How To Take Your Gym Routine Outside — Because A Little Fresh Air Goes A Long Way

By ERIN KELLY

The idea that exercise is ‘good’ for us has been ingrained in our brains since elementary school P.E. class — along with a solid understanding of the rules of kickball. But did you know that the outdoors can also do wonders for your health? Research shows that spending time outside can reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, while also helping you sleep better.

While the current climate still calls for staying six feet away from others, taking advantage of a backyard or other private outdoor space can make all the difference in a workout routine (especially when your go-to gym is closed). Think about it: Not only is there a $0 initiation fee, but every time you get a butt-kicking workout, you’ll also be soaking in the benefits of nature and breathing fresh air.

Not sure where to start? We teamed up with Cotton to find the best tips for taking your gym routine outside, and recommend the best products that make it easier to step out the door.

Check out more ways to live in cotton here.

Turning your own outdoor space into your gym sounds cool, but how do you actually do it? The trick is to find a fitness regimen you like enough to keep coming back for more. Always been a treadmill runner? Take your routine to the streets — just remember to keep a safe distance from passersby. If you’ve always loved your local indoor cycling class, think about investing in a bike that can actually take you places.

Finally, downloading fitness apps like Nike+ Training Club, Aaptiv, and NEOU makes it easy to search for simple and effective workout routines on-the-go that you can do anywhere. By planning ahead and finding your fitness calling, you’ll be able to shut down any excuses that interfere with your fitness goals as soon as they pop up.

Sun Squad Duo Striped Warm Beach Towel
$10
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Target
Being amongst nature is amazing, but nobody wants grass in their hair or dirt in between their fingernails for the rest of the day after an invigorating workout session. Whether you’re practicing yoga on all fours or doing a core workout on your back, a simple cotton beach towel is the perfect home base for all of your bodyweight exercises. Drape it over your favorite yoga mat for an extra layer of cushioning, or use it as a standalone home base. The durable fabric is comfortable to lay on, easily washes away dirt and sweat, and is sure to shield you from getting grass stains on your favorite pair of leggings!
Buster Brown 100% Cotton Socks
$19.95
|
Amazon
Go one step further in treating your feet by stocking up on cotton socks for your workout days. Cotton is breathable, doesn’t retain odors like oil-based fabrics, and keeps its shape better than spandex — so you’ll be able to concentrate on the number of reps or miles in front of you rather than any discomfort or bunching in your shoes.

Taking your gym routine outdoors means taking on the elements, rain or shine. This can be especially difficult on hot and sunny days when your gym would have the AC on blast. Rather than perish in pools of your own sweat (sorry for the gross visual), why not stock up on breathable cotton activewear instead?

Designed to keep you cool and comfortable even on the stickiest and sweatiest of days, cotton is a naturally hypoallergenic and incredibly comfortable fabric that won’t irritate your skin. Perhaps my favorite thing about cotton activewear is that the fibers are strong and durable, and the fabric doesn’t retain odors. Win-win-win!

Stating The Basics Legging
$19
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ModCloth
After nailing down your favorite fitness routine and acquiring the perfect workout wardrobe, the only thing left to do is to stay motivated enough to keep chipping away at your fitness goals. Staying motivated day after day is incredibly important for a successful fitness regime—but it’s also incredibly difficult. If there’s one thing that incentivizes me, it’s the opportunity to shop. If having the opportunity to show off a new pair of cute and durable cotton leggings is what inspires you to sweat, it’s worth the investment. Motivation comes in many forms — from upping your mileage log, hitting a new PR, or even in a new set of speakers and an updated playlist. So find what inspires you, and let it fuel your next workout.

This post is sponsored by Cotton.