Outdoor Fitness Bucket List
How Much Time Can You Spend Outside This Summer?
here’s something magical about breaking a sweat in the great outdoors. Whether it’s the invigorating fresh air, the challenge of conquering new terrain, or the sheer joy of being surrounded by nature, outdoor fitness activities provide a refreshing twist to your usual workout routine. If you’re looking to push your limits, explore new experiences, and take your fitness to the next level, here’s a Fitness Bucket List packed with 12 epic outdoor activities that’ll challenge your body and delight your soul.
1.Complete a Triathlon: Swim, bike, and run your way through a triathlon! Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a first-timer, completing a triathlon is a major accomplishment. Sign up for a local event or create your own challenge with friends.
Resources: Look for training guides for each leg of the triathlon (swimming, cycling, and running) from resources like Triathlete Magazine or Training Peaks. Websites like Active.com list local triathlon events.
2. Swim at the Beach: Nothing beats a refreshing swim in the open water. Whether you're swimming in crystal-clear lakes or ocean waves, swimming outdoors is a full-body workout that improves your cardiovascular fitness.
Resources: Beach Safety Guides for tips on ocean swimming, like those from the American Red Cross, will ensure you're prepared.
3. Hike a New Trail: Explore the outdoors and discover a new trail. Whether you’re hiking to a waterfall, across a mountain ridge, or through the woods, hiking offers amazing cardiovascular benefits.
Resources: Use apps like AllTrails to find new trails nearby, with reviews and difficulty ratings to choose your next adventure.
4. Practice Outdoor Yoga: Yoga in nature is a calming way to stretch and strengthen. Try practicing yoga outdoors at a park, on the beach, or even in the forest. The natural surroundings help you reconnect with your breath and the earth beneath you.
Resources: YouTube is filled with outdoor yoga tutorials or use Yoga with Adriene for videos that guide you through your practice in beautiful outdoor settings.
5. Rock Climbing: Scale a rock face and test your strength, endurance, and problem-solving skills with outdoor rock climbing. Whether you're bouldering or tackling a full multi-pitch climb, rock climbing is a full-body challenge that’ll leave you feeling accomplished.
Resources: Check out Mountain Project for climbing routes and areas near you, and consider taking a beginner’s course through local climbing gyms or outdoor adventure groups.
6. Run a Trail Race: Skip the pavement and race through rugged terrain. A trail run offers a mental and physical challenge as you tackle elevation changes, mud, and rocks.
Resources: Look up local trail races and find a race in your area using websites like Trail Run Project. Training apps like Strava can help you map out trails to run on.
7. Kayaking or Canoeing: Paddle through tranquil lakes, calm rivers, or ocean waters and enjoy the peace of being on the water while getting a full-body workout. Kayaking and canoeing are perfect for building upper body strength and endurance.
Resources: REI Co-Op offers beginner’s guides to kayaking, and you can rent gear or book guided trips through their website or local kayaking clubs.
8. Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP): Try Stand-Up Paddleboarding for a mix of balance, core strength, and a bit of fun in the sun. Whether you're on a calm lake or paddling through gentle ocean waves, it's an excellent low-impact workout that works your whole body.
Resources: SUP Experts offers tips for beginners, and GoPaddle can connect you with rental shops and local SUP classes.
9. Cycle Through Scenic Countryside: Jump on a bike and ride through the countryside or along scenic trails. Cycling is a great way to get your heart rate up while soaking in beautiful vistas and outdoor landscapes.
Resources: Use apps like Komoot or Strava to plan cycling routes, and don’t forget to pack a water bottle and snacks for a scenic, full-day adventure.
10. Go for a Full Moon Run:There’s something truly magical about running under the full moon. Whether you're running on a trail or through the streets of your city, the cool night air and the moonlight will make for an enchanting experience.
Resources: Plan your run using MoonPhase apps to know the exact day of the full moon, and try out a Glow in the Dark Running Gear set for safety and fun.
11. Participate in a Mud Run: Embrace your inner adventurer by signing up for a mud run or obstacle race. These events mix running with challenging physical tasks like crawling through mud pits, climbing walls, and navigating obstacles. It’s fun, dirty, and incredibly rewarding!
Resources: Look for races like Tough Mudder, Spartan Race, or Warrior Dash near you to sign up and prepare. Check their training plans for tips on how to conquer obstacles.
12. Take a Forest Bathing Walk: Practice the Japanese art of Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing), where you spend time in nature to unwind and connect with your surroundings. While walking through the woods, focus on your senses—smelling the fresh air, feeling the textures of the trees, and listening to the sounds of the forest.
Resources: Learn more about forest bathing from The Forest Therapy Hub, or join a guided walk in your area to fully experience the healing power of nature.