Running outdoors is calming, happiness-inducing, and it’ll get you on the road to a fitter lifestyle. And there’s a lot to be said for the variety you get when we take your workout outside – especially with Aaptiv’s workout classes.
One study showed that just five minutes of outdoor exercise can improve your mood and self-esteem, and time spent in nature even has positive effects on memory retention.
Plus, you get a necessary hit of vitamin D! And running outside can burn more calories in a shorter amount of time, since you’ve got the extra challenge of a varied terrain and wind resistance.
But if you and your treadmill have been going steady, running outside will mean a few adjustments. We asked the Aaptiv trainers for tips on a pain-free transition.
- Adjust your pace. You’ll want to slow things down a bit when you first hit the road to give your body time to adjust to the new terrain. And don’t be afraid to throw in some active walking recovery — you’re still reaping all the benefits of your workout.
- Take to the trails. Pavement can be hard on your legs and hips, so search out trails, tracks, or grass in your area to soften the blow.
- Jaime shared these wise words about form: “When running outdoors, make sure to keep your chest lifted and shoulders back, focus on smooth breathing, and keep the hands relaxed.”
- Plot your route. Know where you’re heading and how far you expect to go before you start out — since you’ll have your phone handy for your Aaptiv workout anyway, program in a map as well!
Ready to head outside? Check out Aaptiv workouts for running outdoors at every level. So, plug in those earphones and hit the open road.