Keeping fit outdoors and going on holiday tend to go hand in hand – mainly due to the fact that the weather in our fair country is unpredictable at best. However, exercising in the open air has numerous benefits – whether in grey cloudy weather or basking in some Mediterranean sunshine!

Though exercise isn’t the first thing many of us think about whilst we are on holiday or travelling, it can make a huge difference to our mood, fitness levels and avoiding that post holiday fitness slump and increase in muscle soreness after an absence from exercise!

Benefits of outdoor exercise
Exercising outdoors in either a boot camp setting, or just a park cycle instead of joining the crew of people getting their exercise fix in a gym, has a lot of benefits, especially when it comes to psychological aspects of health. Studies have shown those who exercised outdoors felt an increase in energy and vitality, along with reduced anger and stress levels. Furthermore, they tended to have an increased adherence to exercise when compared to indoor exercisers.

Those who exercise outdoors also get the benefit of vitamin D, which we get through sunlight and is absorbed through our skin (even through light clouds). Those who exercise outdoors, esp-ecially running and cycling, are suggested to have more of an effective workout due to the increased resistance from weather, along with environmental hurdles to overcome such as ascents and descents! In older adults, those who exercise outdoors rep-orted increased time exercising and improved mood.

How to exercise outdoors
Exercising outdoors can be as simple as needed – just going for a brisk walk daily has shown good benefits, especially with more sedentary individuals. If you’re looking for more of a challenge, outdoor boot camps are usually readily available in different parks. They often combine aerobic exercise with some resistance-based intense exercise that is great for improving fitness and reducing weight. This style exercise can also be done alone, performing short shuttle runs combined with some body-weight exercises such as park bench dips, bodyweight squats or step ups for example. Get in touch with a personal trainer who will give you more ideas.

Exercising on holiday
Though not the first thing most think of when going on holiday, exercising only moderately is great for adherence and self esteem, as well as keeping you focussed on your goal. Performing short, regular exercise when on holiday is usually attainable. For example, a 10-minute casual swim a few times a day between chapters of a book, or a beach walk/jog before dinner to induce a rise in metabolism.

If you’re looking for more resistance-based exercise, using an empty rucksack is great for adding weight to your body and performing various exercises such as lunges, rows and presses. Add in some full water bottles to increase resistance and help improve strength. Some low-key equipment is easily transportable when on holiday such as resistance bands, which you can perform various exercises such as banded side walks and band rows.