It’s still a little dark, traces of traffic sounds, you are right under the sky with a bunch of folks in workout clothes, not afraid of getting down and dirty, literally. Dirty hands, dirty tees and some adrenaline pumping action, all form part of the fun! This is a typical scene at The Quad’s BootCamp! Similarly, working out outdoors is definitely catching on in the city and how!
We are all cooped up in closed office spaces all day, everyday. So when do you really get a chance to step outside, soak in your city and actually do something that gets you excited and fit at the same time? Not only does working out outdoors make it seem less like a mundane chore, but just maybe, it transports us back to a time when life was easier — being a kid, playing outside, care-free.
“Working out outdoors in a group, is it for me?” Absolutely! The motivation in any outdoor group activity is high. You have a support system to encourage you, a group of peers to look up to and who keep you accountable. It makes falling off the wagon a lot harder. Besides, you are becoming part of a fun community in your city, filled with folks whose goals are aligned irrespective of their fitness levels.
It doesn’t have to be a gym or a workout to go outside and get fit. It simply has to be an activity that you enjoy, that you find yourself excited about going back to. Playing a sport (like Ultimate Frisbee), joining a running group (like Chennai Runners) or bicycling (check out ReaXion Cycling) are some examples of activities that folks can do regularly to improve their fitness levels. Find whatever floats your boat, and keep at it!
One of the most important assets required to get fit is consistency. So, pick something that’s not boring, keep challenging yourself, stay consistent and you will see results. Outdoor group workouts are a great stage for getting yourself back on track, in terms of fitness. So why don’t you get outside this weekend and try an outdoor activity? You will surprise yourself.
Arvind is a certified fitness coach and co-founder of The Quad. He blogs at http://arvindashok.com
