Summer workouts that are great for the outdoors

Summer is fast approaching. Before you know it, you’ll be hitting the beach or pool for some fun in the sun. If you like to get summer ready and don’t want to do it in a cramped gym or in your house, then the great outdoors is the place for you.

Exercising outdoors is the perfect way to dodge the social anxiety of walking into a gym and feeling like all eyes are on you. Or if you just want to get your daily dose of vitamin D naturally while breaking a sweat, you have options.

Ultimately, fitness can be the mental health booster you’re looking for and the added health benefits of your outdoor workouts make it all worth it.

Read more: 5 facial products to protect your skin this summer

Audio-based workout apps are a great option for outdoor workouts.

Getty Images

Fitness apps that you can use outside

If you’re heading outside, to a park, or to work out in your neighborhood, audio-based fitness apps are a great option. These fitness apps are different from most streaming apps because you don’t have to watch anything, such as a screen or TV, to do them. Fitness trainers coach you through workouts through your headphones.

The only downside to this is if you’re a visual person and need specific moves to learn, but most apps will spell out the moves for you so you can hear exactly what to do.

Aaptiv

Aaptiv is an audio-based fitness app with many different workouts that you can easily do outdoors, although some are designed for treadmills or other equipment that you might find in a gym.

Classes range from yoga to running and strength training. Many of the strength training exercises don’t require any equipment, so you can easily go outside, to your yard or a park and don’t have to worry about taking things with you.

Read more: Best workout subscription apps for 2023: Apple Fitness Plus, Peloton, Daily Burn and more

Platoon digital

You know Peloton best for its popular smart spin bike, but the Peloton app offers a ton of workouts outside of spin classes. Many of the workouts in the Peloton app are visual, but they also offer outdoor audio-based running lessons.

Peloton is known for its great running coaches and classes (thanks to the Peloton tread) but you don’t have to have the Peloton Treadmill, or every treadmill by the way, to participate in the running workouts. The app also uses GPS integration to help you track your guided runs.

Nike Run Club

Nike Run Club takes mind over matter to another level. Whether you’re self-motivated or looking for that extra push, this free app personalizes your running journey with coaches, community and guided recordings. Former CNET editor Rick Broida explained it this way:

“These shots will help you through runs you really, really don’t want to do by letting you dig deep mentally as you pick up the pace.”

Nike Run Club tracks your running progress and offers space for sharing and meeting. Overall, Nike Run Club wants to inspire and encourage you to become the best version of yourself you can be.

Free outdoor sports

Whether you’re at the beach or in your backyard, your outdoor workout routine doesn’t need to be interrupted. From blogilates to dancing to high-intensity interval training, here are a few ideas for a free yet effective and fun outdoor workout. All you need is your phone, tablet or laptop.

Beyond Blogilates

Dance training outside

HIIT workout outdoors

Outdoor boot camp training

15 minute HIIT workout

Put together your own outdoor workout

If you like to move to the beat of your own drum, this is an opportunity to create your own outdoor workout that inspires you. Whether you want to tap into a moderated activity on your Apple Watch or Fitbit, or create a series of freestyle moves that suit you, by all means, find out.

From kettlebell workouts to jumping rope or just doing your favorite stretches, the best part about creating your own workout is that you’re in charge. You definitely need to be disciplined enough to push yourself when going this route, but sometimes it can be more rewarding because you get to push your own fitness threshold.

Whichever route you choose, outdoor workouts have health benefits and can be truly liberating. Eventually, you may find an outdoor exercise regimen that you really love, but it all starts with one step at a time.