“I don’t think I’m cut out for that”
“I won’t get a good workout in”
“I don’t want to catch a cold!”
I hear you. Outdoor workouts don’t seem appealing when you’re used to sweating it out wearing only shorts and a T shirt in a cozy indoor gym.
But those are excuses.
Here’s the deal: what you get out of the outdoor workouts far outweighs the extra effort of bundling up.
So from a coach who has been lead and participated in outdoor workouts in Toronto Canada for over 5 months, here are my 2 cents on the topic:
- Layers, layers, layers. The only person who ever told me they were cold showed up to an outdoor workout wearing shorts in December. He learned his lesson. Wear thermals, a sweater or fleece, and then a waterproof jacket on top. Gloves, a hat, and thick socks are a must. Keep your extremities covered. After the warm up, the jacket will come off, trust me!
- The workouts are designed to keep your body temperature stable. Our coaches ensure that the workouts are programmed to keep you moving throughout the entire class. Once you’re warmed up, you’ll stay warm. By avoiding long periods of rest and changes in body temperature, you won’t risk catching a cold.
- The walk there is the hardest part. I couldn’t tell you how many people have come up to me after the workout and said “Wow, that wasn’t bad at all! Walking here was the bigger challenge”. So if you can walk 10 minutes to the park, then the hardest part is already behind you! Set your alarm, get dressed, and head out the door. Just do it. The rest is easy.
- My people are the fittest. This one is for all of you thinking you need a gym and full equipment to achieve your fitness goals. Lol. Try telling that to Stephanie, who went from push ups on her knees, to banging out perfect sets of 10 on her toes in a WOD, or Tami, who ran her first half marathon mid-pandemic, or Imran, who has lost over 30lbs throughout the year. Whether your goal is to put on muscle, lose fat, or even do them both at the same time, outdoor workouts will get you there.
- My people are the happiest. I saved the best for last. Outdoor exercise is a natural antidepressant. Sunshine increases serotonin, and let me tell you, everytime we watch the sunrise while warming up, somebody’s jaw drops. Try moving your body in the fresh air as the sun rises while your favorite song plays on our speaker, and tell me it isn’t awesome. Even on the grayest of days, I get messages from clients telling me how the outdoor workout made their day and influenced their mood and productivity.
Just like you, I question everything I’m toasty inside and working out outdoors seems like a daunting task. But once I’m out the door, the excitement kicks in as I start the best hour of me day.
So if you’re willing to take a small step out of your comfort zone for a major payoff, I’ll see you out there!
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