Transitioning to Outdoor Activities
We all get so cozy and comfy inside our gyms during the winter months. However, as it starts to warm up, we all start to move out of the gym to start getting active outdoors. The only problem is, what do we do with all of this space and lack of equipment? Normally, we have so many different pieces of equipment in the gym to rely upon and a variety of people to go with, meet up with or compete with. Now what?
Helping clients learn how to exercise outdoors to supplement their gym routine will help them not only have fun, but get a more dynamic workout.
Think of the Outdoors as One Big Gym
When we first transition to doing our workouts outside, we have to remember: The outdoors is simply a different space than what we are used to. No, there aren’t treadmills, ellipticals, or any weight machines to use. No, we don’t have the same people there that we get to catch up with each day. However, there are a number of good things you can encourage clients to do outside with minimal equipment.
For example, we are still able to run just as we would on a treadmill. Here at TRUE Fitness, we have created many workouts that teach others how to use cardio equipment efficiently. Those workouts and movements can be incorporated into regular running or jogging on the street, track, or wherever your client chooses to get moving. Additionally, we are able to time ourselves for intervals and add in lunges here and there to switch things up a bit.
Running outdoors also provides new scenery and natural terrain, which will challenge the body. Instead of a moving belt under your feet to keep you motivated to move, you have to get your butt moving to get up those hills. Yes, it may be a struggle, but what exercise isn’t? You’re not changing yourself if you’re not challenging yourself, as I like to say! Push clients and help them find the motivation to keep going.
Integrating Weights Outdoors is Easy
As for strength training outdoors, there are many ways to incorporate weights into your workout.. Advise clients to bring some from home if they have them or incorporate nature: rocks, logs, or even carrying your dog up a hill. It may sound silly, but stress that you have to do what you have to do to get the results you want. If clients don’t have weights or don’t feel like lugging around a giant rock, then have them stick to bodyweight movements.
Bodyweight movements, when turned into intervals, are some of the most effective and efficient ways to lose weight while simultaneously increasing strength. Find three to four movements for your client and encourage them to do a few sets with anywhere between 12-20 reps. If they are more advanced, increase their sets and reps to what fits their level of activity and to what will push them the most. Remind them not to cheat themselves; it won’t help them reach their fitness goals. As their trainer, you should know where they are physically and how to accommodate their needs.
If your client is the type that likes the gym atmosphere and being around other people while they workout, encourage them to bring a friend! Outdoor exercise is so much fun when you have someone else there to help push you through. You can challenge each other, help motivate one another, and also use each other to help with movements in your workout!
Overall, encourage your clients to have fun with it. It’s a good change up for the season. Fresh air helps relax you, lets you get away from all the craziness of daily life, and just have some time to yourself. Encourage clients to stay strong and push themselves! When they use what they know and what you have taught them, clients can go outdoors with confidence to create some hard, sweat-pouring workouts to supplement their normal gym routine.