Why you should workout outside

It’s time to throw in the gym towel and get out into the summer sun for a workout – al fresco style. As you well know, we don’t often get long periods of nice weather in the UK, so it’s good to make the most of it while we can. Why slog it out in a stuffy gym when you can enjoy feeling the breeze through your hair and the sun on your skin. There’s plenty of options, such as going on a bike ride through the country, a jog along the riverside or even a spot of yoga in the park. If none of this takes your fancy, the lovely (but sometimes scary) people at British Military Fitness are offering 300 free beginners Saturday sessions all around the country this summer. YAY!

If you haven’t heard of it before, British Military Fitness is the UK’s leader in outdoor fitness training – having held classes up and down the country for the past 17 years. People of all abilities are welcome and there are three different workout groups – beginner, intermediate and advance. Each coach is a military trainer professional, so you know you’re going to be getting a hardcore workout! See below for more reasons why you should work outside…

Up your vitamin D
We could all do with a little bit more vitamin D in our lives. It helps us to absorb calcium, which is vital for healthy teeth and bones. Plus, it’s also beneficial for the immune system, helping us fight off those colds come winter. Rather than taking supplements, do it the natural way by taking in the sun’s rays.

Better mental health
People who exercise outdoors are half as likely to suffer from poor mental health than those who exercise indoors. If you suffer from SAD (seasonal affective disorder) it’s even more important for you to get out there and get active. Exercise itself increases serotonin levels and produces endorphins so combine this with being in the summer sun and you’ll be getting a double dose of the happy stuff!

Feel proud
If you’re doing burpees and press-ups on the ground you’re bound to get a little dirty, but remember how much fun this was as a kid. Wear your muddy kit with pride – it’ll show just how hard you’ve worked!

Enjoy nature
Nature is a wonderful thing, but in our busy lives it’s easy to forget about it. Make the most of this beautiful country we live in and enjoy all that open greenery. During your cool down give yourself a moment to take in all the sounds, scents and sights around you.

It’s invigorating
How alive do you feel when you go for a run in the rain? You definitely don’t get that feeling on a treadmill! Sure it’s not a pleasant thought at first, but you’ll be glad you did once you get going.

Challenge yourself
Unstable surfaces and soft ground can make a workout more challenging, which is definitely a good thing. It’s even been shown that working out in the wind and rain provides more resistance, which means your body has to work harder.

It’s free
Forget expensive gym memberships, you have a whole playground out there waiting to be used! There’s so many ways you can get fit for free and most of them happen to be outdoors. Why not sign up to one of BMF’s free sessions this summer?

Make new friends
Working out in a group is a great way to meet new people. British Military Fitness often hold socials after sessions and throughout the month. Get involved!

Moral support
With a whole team supporting you, and a scary military man screaming at you, you’re less likely to give up than going it alone in the gym. You’re also more likely to stick to sessions if people are expecting to see you there.

A creative boost
It’s great to get the creative juices flowing once in a while, so why not get imaginative? The outdoors has all sorts of things you can incorporate into your workouts – benches, hills, tree stumps etc. You just need to look around.