Many things can make you feel demotivated to complete your workouts, including the pace of your workout, the style of your workout, or even your workout space. If you've recently found yourself a little bored of working out in the same space (whether that's in the gym or your lounge or home gym) and want a little change to get your workout gears going again, you should move your workout session outdoors. Here are 5 workouts you can do in your backyard:
1. Move your usual indoor workout outdoors.
If you usually workout with free weights or use your bodyweight as resistance, move your workout outdoors. You can truly change your life with an aerobic mat and your body (and perhaps, your other favourite gym equipment). Move your indoor workout outside with your cellphone, tablet, and a chair to place the device or tripod. If you're feeling a little demotivated to workout or you're just looking for a change in scenery, completing your usual workout in the open air will definitely do the trick.
2. Skip rope.
3. Speed walk with ankle weights or dumbbells.
Speed walking is another great way to target your cardiovascular organs and paired with weights, can engage your entire body too. Grab a pair of light dumbbells or strap on some ankle weights, and walk up and down your garden for a set time. You can also complete arm exercises like dumbbell curls, Arnold presses, and overhead tricep extensions to add a little difficulty and engagement to your core.
4. Swim.
Depending on whether you have a swimming pool in your backyard or not, as well as the season and time you choose to workout, consider completing a lap or two around your pool. There are also a lot of bodyweight workouts you can complete in the water that will challenge you while still being kinder to your body and joints. Water based workouts are especially great for people who are overweight or new to working out because of this.
5. Complete a dance workout.
Dance workouts are fun and leave you feeling like you didn't even exercise, save for the sweat and ragged breath you're left with when they are done. If you're short on workouts to complete in your backyard, a good 20-minute dance routine from YouTube will be just the workout you need to feel revived again. Pair it with light dumbbells for added resistance and you're good to go.
Final thoughts
As you can see, you don't need a complicated workout routine or expensive gadgets to workout at home or more specifically, in your backyard. All you need is your beautiful body and a creative mind. You could, for example, replace dumbbells with bricks or bottles filled with water, a mat with a towel or an old blanket, and you're set. If you've been looking for some ideas to boost your motivation for working out, get creative with your exercise routines, go back to basics, and have fun!
Remember to consult your medical provider before making any changes to your fitness routine, especially if you're on medication or have a chronic condition.
What exercises do you like doing at home? Do you have specific workout routines that you prefer to complete in your backyard? Share them with us, and others, below.