Indoor versus Outdoor Summer Workouts
|It’s an understatement to say I hate hot weather, so I stick to indoor exercising, while others seem to like to workout in the summer heat. I won’t try to convince you that my way is better, because both have their unique advantages. Here’s a list of the ‘pros’ for each, taken from PopSugar.com.
Indoor Exercise – Pros
- The temp is always consistent — no need to adjust your clothing to the weather.
- Air conditioning reduces your risk of overheating.
- No bugs, growling dogs, other wildlife.
- Less risk of being approached by sketchy characters.
- No sunburn or exposure to damaging UV rays.
- Less risk of getting lost — no GPS required.
- You can watch TV or read while you use some of the machines at the gym.
- It’s easy to track your workout on the treadmill, stationary bike, elliptical (etc.) cardio machines.
- If you get injured, help is close by.
- You can exercise regardless of the weather.
- It’s a great option if you have allergies.
Outdoor Exercise – Pros
- Fresh air and less exposure to germs.
- You can exercise in a new place every time, which prevents boredom.
- You can use GPS to chart your workout.
- You can exercise on all types of terrain, which helps strengthen your body more effectively and prevent injury.
- Most types of outdoor exercise are free.
- More variety in the types of workouts you can do: rock climbing, surfing, kayaking, trail running, horseback riding, etc.
- You don’t have to wait your turn to use the great outdoors like you often do with machines at a gym.
- The visual stimulation of the outdoors can make you work out harder.
- Studies have shown that outdoor exercise boosts your mood and self-esteem.
- You get a free dose of vitamin D.
- You can bring your dog along.
[Img.Src: Tribune Cycle Meter, Women & bikes at the beach]