How you decide to work out is up to you. Just get moving! Choosing the best options for yourself—indoor, outdoor, or a combo of both—can help you succeed with long-term health goals.
You do not always have to go to a gym to get your workout in, nor do you even have to leave your house. There are numerous ways to exercise! You have the ability to decide when, how, and where. Check out the pros and cons of indoor and outdoor workouts.
Indoor pros
- Climate-controlled environment. You never have to worry about the weather. The gyms have your back on proper temperature and humidity levels.
- User-friendly equipment. You never have to worry about equipment! Gyms have everything you need in one place.
- Social motivation. There are always people and classes around in a gym! Others can help motivate you to reach your goals or try new things.
Indoor cons
- Costly. Gym memberships can sometimes be expensive depending on where and how often you go.
- Lack of view. When you’re outdoors, you get to see beautiful views instead of inside a gym. In the gym, you look at the walls instead of enjoying the outdoors
- Lack of variety. Equipment is not always easy to keep in a home, so you might not have everything you want and need for your indoor workout in your living room.
Outdoor pros
- No membership required. You can work out whenever and however you want without a gym membership! There are no business hours for being outdoors!
- Mood booster. Being outside in nature can help boost your mood and your energy. Being grounded with the earth can help change your mindset and make you more positive.
- Different landscapes. Instead of just walking on the treadmill or riding a stationary bike, being outdoors gives you numerous options. You can bike on the trail, hike through the woods, or walk through the park. There are so many ways to enjoy your exercise!
Outdoor cons
- Safety. You must be slightly more cautious when exercising outdoors and protect yourself from the sun and the elements. A good rule is to let someone know where you’re going in case of an emergency.
- Weather. The weather can be tricky! One moment it can be sunny; the next, raining. You have to prepare for the weather to change at any moment.
- Limited equipment. Your equipment will be limited when you are outdoors compared to going to a fitness facility. You can improvise with some exercises outside, but it can be challenging.
For help making lifestyle changes, email contactknovasolutions@workpartners.com or call 1-800-355-0885 (TTY: 711). We are available Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time.