Outdoor Activities

FOR BODY, MIND AND SOUL
  • 19 Mar - 25 Mar, 2022
  • Mag The Weekly
  • FITNESS

Are you looking to get in a solid sweat session without confining yourself to the gym like you did all winter? Lacking motivation to run circles around the track? Don’t worry – there are plenty of things to do in the warmer months that can help you stay (or get in even better) shape while adding some serious adventure to the mix. Here’s a look at the best outdoor sports and fitness activities you can add to your spring and summer bucket list.

Trail running

Body parts targeted: quads, glutes, calves, and cardio

There’s something uniquely grounding about running up a hill. It’s just you, your legs, and your willpower pulling you further up the wandering path. There’s no room for doubt or fear as you maneuver over rocks, roots, streams, and downed trees. Similar to hiking, trail running puts your lower body to work while fully engaging your senses.

Running uphill on uneven terrain challenges your coordination and mental focus relieving stress every step of the way. Smart trail runners power hike up steep hills to conserve energy with longer, more deliberate steps.

Safety is important on the downhill, so land with your hips over your feet to prevent injury.

Mountain biking

Body parts targeted: quads, glutes, hamstrings, calves, core, and arms

Forget your stationary bike. Trust and spontaneity rule all on the trail making for a thrilling experience for your senses. Whether you’re climbing or descending, the ever-evolving terrain will be full of obstacles that challenge your reflexes, core balance, explosiveness, strength, agility, drive and primal instincts.

There are four important factors that influence your riding experience: body posture, seat position, braking, and preparing to fall. You’ll be in one of two positions at all times, neutral (elbows bent, even weight on the pedals, butt on the seat) or ready (elbows bent, fingers over the brakes, and butt back and in the air.)

When going uphill, you’ll want your seat high enough to maximise the efficiency and power of your leg extensions, and on the down, you’ll want to lower your seat two to three inches and put your weight toward the back of the bike, holding the handlebars firmly with fingers on the brakes, ready to adjust velocity for turning, steering, and stopping.

Cliffs, rocks, mud, and loose gravel can come out of nowhere so it’s crucial to be present in mind and body at all times.

SUP yoga

Body parts targeted: shoulders, back, arms, and abs

So you have a six pack… time to show off how strong it is! Stand-up paddleboarding is an invigorating full body workout that will condition your shoulders, back, chest, and arms and all of those juicy in-between muscles you can’t always hit at the gym. Make sure to give your side, front, and back body a good stretch to prevent injury and stiffness. Once you have your leash on, grab your board and your paddle and head on into the water.

To stand up, first come to your knees one foot at a time. Don’t rush! Stay in the centre of the board with your feet shoulders width apart and a slight bend in the legs. Your paddle will help you move where you want to go.

Grip the paddle with two hands, one on top and one about halfway, extending the paddle in front of you with bent elbows and raking the water on either side of the board.

Have fun, smile, and remember it’s okay to fall off – it makes getting back up a bonus part of your water workout!

Rock climbing

Body parts targeted: legs, core, arms, back, and calves

There’s nothing like the feeling of scaling a mountain with your bare hands to make you feel empowered, sexy, and strong. The many styles of climbing will challenge you in different ways, but if you’re a newbie, you’re most likely going top-roping with an instructor. Here’s what you can expect: You will be securely attached to a rope that passes up through an anchor system to the top of the climb and back down to a belay at the foot of the climb.

Once you’re safely tied in a ready to go, step one to climbing is to find a foothold. Your legs are stronger than your arms so you’ll want to keep your arms straight and place your weight in your feet. Get on you tiptoes and hug your hips to wall keeping your back arched almost like you’re leaning away.

The more you lean, the more weight goes into the legs taking pressure off the arms, which is key to climbing endurance. And don’t forget to breathe! Breathing lowers your heart rate, which helps with mental clarity and focus.

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