Great Exercises to Do in Unconventional Settings

Staying active and fit is crucial for a healthy lifestyle, but sometimes you want to switch things up and swap your traditional workout routines for something else! If you’re looking for a change, or you are away on a trip why not try exercising in unconventional settings? 

Exercising in parks, beaches, pools, hills, and forests can add an element of fun and challenge to your routine, while providing a unique workout experience. These environments offer natural obstacles and scenic surroundings that can help keep you motivated and engaged. 

As a fitness instructor or personal trainer you may want to incorporate different workouts into your clients routines too, especially in the summer months!

We’ll explore some of the best exercises to do in unconventional settings, so get ready to break out of your comfort zone and add some excitement to your workout routine.

Park Workouts

Park workouts are a fantastic way to add some variety to your routine and take advantage of the natural surroundings. Parks often have a variety of equipment such as monkey bars, picnic tables, and benches, which can be used as workout equipment.

Monkey bars can be used for pull-ups and chin-ups, which are great exercises for building upper body strength. Pull-ups work the muscles in your back, shoulders, and arms, while chin-ups target the biceps and forearms. You can also try different variations of pull-ups such as wide-grip, close-grip, and reverse grip.

Picnic tables can be used for push-ups, which are a classic exercise that works the chest, triceps, and core muscles. You can also do dips on the picnic table, which work the triceps and shoulders.

Benches can be used for step-ups, which are a great exercise for the legs and glutes. To perform step-ups, simply stand in front of the bench and step up with one foot, bringing the other foot up to meet it. Repeat the exercise for several reps, then switch legs.

Park workouts offer a fun and low-cost alternative to traditional gym workouts, and they are a great way to get outside and enjoy the beautiful scenery while getting in a good workout. So next time you’re in the park, consider using the natural obstacles for a fun and challenging workout.

Camping Trips

Camping is a great opportunity to switch up your exercise routine and enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you’re camping in the woods, at the beach, or in the mountains, there are plenty of opportunities for physical activity. 

You can try hiking, trail running, and exploring the surroundings for a cardiovascular workout. 

Campsites often have picnic tables and benches, which can be used for strength training exercises such as push-ups, dips, and step-ups. You can bring along a resistance band or lightweight dumbbells for a full-body workout. 

Camping also provides the opportunity to participate in fun and physical activities such as canoeing, kayaking, and swimming. So, if you’re looking for a unique and exciting workout experience, consider a camping trip for your next fitness adventure.

Beach Workouts

Beach workouts provide a unique and challenging workout experience, as the sand creates resistance and instability that works your legs and core muscles. Exercising on the beach is a fun and refreshing way to change up your routine and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Running on the sand requires more effort and provides a great cardiovascular workout. The soft surface engages your leg and core muscles, making your workout more intense and effective. 

You can incorporate lunges, squats, and burpees into your beach workout, as these exercises are great for building strength and improving balance.

Playing beach volleyball is another fun way to exercise on the beach. Volleyball is a high-intensity sport that works the legs, arms, and core. It’s also a great way to socialise and have fun with friends and family.

Beach workouts are also beneficial for mental health. The sound of the waves, the fresh air, and the sunshine can help reduce stress and improve mood. So, if you’re looking for a fun and unique workout experience, consider a beach workout next time you’re near the coast.

Hill Workouts

Hill workouts are a great way to challenge your body and improve your cardiovascular fitness. The incline of the hill provides resistance that works your leg muscles, making your workout more intense and effective.

Running up and down hills is a great cardiovascular workout that works your legs and improves your endurance. The incline of the hill adds resistance to your run, making it more challenging and effective. You can also try sprinting up the hill, jogging down, and repeating for several sets.

Squats and lunges are also great exercises to do on hills. Holding weights while performing these exercises adds extra resistance and works your leg and core muscles even more. You can try single-leg squats and lunges for an added challenge.

Hill workouts provide a fun and challenging way to switch up your routine and improve your fitness. They are also a great way to enjoy the beautiful scenery and get outside for some fresh air. 

Forest Workouts

Forest workouts offer a peaceful and natural environment for exercise, surrounded by trees, fresh air, and scenic views. The forest also provides natural obstacles that can be used to create a unique and challenging workout experience.

Hiking is a great way to explore the forest and get a cardiovascular workout. Hiking works the legs, glutes, and core, and can be made more challenging by choosing a hilly trail. You can try trail running, which provides a more intense cardiovascular workout and works the legs and core even more.

Balance exercises such as tai chi or yoga can also be performed in the forest. The uneven terrain and natural obstacles such as logs and rocks can add an extra challenge to your balance exercises, working your core and improving your stability.

Forest workouts are also great for mental health. The peaceful surroundings, fresh air, and beautiful scenery can help reduce stress and improve mood. If you’re looking for a unique and peaceful workout experience, consider a forest workout the next time you’re in a wooded area.

Conclusion

There are many ways to switch up your workout routine and exercise in unconventional settings. 

Parks, beaches, hills, forests, and camping trips are just a few examples of places that provide unique and challenging workout experiences. 

By incorporating natural obstacles into your workout and taking advantage of the beautiful surroundings, you can create a fun and effective workout that is both physically and mentally stimulating. 

If you’re looking to break out of your fitness routine, consider trying a workout in an unconventional setting. A accredited personal trainer will be able to support you with scheduling outdoor exercise within any good personal training programme. Be sure to look out for a personal trainer that has completed a recognised Level 3 Personal Trainer Course at a minimum.

If you are passionate about health and fitness and you are considering pursing a career in the fitness industry then you can check out our Level 2 Gym Instructor courses and our Level 3 Personal Training Courses. We have a range of study options and venues across the UK and the UAE. You can choose to study from locations like Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester, London or Dubai (plus many more!)

Get creative and have fun, while improving your overall fitness and health.