get fit for the sunny season ahead. So grab your sneakers, head outside, and start working towards a healthier, fitter you!